BodyLogicMD's Dr. Greg Pippert Offers Simple Steps for Optimal Health

MINNEAPOLIS, MN ? December, 2010 - Many Americans list out well-meaning changes to make the incoming year better than the last, but how many of those New Year resolutions have the lasting positive impact on our health that we desire? Our resolutions often involve change that is either incompatible with our daily lives or too drastic to be realistic. Dr. Gregory Pippert, medical director of BodyLogicMD of Maple Grove, stresses that creating lasting healthful change can be attained first and foremost by adhering to a few simple steps.

Dr. Pippert's Simple Steps to a Healthier You:

Think Outside the Box - Avoid eating processed or packaged foods, refined sugars, white flour, chemical additives, excess salt and trans fats. Be an avid label reader at the grocery so you know what you're putting into your body. And find a healthy local eatery for when you want to eat out.

Make Breakfast Count - Do not skip breakfast­ - the first meal of the day is important to kick start your metabolism. Make sure you're eating protein as well as high fiber items such as whole grains or berries.

Plan Accordingly - Prepare yourself to eat healthy. Stock up on easy to grab snacks such as nuts, pre-cut fruits and vegetables. Keep a supply of dinner items such as whole wheat pasta, brown rice, canned organic sauces, whole wheat pitas, albacore tuna and canned beans, and brown bag your lunch.

Keep it Fresh - Eat five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables per day, and purchase pre-cut and washed for a quick and easy snack. Avoid pesticides by buying organic.

Scale Down - Eat on a smaller plate, so it's harder to overeat. Avoid high starch side items such as potatoes, rice and bread, and try ordering an appetizer with a side salad instead of an entrée.

Eat Slowly - Chew slowly and completely and wait at least fifteen minutes to digest your first portion. That way, you'll give your body time to feel full and satisfied.

Drink Plenty of Water - Drink eight 8 oz. glasses of water every day. Water removes impurities, increases energy, enhances fat loss, reduces hunger and hydrates skin. But avoid the carbonated, caffeinated or sugary drinks - they can actually further a dehydrated state.

Keep Moving - Maintain at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, and mix it up. Take a brisk walk, mow the lawn, try a new exercise video, play Wii or hit the gym?anything to keep you active.

Keep it Simple - Take the time to de-stress. Stress is directly related to high blood pressure, fatigue, a lowered immune system and increased free radical damage. Add some relaxing daily activities - like reading or gardening - to free your mind. Make changes in your life to free up time and bring balance back to your life.

In a final word of advice, Dr. Pippert stresses that healthful changes are best measured off the scale. Ask yourself such things as: do I have increased energy? Has my skin quality improved? Am I getting better sleep? Has my digestion improved? Achieving good health is best accomplished by incorporating small positive changes into your lifestyle?ones that become habits you can build upon over time. It's all about making more good choices than bad choices.