You're so good..

This time of year, the staff lunchroom table begins to overflow with treats. Some days I'll nibble at a few treats, but most days I stick to my regular, packed "healthy" food. Invariably, one of my staff notices my abstinence and says, "Oh, Dr. Vlach, you're so good. You never eat the treats". It's an interesting perception, that not eating treats is by definition virtuous or associated with tremendous will power. The simple truth is that my work days are long, challenging and incredibly busy (and I like them that way!). If I have a giant bolus of sugar at lunch or mid day, my energy levels crash and I feel tired, sluggish, unfocused and unmotivated. Not the traits you want in your doctor, right? If I eat foods that nourish my body, I generally feel alert, energized and ready to take on complex patients with complex problems.

A tremendously powerful shift occurs when you begin eating well to fuel your body and your brain. It takes time and is a slow process, but eventually it becomes less about restricting your food choices and more about naturally gravitating towards foods that make you feel awesome. The holidays can be a challenging time of year for people working to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Try making mostly good choices (because you like how it feels), indulge in an occasional treat and most of all, take good care of yourself! Happy holidays from Dr. V and all of us at EISSR!