Parkinson’s and Eating Healthy

We all know about the importance of eating well, yet so many of us struggle to maintain healthy food habits. For years, I was able to maintain a balance diet which included three meals a day with some snacks in-between. When I hit my fifties, I started the battle to control my weight. Then I developed Parkinson’s and I decided to seek the advice of a nutritionist.

This helped me tremendously because she took a good look at my medical condition, my age and my lifestyle and was able to provide excellent plans and tips for eating healthier. The most important thing I learned from her was the concept of giving up dieting and rather looking at an eating program that can be sustained. When I diet, I tend to feel deprived after a short time because of the things I have to “give up.” This ultimately led to completely blowing the diet and feeling badly about myself.

One of the programs which my nutritionist recommended is Weight Watchers; I have found the plan doable, liveable and even fun. There is an awesome app that tracks your food intake via the point system. It also offers unbelievable access to literally thousands of foods and includes generic ones, like string beans, to specific ones, like Wendy’s small chili. Using the app is like a game to me and is actually fun. It is easy to use even for the technologically challenged such as myself.

During the next few days, food will be a major part of life. Be aware of how your intake influences your overall feelings. Be good to yourself, remind yourself of all the things you have to be thankful for, and have a Happy Thanksgiving. You’ve got this!