Doctor Recommended Diets and Personal Stories From AWH
We count on our doctors to stay healthy so they’re here when we need them. And OBGYN doctors are especially in demand, with most babies adhering to their own delivery schedules (not yours!).
So, we asked two of our amazing doctors at Advanced Women’s Healthcare Dallas about their diets to get a glimpse into how they stay healthy, energetic and on top of their game.
With New Year’s resolutions in full force, we hope these tips inspire you to adopt more healthy eating tactics in the new year.
Take a look at the diets of two of our doctors.
Diet Plan Q&A With Dr. Amie Napier
What types of diets do you follow, and for how long?: Gluten free and mostly KETO. These are long-term diets due to my gluten sensitivity.
What are the major health benefits you’ve experienced with being gluten free?: Decrease in gastrointestinal issues, low carb glycemic load and prevention of diabetes.
What are the most difficult aspects of these diets?: I can’t have gluten! No pizza, pasta, cookies, cakes… None of the good stuff! Going out to eat is hard. When you ask if an item is gluten free, servers sometimes look at you as if you’re speaking a different language.
Who do you recommend this diet to?: Anyone who has chronic gastrointestinal issues. People with potential to food allergies. Pre-diabetics and people with autism.
What are the misconceptions about being gluten free?: Being gluten free does not mean you’re being healthy. Gluten free means you can get into the habit of eating a lot of unhealthy carbs like potatoes and rice.
What is your favorite recipe that adheres to your diets?: Chocolate covered nuts.
A Few Things to Know About Gluten-Free Diets
- Gluten is a group of proteins found in wheat, barley, rye, triticale, malt, brewer’s yeast, wheat starch and wheat derivatives.
- Gluten hides in many common foods, like soups, dressings and sauces.
- Oats are technically gluten free, but watch out. Many brands are contaminated with gluten during processing.
- Many gluten-free products (breads, pastas, etc) are over-processed and packed with sugars, fats, chemicals and preservatives.
- Some beauty products, such as lipsticks and shampoo, can contain gluten.
Diet Plan Q&A With Dr. Heidi Harms
What types of diets do you follow, and for how long?: I’ve been a vegetarian since I was a teenager.
What are the major health benefits you’ve experienced with eating vegetarian?: I don’t experience the irregular bowel problems most people do. I eat more leafy greens and beans, which are very healthy.
What are the most difficult aspects of this diet?: There aren’t many difficult aspects of being a vegetarian because it’s so common now. In the past, eating out with the family was very hard because it meant you got lettuce and tomato. Not anymore!
Who do you recommend this diet to?: Anyone whose labs come back with cholesterol issues. Anyone who is always bloated and has constipation issues.
What are the misconceptions about being a vegetarian?: People think being a vegetarian means all you are eat are vegetables. Vegetarians eat a wide variety of foods. It’s also easy to be unhealthy and a vegetarian. For example, cheese pizza and chocolate are vegetarian but not necessarily healthy!
What is your favorite recipe that adheres to your diets?: Blue Apron has a lot of different options for vegetarians. My weakness is dark chocolate!
A Few Things to Know about Vegetarian Diets
- There are many types of vegetarian diets. Some, for example, include dairy and eggs. Some vegetarians eat fish.
- Gelatin comes from an animal source.
- Vegetarians can be deficient in Vitamin B12, which only comes from animal sources
We hope these insights into the eating habits of Dr. Napier and Dr. Harms have inspired you to look for areas of improvement in your own diet.
Do you have a diet plan you’ve enjoyed? Share with us on Facebook and Twitter!
As with any dietary change, consult your physician, and ask your doctor if you should have lab work done.
