Just Don't Eat the Cookies!

or, Why should I see a Naturopathic Doctor if I already know what I should be doing?

So many of us “know” what we should do to be healthy, yet we seldom do it. Whether it’s exercise, get more sleep, drink more water, or “just don’t eat the cookies”, we know how easy it can be to lead a healthier lifestyle. With the plethora of resources available to us, from gyms to health food stores to a variety of health practitioners, why are so many people overweight, not sleeping well, tired all the time, and just plain feelin’ like garbage?  Why are there still so many cases of diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, chronic fatigue, digestive problems, headaches, etc., etc.?  

The answer: because we all KNOW what to do, or think we SHOULD have some semblance of an idea of what to do since we are constantly bombarded with “tips for a better you”, suggestions from friends, and internet “cures”. But how many of us actually DO these things? And, perhaps more important, how many of these suggestions are actually right for YOU as an individual?  Sure, sure, “eat right” (whatever THAT means! “I eat plenty of fruit.”), “exercise” (what DOES that mean? “I run around doing things all day and I still can’t lose weight.”), “get some rest” (rest? We don’t need no stinking rest! “I’ll rest when I retire!”).  

Nike used to state in its ads “just do it”. But when it comes to taking care of our health it’s not always that easy to “just do”.  We often find that the pressures of daily life just don’t allow for time to be healthy, or we manage to find reasons not to engage in healthful behaviors - “I had to work late all week so no time for exercise”, “my kids won’t eat the veggies I make so I just don’t make them any more”, “the cat ate my tofu (and died!)”. Whatever the reason, valid or not, don’t let it be an excuse - don’t let it be something that “excuses” you from taking care of yourself.  The fact is, we only have one life (unless, of course, you’re of the ilk that reincarnation is in your future, then, well, just humor me for the sake of this post, would ya?).  As I was saying, we have one life; one chance to be the best we can be.

Now, that doesn’t mean that if you don’t do it now there’s just no hope so you might as well just keep “eating the cookies”, nor does it mean that if you’ve tried in the past and not been as successful as you’d hoped that it’s not going to work this time either.  What it means is that you probably need some professional guidance; someone who will look at you objectively and non-judgmentally, and determine what your specific needs are based on your lifestyle, personal and family history, medical conditions, and health goals. 

This is where a licensed naturopathic doctor comes in - a trained professional who can help you meet your health goals.  Whether you’re already in good health and want to remain that way, or you used to be healthy but need to get back on track, or you have some specific health concerns currently or in your family history and you’d like to see if a naturopathic approach (i.e. diet and lifestyle changes, proper supplement recommendations, and so forth) might be of benefit, then consider a consultation with me, Dr. Barry. I’m the naturopathic doctor at Body Therapeutics, and I’d love to work with you to help you meet your health goals, naturally!  Oh, and by the way, sometimes it’s ok to just EAT the cookies!