At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we know there’s a direct connection between what you eat and your feet. Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet can positively impact your podiatric health in several ways:

• Decreasing the amount of foot pain you experience by helping you attain and maintain a healthy weight
• Lower your risk for developing many lower extremity disorders like flat feet, sesamoiditis, heel pain and more
• Reducing inflammation in joints, ligaments, and tendons
• Helping prevent systemic health problems like diabetes and heart disease, which can have harmful effects on your feet

Healthy Changes

Unfortunately, for many Douglas Park/Los Angeles County area patients, eating healthy seems like deprivation. However, many changes can be painless and even enjoyable. Try some of the tips below and aim to incorporate more nutritious choices into your menus slowly. Create more colorful plates. Eating a rainbow of different kinds of produce will help ensure that you are getting a well-rounded variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants into your diet.

• Cook more meals at home. Make it a family affair and involve your children in meal planning, shopping, and preparation.
• Travel the world through your menus, at home and in restaurants, sample the wide variety of healthful cuisines available from other countries. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new spices and cooking methods like roasting and steaming the preserve nutrients without adding fat or high-calorie ingredients.
• Eat seasonally. Fruits and vegetables that are in season or, better yet, locally grown are going to be fresher, more nutritious, and delicious. Consider joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and learn about the growing season in your part of the country.

Eating a nutritious diet is just one way to be proactive in the health of your feet. If you want to learn more or you are currently experiencing any lower extremity discomfort, make an appointment to see our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas, by calling our Long Beach office for an at (562) 420-9800.

Why are we at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center focused on preventing weight gain? Your weight and your feet have an intimate relationship. For every pound you lose, you reduce the pressure on your lower extremities by four times that amount. The same is true in reverse when you gain weight. The holidays are a difficult time to stick to healthy eating habits. Below are 7 tips to help you keep the numbers on the scale from going up.

1. Take a taste. Many times, when we long for a particular food, a small amount will satisfy if you give it a chance. Instead of five Christmas cookies, have one and wait a while. You may find that one is enough.
2. Eat before parties. While you may think refraining from eating will save calories you can use for eating festive foods but, in reality, it usually tricks your brain into thinking you can eat more than you should. Have a small, healthy meal before you go and then eat in moderation at the party.
3. Stay active. As hard as it may be during the busy holiday season, try to stick with your regular exercise regimen. If necessary, divide your routine in half and do it in two segments as the day allows.
4. Get enough sleep. Studies have shown that people who lack sleep tend to overeat.
5. Choose a smaller plate. Use a dessert plate for the main course buffet to automatically reduce portion sizes. Once you’ve finished what’s on the plate, put it in the sink or throw away so that you’re not tempted to go back for seconds.
6. Be a hostess helper. Clearing food and doing dishes will give you a chance to talk to people and keep you away from the food table.
7. Avoid foods that can trigger attacks. These include red meat, shellfish, brandy, rich sauces, beer, and other alcoholic beverages. If you have never had gout but wake up in the middle of the night after a holiday party with extreme pain in the joint of your big toe, contact our Long Beach office as soon as possible. This may be the sign of a gout attack, and our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria Foley, and Dr. Constance Omelas will want to examine you. To schedule an appointment, call us at (562) 420-9800.