Milk…does a body good!

Low fat dairy products “do a body good” by providing an excellent source of calcium and protein to our body. They are an essential part of the heart healthy diet as well. Low fat dairy products are recommended over the full fat selections because of the reduced saturated fat content. Saturated fat is known as the “bad” fat that leads to clogged arteries and heart disease. Choose low fat selections like skim or 1% milk, low fat cottage cheese, cream cheese, cheese, icecream, etc. Since calcium is essential for bone structure, it is recommended we intake 1000-1500 mg/day (varies on age). If you are not a milk drinker, you may want to ask your Brown Clinic provider about taking a calcium supplement.

-Kelsey

Winter Exercise

Last weekend at Terry Peak in the Black Hills.  Temp in the upper 20’s.  Made for some great pictures as well.  I just had with me my point and shoot camera in case I wiped out.  I will show some scenery pictures over the next few days from the view on top of the mountain.  Pretty impressive.  Here you see two shots of Sarah coming down the hill.  No big spills for her either.  It was a lot of fun, but you realize how much you use for thighs for control on the skis.   Legs were wiped after 3 hours of this.

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day #:  1237

Whole Grains

Whole grains are a very important part of the heart healthy diet. They offer a great source of fiber to promote heart health. To ensure you are getting a true whole grain product, you will want to check the ingredient list under your nutrition label. The first ingredient should say “whole wheat” or “whole grain.” If it says “enriched” it is still a white product. Product packaging can make this part of grocery shopping really confusing so make sure you allow yourself adequate time in the grocery store for label reading and to ensure you are getting healthy products. Remember to choose whole grain breads, brown rice, wild rice, whole wheat noodles, and whole grain cereals over the white products. If you’re unsure of the full transition to wheat products, try mixing the white and wheat products together…such as when you make spaghetti!

-Kelsey

Winter Illnesses

One way to help hold off illnesses this winter season is to be sure you use good handwashing techniques.  Antibacterial soaps or hand sanitizers can help prevent spread of illnesses.  The overall basic theme is to wash hands often, and with soap.  This is still one of the more effective ways to help reduce the incidence of colds, flu, and other winter illness.  Remember to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, but then be sure to wash your hands well. 

Dr. Dan

Consecutive exercise day #:  1233

5 a Day

Do you get your 5 a day? I am referring to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, which is a very essential part to a healthy diet! A higher consumption of fruits and vegetables not only aids in heart disease prevention, but it also helps promote a healthy weight, prevention of diseases such as diabetes, and gastrointestinal health.

Fresh and frozen varieties offer more nutrients compared to canned or juice products due to the processing. In addition, it’s very important to get a variety of colors!

Did you know that only 17% of South Dakotans are actually getting their “5 a day”!?!  WOW! So next time you get the itch for a snack, grab an apple or orange…and double your serving of vegetables at your dinner to get you closer to that “5 a day.”

-Kelsey

New Years Reflection

Well, how is everybodys New Years Resolutions doing one month into it?  Have your goals still been realistic?  Are you trying to do too much all at once?  Are you frustrated, had enough, and ready to quit?  I have been hearing lots of these phrases lately.  Remember, all of this is about a “Lifestyle Change”,  not a weight loss program.  You cannot expect to watch all of your calories, and push exercise, and expect everything to fall into place right away.  You will have setbacks.  Tackle either the calorie counting/diet changes, or the exercise first, and then slowly incorporate the second phase in.  Here is a picture of me after one of my marathons.  I am totally exhausted.  I gave it everything I had.  It took 2 people to help get me up off the ground here.  Bottom line….you don’t quit!  You may have to slow down, turn down the intensity, but you keep working at it.  Anything worth having is worth working for.  That thing worth having is YOU!  Remember when you are struggling,   “Reflect” back on what worked and what didn’t, and adapt to it.  Perserverance is a big key!  Keep going!

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day #:  1224