Healthy Eating: It’s a Family Affair
At NY Foot Health, we know that there are a whole host of ways that a nutritious diet can positively impact the health of your feet:
Maintaining an appropriate weight decreases foot pain and the risk of many podiatric disorders such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and sesamoiditis.
A balanced diet contains a full range of antioxidants and nutrients that can help control inflammation.
Healthy eating habits can reduce the chances of developing several systemic diseases—diabetes, high blood pressure, peripheral arterial disease—that can be very detrimental to your feet.
Good Habits Last a Lifetime
One of the best gifts you can give your children is to help them develop healthy eating strategies from a young age. In honor of National Nutrition Month, we offer these tips to help the entire family eat for a healthy and active life.
Follow the rainbow. Cherries, spinach, blueberries, and tomatoes are just a few of the fruits and vegetables that can reduce inflammation, a key cause of discomfort when it comes to podiatric conditions. Eating a wide variety of colorful produce will also help guarantee that you are getting all the vitamins and nutrients you need.
Hungry or bored? Help children learn to discern if they are really hungry or not. Encourage them not to eat while on the computer or watching TV as it will likely lead to a lack of awareness of how much food has been consumed. Mindful eating decreases the risk of becoming overweight.
Let’s cook. Preparing meals together can be an enjoyable way to spend time together as a family. Ask your children about different foods or cuisines they’d like to try, and along the way, teach them about healthy cooking methods, reading labels in the store, and portion control.
Keep healthy snacks on hand. Keep cut up peppers, carrots, and celery in the fridge for snacks with a crunch. Fruits—dried, fresh, or canned (in natural juice)—can satisfy a sweet craving. For drinks, encourage water over soda or even straight fruit juice. Need a flavor kick? Experiment with oranges, cucumbers, and herbs in a water pitcher.
Healthy eating is just one part of a lifestyles that promotes good podiatric health. To learn more contact us or talk to your podiatrist. If you need help finding a podiatrist in your area, consult our online directory.