Spring Cleaning up Your Diet

In an effort to prepare for spring the right way, Southwest Spine and Pain Center has delivered spring cleaning tips that may help prevent back pain and promote healthy living. Spring cleaning is does not only include monotonous chores. Rather, it is a time to reorganize your life, get motivated for the future, and make positive decisions you may not have been able to make during the dreary months of winter.

Southwest Spine and Pain Center has four locations across Utah, proving to be the best and most reliable pain specialists in the southwest United States. We not only provide care within office walls, we give patients the tools they need to live happier and healthier lives. If you wish to kick-start your diet and kick-out bad habits, consider the following information as a way to start down your uplifting journey.

The bathroom tile, gritty carpet, and overfilled closets may have been tough obstacles to feat. Your refrigerator clean up will probably be a little bit more liberating. It feels good when we make constructive decisions that impact our health. Take spring cleaning to your diet and consider ditching these foods and replacing them with healthier alternatives.

Refined Grains. Processed foods are stripped of their natural ingredients, and for processed grains this means fiber. Whole-grains are good alternatives that help reduce your risk of cardiovascular and infectious diseases. The switch is relatively easy: opt for whole-wheat pasta, whole-grain bread, and brown rice instead of processed choices.

Sodium. Americans take in roughly 1,000 more milligrams a day than the suggested amount. You could reduce your risk of heart disease by simply cutting that much out of your daily intake. Replace high-sodium items with the low-sodium kind. Replace salty snacks with fruits and vegetables, which are all low in sodium.

Saturated Fats. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is what many refer to as “the bad cholesterol.” Saturated fats increase levels of LDL, which increases the risk of heart and artery complications. Cheese, whole milk, butter and fried foods are the biggest contenders in this category. Opt for low-fat (skim) milk, healthy fats (avocado and almond butter) to keep you satisfied.

A diet makeover is never easy. Getting rid of your favorite foods will be hard. Consider doing other things that will help keep your mind off food. Try walking, running, picking up a hobby, or anything physical that will keep you motivated. Talk to your friends and loved ones about ways they can help you stick to your diet goals. Managing pain can include a multitude of changes, including a diet. For more information on dieting and pain, and other foods that can help with your treatment, contact the professionals at Southwest Spine and Pain Center today.

If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!

The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.

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