You At Your Best

sponsor Content where it will store excess calories as fat." Your body needs all the food groups to function well. U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans indicate that carbohydrates, such as those found in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, are a foundation of healthy eating. Carbs also provide much-needed fiber, and energy for your brain and body. Plus, the result of extreme or fad diets is quick weight loss that is typically regained once dieters go off the diet. "You'll feel deprived with a diet, and it's not a true lifestyle change," Marla says of the extreme diets. "On the other hand, if you provide the right nutrients in the right amount, your metabolism will speed up, you'll have energy. And the weight loss will happen." Get smart about nutrition To learn about what you should be eating, Marla's advice is to consult a registered dietitian. "Everyone's body and nutritional needs are different," she points out. "You need someone who understands the body internally, who can calculate what your body needs, based on your age, sex, body fat percentage and body type." Potential clients often come to Marla resentfully fearing that they are going to have to eat "rabbit food" for the rest of their lives. Instead, she shows them how to enjoy food, how to balance their plates, how to choose good quality food that will keep them satisfied. "There's a plethora of food in this world that's healthy," she explains. "It's about learning how to put good food into your day. A dietitian can calculate a healthy daily intake for you that won't make you feel like you're starving all the time." It's not all about calories When people get too focused on calories, many will start skipping meals to decrease their overall calorie intake. That typically leads to overeating at the next meal or increased snacking throughout the day. And much like extreme dieting, skipping meals slows down your metabolism and adversely affects how your body approaches burning calories. "Making it all about calories is a mistake," Marla points out. "It's about finding the good calories, and meeting nutritional needs. You want ample, long lasting energy." Making a real change Ultimately, losing weight means letting go of your old relationship with food. "Your lifestyle change is like a new love. You fall in love with food in a new way," Marla explains. "It's a more healthy relationship. It's a new way of thinking about what we put in our bodies. And it's completely within our control." So this year, resolve to start a new, healthy relationship with food. And make your weight loss resolution a reality. The link between healthy eating and your hearing By Marla riCHarDs | wolFpaCK Hearing It's a perfect time of year to start eating healthier. But did you know that a healthy diet could potentially reduce your risk of developing hearing loss by up to 30%? Many of our patients know that I am a Registered Dietitian by trade. I joined my husband, Dr. Dustin Richards, in founding Wolfpack Hearing Clinic and now work here full-time. So what is the link between your diet and ability to hear? Research shows that risk for acquired hearing loss is higher in diets too high in sugar and carbohydrates. Furthermore, high cholesterol is closely linked with age-related hearing loss. It's important to consume a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and unsaturated fats. Micronutrients that are good for your heart are good for your hearing as well. Mineral deficiencies in folic acid, zinc and magnesium can increase your risk for developing hearing loss by nearly 40%. High levels of folic acid are found in leafy green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach. Zinc is powerful in fighting off free radicals in the body and can help prevent ear infections, which can result in conductive hearing loss. Consuming nuts will give you a natural source of zinc along with a healthy dose of unsaturated fats and protein as well. Magnesium, found in whole grains, is a very powerful mineral that can help fight off bad bacteria. If you're eating a healthy, balanced diet, you're consuming important nutrients that are necessary for the body, including your hearing. It's a perfect time of year to make changes to your diet and help protect your hearing. If you've noticed that you're not hearing as well as you once did, it may be time to have your hearing checked. For more information or to set up a hearing evaluation, go to Wolfpackhearing.com, or call (479) 957-9300. SATURdAY, dEcEmBER 28, 2019 | JAnUARY - RESOlUTiOnS nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST | YOU AT YOUR BEST | 11 Our patients succeed. You will, too! 479.957.9300 Wolfpackhearing.com 2630 E Citizens Dr #7 • Fayetteville, AR Best BestNWA.com of Northwest Arkansas the

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