6 Tips for Healthy Eating for Your Feet

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At Texas Foot Specialists we know that what you eat affects your feet. March is National Nutrition Month and a good time to focus on some ways to improve your diet and your podiatric health. Patients who are obese or overweight suffer more foot pain than those who maintain an appropriate weight. There are also certain foot and ankle conditions that can be improved or exacerbated by the foods you eat. Below are 6 food strategies that can benefit your lower extremities and the rest of your body too.

1.       Become a label reader. Oftentimes, the nutritional content of the same product varies greatly from brand to brand. Compare labels and look for foods that are low in sugar and saturated and trans fats.

2.       Downsize your plate. Using smaller plates automatically reduces portion size.

3.       Slow your fork. The faster you eat the more you are likely to consume. Focus on putting your fork down between bites and give your brain a chance to register that your body is full.

4.       Just one bite. Sometimes when we crave a certain food, it’s really the taste that we’re after. Next time an ice cream or dark chocolate craving hits, try just having one square of really good chocolate or ½ cup of ice cream. Eat it slowly and then wait a bit. Chances are you’ll be satisfied with many fewer calories.

5.       Add some inflammation fighting foods. Berries, broccoli, olive oil, red peppers, nuts, salmon—these are just a few of many foods that have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. If you suffer with arthritis, sesamoiditis, plantar fasciitis or other inflammatory foot condition, talk to our podiatrists, Dr. Gregory Mangum and Dr. Bruce Miller foods that may help decrease inflammation.

6.       Adopt a family plan. Get everyone onboard and make healthy eating a family endeavor. Let family members research and plan meals from other cultures that feature lean proteins, low or non-sodium seasonings and healthy cooking methods to create meals that are fun, tasty and good for you.

Healthy eating is just one way to take good care of your feet. For other ways that you can be proactive in your podiatric health, contact our Pasadena (281) 991-0600, Sugar Land (281) 242-4448 or Houston (713) 664-6677 office.