What the heck is Lifestyle Medicine?

So I am sure many of you have asked the question- What is Lifestyle Medicine? Well you are in luck because I am going to explain it and why I think is it INVALUABLE!!

The American College of LIfestyle Medicine defines lifestyle medicine as a medical specialty that uses therapeutic lifestyle interventions as a primary modality to treat chronic conditions including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Lifestyle medicine clinicians are trained to apply evidence-based ( this means researched), whole-person, prescriptive lifestyle changes to treat and, when used intensively, often reverse such conditions. Applying the six pillars of lifestyle medicine-a whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances and positive social connections- also provides effective prevention for these conditions.

Whew! That is a mouthful. But I am passionate about every word of what lifestyle medicine practice involves and most importantly how great of an impact it can have on your overall health and well-being.

When I see a client in my practice- we take an extensive look at your current health and your lifestyle habits. These habits are the key to where you are currently in your health journey. Some of these may be good habits, but for many of us- some of these habits are not so good.

If you do not like the results of where your health is now- you need to take a good look at your habits. It takes time, but you can create new healthier habits one step at a time.

This is where I come in. We work together 1:1 and help you define your health goals.

Let’s break down a little deeper how the six pillars affect your health.

Whole Food Nutrition: Most of us know that eating a diet consistent of whole-food predominately is important in the prevention of chronic disease, treatment of chronic conditions, and in intensive therapeutic doses, reversal of chronic illness. Let’s repeat that last one: REVERSAL OF CHRONIC ILLNESS. This includes diets rich in fiber, antioxidants, and nutrient dense. Consume a variety of minimally processed vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

As they say- shop the perimeter of the grocery store.

To assist with nutrition- Be Well & Good offers meal planning: a nutritional assessment is completed & a personalized prescription meal planning is ordered.

Physical Activity: Regular & consistent physical activity combats the negative effects of sedentary behavior. It is vitally important to engage in both general physical activity as well as purposeful exercise weekly as part of overall health and resiliency.

Moving your body in a way your enjoy is the goal. We encourage clients to begin strength training and provide programming to assist in making this a healthy habit.

Stress Management: Stress can lead to improved health & productivity or it can lead to anxiety, depression, obesity, immune dysfunction and more. During our sessions, we help you recognize negative stress responses, identify coping mechanisms, and reduction techniques leads to improved well-being.

Avoidance of Risky Substances: The use of tobacco & excessive alcohol consumption have been shown to increase the risk of chronic diseases and death. Treatments often take time, different approaches & many attempts. We offer the patience and support to help you break these risky habits.

Restorative Sleep: Sleep delays & interruptions are known to cause sluggishness, low attention span, decreased sociability, depressed mood, decreased deep sleep, decreased caloric burn during the day, increased hunger and decreased feeling of fullness, insulin resistance and decreased performance. The goal is to strive for seven or more hours per night for optimal health.

Developing healthy sleep habits is a component of our sessions together.

Social Connection: Positive social connections and relationships affect our physical, mental, & emotional health. Leveraging the power of relationships and social networks can help reinforce healthy behaviors.

Think about this- if we lived a healthy lifestyle many of us could avoid chronic medical conditions. Yes- genetics do play a role & in many cases this is out of our control.

Lifestyle behaviors we can control & our focus.

I’ll leave you with this thought: What is one unhealthy habit you would like to change? Why have you not changed this habit up until now? Have you tried to improve this habit over and over?

If you are tired of trying to improve your healthy habits and keep ending up in the same place- LET’S CHAT.