What is a "Diet" to me?—A few thoughts from a Gastroenterologist in 2020

It took me many years in clinical practice as a Gastroenterologist to find the "diet" for me.

There is no one right "diet" or pattern of dietary choices that are the best fit for everyone.

I use the word "diet" to mean "choices."

Choices in terms of what I eat. The same goes for what you eat. It is mostly—if not all—a choice.

How much. When. What. As in much of our life. All choices.

A meal I made at home in 8 min

For me, I was coached myself to focus on a diet “rich in vegetables, nutrient & fiber-rich carbohydrates, lean protein, and small amounts of healthy fats”—and I’m a Gastroenterologist.

I was eating "healthy" back in 2018. But, not "smartly."

Piling dried fruits and nuts on a salad, adding hummus in large portions, and consuming fruit drinks (with 52 grams of sugar per bottle) were some of my shortfalls.

Read the labels

I lost 15 pounds in 3 months in 2018. Decreased ~5% body fat. I changed my approach to eating and portion control. I saw a shift in my life on many levels.

Now I share "Balance. Portion control. Keep nutrition simple. Eat Smart. Eat Healthy."

Why?

Because I am sharing what works for me and what I now routinely recommend to my patients.

I am focussing on sharing my choices that support long-standing, sustainable, healthy, balanced weight loss.

Join me on LinkedIn where I focus my sharing on Health, Nutrition, Diet, and Balance. I post “Lunch with @dr.dooreck” on LinkedIn or post what I eat on Instagram and Facebook @dr.dooreck.

Do I eat a strict low-carb diet, like the Keto diet?

Note that there are roles of specific low-carb diets, like the ketogenic diet, for individualized medical conditions that may benefit from it. Personally, I do not feel the keto diet is a wise long-term approach to healthy eating.

• Here is what I posted previously on the Keto Diet and Weight Loss.

• Here is what I posted previously on that dreaded dietary "c" word; Carbs.

Here are some of the basics of how I eat.

I grew up without any meat fish or poultry. Still living close to that. I’m mostly plant-based  now. Feel the best that way.

I drink 4L+ a day of water. Recommend that to all my patients. Especially if they have constipation.

What is my diet?

• One based on simple, healthy choices, and easy to prepare meals.

• One that is not too restrictive, obsessive, or complicated.

• On that is not a starvation or fasting diet, but a component of a balanced lifestyle change.

What is the general idea?

Balance. Portion control. Keep nutrition simple. Eat Smart. Eat Healthy.

Balance. Portion control. Lots of greens. Proteins, fats, and carbs too! No pills. No supplements.

Even I needed resetting and coaching.

I started to reassess how I ate. How much. How often.

I went to a "coach." I mentioned above, that even as a Gastroenterologist—I needed coaching on how to "reset" my "healthy" eating, nutrition, and dietary choices. I needed accountability. We all do.

If it helps—and is a starting point for you—then join me on LinkedIn or follow what I post on Instagram and Facebook @dr.dooreck. Connect. Ask. Share. Message me. Just ask. No worries.

I believe in the highest levels of accessibility, responsibility, and accountability.

I just so happen to be a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist.

Health, Diet, Nutrition, Exercise, Lifestyle, and Balance.