PATIENT RESOURCES
The first thing I tell my patients is that we need to find a healthy way of eating that they can maintain for 30 years, not 30 days. I work with patients by monitoring their ethnic-specific waist circumference/BMI (body mass index) as well as "B.M.I" (better metabolic indicators). These metabolic indicators include evaluation of your blood sugar, degree of fatty liver, lipid panel changes and will let us know what eating style is best for you!
​
Proven healthiest eating style...again!
Several studies have shown that a "mediterranean" eating style is generally the healthiest. Two popular studies supporting this are the Predimed study, and more recently the Pesco-Mediterranean Diet featured in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (September 2020).
Healthy fat is...healthy
New information about saturated fat!
Starting with faulty guidance from the "Seven Countries" study in the late 1970s, America embarked upon 3 decades of promoting low-fat eating as being healthy. More studies are showing that saturated fat (found in whole-fat dairy, dark chocolate, unprocessed meat, salmon, nuts, olive oil - see Mediterranean Diet above) is not only healthy but it may reduce your risk of a stroke! There was no evidence that these foods increase the risk of heart disease. Don't take my word for it, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology released a state-of-the-art review in August 2020!
Creating an individualized plan...
Which "eating style" is best for you?
There are several diets (eating styles) that have been popularized over the past 2 decades. Whether you try Atkins, Southbeach, Paleo, vegetarian, Keto or Mediterranean - they are ALL better than the "standard American diet". So what do these different eating styles have in common?
-
Avoidance of overly processed (man-made) foods
-
Avoidance of batter-fried foods
-
Avoidance of added sugars
​
While the Mediterranean eating style is considered the healthiest, it's not the best for weight loss - likely due to the starchy grains and fruit. These carb heavy foods can make it harder to lose your excess weight. Before trying a low-carb/Keto eating style, I'd recommend learning more from one of my favorite educational websites! If you are on Insulin you should monitor your blood sugar regularly and work with your Endocrinologist or Obesity Medicine specialist to adjust your Insulin dose.
What are Obesity-releated diseases?
Many medical conditions will improve or resolve with just 5-10% total body weight loss! This is detailed in the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology/ American College of Endocrinology Obesity guidelines from 2016.
Pre-diabetes > 10%
Diabetes type 2 > 5-15%
High blood pressure > 5-15%
​
Fatty liver disease > 5-10%
Obstructive Sleep Apnea > 7-11%
Osteoarthritis > 5-10%
​
Acid reflux disease > 10%
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome > 5-15%
Asthma > 7-8%
