Q: I am interested in making changes that will have a positive impact on my life and health, but I’m not sure where to start.
A: It’s important to work with your primary-care provider to develop strategies and implement simple changes that make a difference. My favorite thing to talk about is diet and exercise because of the profound impact that these behaviors have on a person’s health. With a little education and guidance, I’ve seen many of my patients lose weight, come off medications and lead healthier lives.
I suggest setting short- and long-term goals for weight loss, aiming to lose no more than a half a pound to 1 pound a week. Fad diets aren’t sustainable, so I work with patients to brainstorm ideas and ways to incorporate healthier eating and daily exercise into their personal routine and family’s needs.
Keep track of everything you eat for two days. It’s very powerful when you begin tracking what and how much you actually eat. Look for ways to limit sodium intake and make healthy choices at the grocery store that taste good and don’t cost a fortune. Making small switches, like looking for weekly sales on healthy foods, creating a meal plan and buying in-season fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats, are great ways to start.
Rachel Labovitz, M.D., is an internal medicine physician with CHI Memorial Chattanooga Internal Medicine and a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.