Transition to a Healthier Lifestyle Local health practitioners offer suggestions for incremental steps.
by Linda Sechrist I
n this month’s Wise Words depart- ment, Natural Awakenings examines concepts illuminated by the film, Forks Over Knives, which features pioneering researchers and thinkers that have examined the claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases afflicting humanity can be controlled or reversed by avoiding animal-based and processed foods. These individuals make a compelling case that switching to a whole-foods, plant-based diet can restore health.
With such undeniable evidence, why isn’t everyone quick to embrace this way of eating and adopt a healthier lifestyle? One answer may be found in a study conducted by the Scripps Research Institute on rats and junk food. The researchers discovered that junk food—high in fat and dense in calories—stimulates the brain’s plea- sure centers and changes its chemistry, eliciting addictive behavior in rats that is similar to what humans experi- ence with cocaine. Rats that were fed Ho-Hos, sausage, pound cake, bacon, cheesecake and the like soon devel- oped compulsive eating habits and became obese. Rats accustomed to junk food continued to eat, even when given electrical shocks, and starved themselves for two weeks when their only option was healthy food. Although shift- ing the preferences of our taste buds or committing to a healthier lifestyle is challenging, area health practitioners suggest that it can be done in incre-
Deborah Lee
mental steps. Deborah Lee, founder of Better Choices Health Coaching, in Naples, and an integrative health coach who trained at Duke University, says, “Change isn’t easy; our mind prefers the status quo.” Lee suggests that her clients design and follow a weekly plan of small action steps. “Research
32 Collier/Lee Counties
supports that having a plan and taking small steps increases the likelihood that people can make and sustain behavior change,” she says.
Attaching a price or personal value to prevention might inspire an individual to make healthy lifestyle changes. According to Stacy Revay, Healthy Communities coordinator for the Collier County Health Department, and Diane Holm, Healthy Communi- ties Healthy People coordinator for the Lee County Health Department, the abstract concept is too challeng- ing for most people. However, local governments are envisioning a major economic dilemma that looms in their future: meeting the costs of medical care associated with overweight and obese residents. In 2010, a Florida Department of Health Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey revealed that a shocking 61 percent of Lee County adults and 59.6 percent of Collier County adults, as well as 65 percent of all adult Floridians, are over- weight or obese. In a recent New York Times article, “Communities Learn the Good Life Can Be a Killer,” an alarmed cadre of public health experts reports that our built environments—where we live, work, play and shop—are vehicle-dependent and foster obesity, poor health, social isolation, excessive stress and depres- sion. To offset the gloom of projected possibilities, the Lee County Health Department organized a comprehen- sive, community-based action plan to promote physical activity and good nutrition. Led by a group of community leaders and local businesses, the Fit- Friendly Southwest Florida Initiative aims to sustain a community culture of healthier lifestyles by helping residents achieve a health and wellness mindset, improve nutritional habits and increase their physical activities. Axis Natural Medicine, a Fort Myers Fit-Friendly Coalition member, was inspired by Lee Memorial Health
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Systems’ Walk with Leaders program, which encourages its employees to walk 15 minutes a day with members of management. Katie Romano-Griffin, a licensed practical nurse at Axis, decided to spearhead an incremental change in the exercise habits of office colleagues, as well as individuals em- ployed in surrounding office buildings. “My 30-minute Walk and Network, on Fridays at noon, has shown people that walking, talking and networking is healthier than networking over calorie- filled cocktails or lunch,” she advises. Debi Grillo, a yoga teacher at Bala Vinyasa Yoga Studio, in Naples, is introducing students to incremental change with lasting results using Baron Baptiste’s book, 40 Days to Personal Revolution. The six-week program in- cludes a daily yoga practice, principles to cleanse the body, an eating plan, instructions for a meditation practice, questions that expose unconscious limit- ing beliefs and patterns and journaling, as well as personal and group support. “By week three, participants are becom- ing aware of cravings and learning how to observe and breathe through them,” says Grillo.
A personal
chef that prepares delicious vegetarian or vegan meals can jumpstart incremen- tal change, accord- ing to Reid Frauen, owner of Health Ar- tisan, and Tina Bland, owner of Tina’s Table. These two experienced personal chefs introduce good food into their clients’ menus a little at a time, and slowly phase out junk foods. “A tasty Greek yogurt is a good substitute for a donut,” notes Bland. Frauen’s gentle, healthy start for beginners often in- cludes the addition of fruit, a salad with sprouts, and a fermented food such as miso, which he uses to make fresh soups and salad dressings. “Fruit adds fiber, sprouts increase nutrition three-
Reid Frauen
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