ANCHORAGE BARIATRICS

FOR A NEW BEGINNING

Mindfulness promotes good overall health

January 23, 2018
Mindfulness-Promotes-Good-Overall-Health-5afafe8732391

The term “mindfulness” has become a buzzword lately. To be mindful means to consciously think about what you are doing or your situation right now, and make decisions based on those thoughts instead of just rushing full-steam ahead. So much of today’s society is based upon speed – a quick Facebook update, rushing to get to work, and grabbing fast food. Taking a moment to slow down periodically throughout your day can help reduce stress and anxiety and allow you to make healthier lifestyle choices.

As part of our treatment plan, we use principles from the book “Mindless Eating” by Brian Wansink. We encourage our patients to eat only when they are hungry, as opposed to out of boredom, habit, or emotional distress. We work together with you to incorporate these practices into your daily life and guide you along the path of mindfulness.

If you would like more information about how Anchorage Bariatrics can help you with a customized weight loss solution, or would like to attend a free informational seminar, please call us at 907-644-THIN.

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Becoming Mindful

Becoming mindful in your daily life is not as hard as it sounds. There are some basic things you can do to be more mindful:

  • Focus on your breathing. Feel your chest and belly rise and fall and think about how this feels. Do this for at least 10 breaths.
  • When eating, think about how the food tastes – can you identify specific flavors from different spices? How does the texture feel in your mouth? Do you really like what you are eating? Can you remember the first time you ate this particular food?

Healthiest Foods

Black Beans: Legumes are cheap and easy to cook, which is why they are a staple in many people’s diets. But it is a rare occasion when cheap and easy is also healthy. Black beans are high in protein, making them a popular meat substitute among vegetarians, and packed with fiber, so they keep you full and energized. Black beans even offer some omega-3 fatty acids, which boost heart health. And still that’s not all. Black beans are high in the powerful phytochemical anthocyanins – the same ones found in blueberries. Finally, studies indicate that the darker the bean, the higher the antioxidant content and the anti-cancer and pro-heart benefits that conveys.