Proper nutrition is an essential part of any fitness and well-being program. As a physician and fitness expert, I am commonly asked about the importance of diet and how it impacts the body’s appearance. The true power of eating properly is not to be under-estimated. It is so true that we are what we eat and we are what we think. When it comes to “dieting” which I will refer to as “nutritional life-style changes” or simply “proper nutrition,” we have to start committed to a balanced and focused nutritional program.
Proper eating habits will allow your body to get healthy from the inside out giving you an external healthy glow. Your skin will shine. We truly are what we eat and our bodies outwardly demonstrate to ourselves and others what we consume on a regular basis. By eating properly, we can reduce the inflammation in our bodies and gastro-intestinal system. This can be done by reducing the amount of sugar and highly processed foods which can often be pro-inflammatory which can disempower our immune system and it’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals. Remember, a “healthy gut” gives power to a “healthy life”. Less inflammation in the system will allow the body to absorb nutrients while eliminating toxins via gastro-intestinal and renal elimination.
Our skin health is a major reflection of our internal healthiness. As we eat properly, our skin, which is the largest organ of the body, will surely reflect how well we have stayed on our nutritional track. It is so important to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day if you have no restrictions placed on you by your physician. Increased water consumption can also help in minimizing constipation.
Proper nutrition programs can cause the following changes in our appearance:
1. Decrease in the systemic fat (adipose) tissue in the body. This can also cause a decrease in truncal obesity which has a multitude of cardiovascular (heart) benefits.
2. Increased lean muscle mass from proper nutritional is another bonus for making nutritional life-style changes.
3. Sleeping patterns can also be improved with proper eating, which allows the body to decompress, de-stress and rejuvenate.
4. Proper diet can also affect the strength and rate of growth of your hair and nails. A focused and well balanced diet can impact brittle nails or scaly scalps.
So, now we are aware how our outward appearance is greatly impacted from our eating habits. Proper nutrition is only a part of the story with respect to outward appearance. Exercise is the other half of this healthy and fit story. We must include a daily exercise routine to strengthen our muscles and bones, and to improve our cardiac endurance, and muscular flexibility. Exercise is one of the essential elixirs of a fitness and well-being program. Working-out regularly will truly help our physical appearance. The exercise program should include a cardio program along with a weight-lifting program. It is scientifically proven that weight-bearing exercises strengthen bones which can stave off the wrath of osteoporosis.
Our appearance is a manifestation of our food choices and exercise program. Keep on exercising! Exercise is life!
About Dr. Levi Harrison
D. Levi Harrison, MD, “The Fitness Doctor,” is an orthopedic surgeon and the director of the Harrison Orthopedic Institute – Center of Excellence in Glendale, California. He is the author of the The Art of Fitness: A Journey to Self Enhancement book and The Art of Fitness: Cardio Core Workout DVD, both available on Amazon.com and on his website, DrLeviFitness.com. He has recently appeared on the Dr. Oz show and hosts his own radio show every Wednesday at 10:00 AM on LA Talk Live. For more information about Dr. Levi, his practice, or to schedule an appointment please call 818-240-8001 or visit DrLeviFitness.com. Dr. Levi’s office is located at 1560 E. Chevy Chase Drive, Suite 350, Glendale, CA 91206.