I’m always fascinated at the lists that patients bring in of supplements that they take in addition to their usual medications. A lot of us grew up with the notion of a daily multiple vitamin as the best way to make sure we are not missing anything in our diet that would be essential to our health.
While it’s certainly not dangerous to take multiple vitamins, it’s not a medical requirement. My usual admonition is to try to get vitamins in the form of real food, which is what nature intended. We are omnivores, so eating a good variety of fruits, veggies, proteins and fiber is always preferable to relying on Centrum or One-A-Day to pick up the slack. You also don’t have to pay for extravagant supplements that are of questionable value.
Sure, there are those who have a restricted or limited diet who benefit from a comprehensive vitamin supplement. The majority of us, however, have the tools at our disposal to make sure that we include good sources of vitamins, proteins, fats and carbs to keep our motors running smoothly. Food pyramids give a depiction of the relative amounts of the nutrients we require, but they don’t work for everyone. Our bodies are adaptable and give us feedback that should be noted as we make food selections for sustenance and for fun.
I recommend a few simple rules that may simplify getting the best nutrition:
1. Eat the most “whole” version of the product (eg. whole grain vs. white bread).
2. Try to avoid drinking your calories (eg. eat an orange rather than drinking orange juice).
3. Freshness counts, so sometimes frozen produce may be a more practical way to buy rather than eating something wilting in your fridge. Shopping more often is another way to get things closer to their peak of goodness.
4. Not every meal has to have every nutrient to keep your body flush with what it requires. Try to eat a variety of foods in a day to take advantage of complementary proteins and “good fats”.
5. Don’t worry about eating “superfoods”. There is life without flax, avocado or whatever is being touted as the ultimate in nutrition. Simple, basic meals can provide everything that you require.
6. Enjoy your treats in reasonable quantities. Eating things that make you happy is an essential part of a good life. Just eat until you are 80% full and give your brain time to register the pleasure!
7. Burn off some calories doing karate or anything that gets you up and moving.
Hope you have a wonderful and delicious Thanksgiving!
Ossu!
Steve