Since the 1990s, terms such as "low fat" have been appearing on food labels. This can be seen as an extension of the idea of "functional foods," an approach to eating that relates foods to healing health conditions. The logic that applies nutrition to the improvement of health conditions is upheld by a variety of well-known health professionals in the media and in governmental, non-profit and private health organizations that recognize the impact of nutrients on health. Eating healthy foods to heal is a relatively simple process that involves research, consultation and a dietary plan that may improve your condition in a matter of weeks, depending on its degree of seriousness.
Step 1
Make an appointment with and visit a health professional to evaluate the symptoms that require healing if the condition is undiagnosed.
Step 2
Consult a reputable book written by a certified nutritionist or physician, such as the books listed in the Resources section below, that references dietary recommendations for specific health disorders. If you do research on the Internet, make sure the websites you are consulting are reputable with reliable information taken from scientific or public health sources.
Step 3
Use a word-processing program or printed dietary calendar, nutritional reference books, and recipes from Internet cooking websites or cookbooks to design a weekly diet plan that incorporates the nutrients required to heal your health condition or symptoms.
Step 4
Plan well-balanced meals that include a healthy ratio of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats. A ratio of 30:40:30 may be appropriate for your health needs, but consult a health professional for the proportion a diagnosed condition requires. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends including eight to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Vegetables provide antioxidants that slow the effects of aging and fiber that improves digestive and cardiovascular health. Healthy protein sources include fish, lean meats and poultry, nuts, seeds and legumes. Incorporate healthful, low-fat dairy products in your diet, such as yogurt. You may need to consult a certified nutritionist to learn about foods that heal your health condition.
Step 5
Write or input the meals on your meal plan calendar. Set aside time at the end of each week to plan your diet for the following week and print and post the nutrition schedule on the refrigerator. Adhere to the new diet and take notes in a nutrition journal to monitor your healing progress.
Things You'll Need
- Appointment with a physician (optional)
- Nutritional reference book (see resources)
- Computer with Internet access
- Cookbooks
- Appointment with a certified nutritionist (optional)
- Word processing program or printed diet plan schedule sheet
- Notebook for a nutrition journal
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