Today, a particular statement in a lecture caught my eye;
"Optimal health is unique to the individual. Realistic fulfillment of their potential implies individual responsibility of health; the doctor is a facilitator through cooperation by patient through education and compliance of health programs." (Gleberzon Lecture Notes Aug 31 2012)
This put into a simple concise statement my personal philosophy for myself as a trainer, and for the future when I am a chiropractor. Substitute the word doctor for any health care profession, really - nutritionist, strength coach, athletic therapist etc. etc. It's all about presenting the correct program to someone who feels that they can buy in to a realistic goal to improve their current health status.
I don't believe there is one be all and end all fitness or nutrition system. I don't knock other ways of staying healthy and fit (unless safety or lack of education is an issue).
Everyone's current status of health, and perception of what is healthy is different. The sophistication of their nutrition and exercise program is tailored to that status and to that perception, and using baby steps is the only true way to continue to make progress on the infinite continuum that is health.
I.E. moderate understanding of health will view swapping fries for a caesar salad as healthy. A more advanced understanding will think of the bacon,croutons and high-fat dressing of the same caesar salad, and opt for a garden salad with dressing on the side - or may opt not to order fast food at all!
It is because of the uniqueness of the individual that I write my blogs with a lifestyle approach, backed by research.
But not everything CAN be backed by research - it has to be tried out first. In fact, does not all research start out as an idea? If we didn't implement ideas that stimulated research... the health care profession would come to a standstill!
Hence, why I do the work. I have an idea, I research, this stimulates more ideas, I might try something new, research more and then I present to you the information. You make the decision as to whether to cooperate with a certain type of training, or type of nutrition program. The choice is ALWAYS yours.
Gluten Free Minestrone Soup!
Inspired by fall, lack of time and a love for fresh veggies.
4 Tbsp olive oil
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups gluten-free, low sodium chicken broth
3 cups gluten-free, low sodium vegetable broth
2 zucchinis, diced
3/4 cup small shell gluten-free pasta (I used brown rice pasta)
1 cup fresh spinach
1 can white kidney beans, drained
1 can red kidney beans, drained
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
1 can diced tomatoes
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp thyme
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Directions
1. Saute the garlic, celery, onion and carrot in the olive oil over medium high heat until tender (5 minutes)
2. Add broth to a pot, bring to a boil and add the rest of the spices & veggies
3. Reduce heat, let cook for 30-45 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender
4. Bring water to boil and add pasta, strain when tender and add to minestrone
I like to let the minsterone soup cool, put it in the fridge and eat several hours or even a day later as when the flavours mix, it tastes even better!
