Dr. Jeffrey M. Smith, D.C., will lead a discussion titled, “You Are What You Eat,” at “Breakfast with the Docs” at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave.
The old adage, “you are what you eat,” is a reminder that healthy eating correlates to overall wellness. It is important to adopt healthy eating habits and make smart food choices. However, healthy eating does not have to revolve around dieting and sacrifice. Those who choose a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins feel more vibrant and healthy, inside and out.
Adults over age 50 reap the benefits of healthy eating through increased mental acuteness, more resistance to illness and disease, faster recuperation times, better management of chronic health issues and higher energy levels. Along with exercise, healthy eating contributes to a more positive outlook, emotional balance and overall enhanced independence as one ages.
The necessary components of a healthy diet include:
• fruits
• vegetables
• calcium
• grains
• protein
Tips for healthier meals include reducing sodium, enjoying good fats such as avocados, salmon and olive oil, adding fiber to meals and avoiding “bad” carbohydrates such as refined sugar, white flour and white rice. In addition, it is important to be aware of hidden sugar in foods such as bread, canned soups, pasta sauce and frozen dinners. Vitamins and minerals such as water, Vitamin B and Vitamin D are also essential for a healthy diet.
Dr. Smith has a B.S. in human biology and received a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from National College of Chiropractic in Lombard. He has been a practicing chiropractor since 1979. In addition, he has trained at Chicago’s renowned Second City, including specialized training to teach motivation and successful living.
He is currently chairman of the Doctors’ Speakers Bureau and is an active member of the Professional Speakers of Illinois, the American Association for Therapeutic Humor, the National Speakers Association and the American Heart Association.
Dr. Smith has treated more than 25,000 people for aches and pains due to stress and is the author of, “Laughing, Living, Loving Your Way to a Stress-Free Life.”
Oak Park Arms Senior Living is a rental retirement community which provides senior housing in the form of independent living. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.
The event is free and open to the public. And it’s not called “Breakfast with the Docs” for nothing: participants who attend will be served a healthy breakfast.
For more information, or to reserve a seat, call 708-386-4040.
