Stomach Problems
by Bones
Bones' Question:
I have been eating healthy for a week now and eating an Activia yogurt every day, fresh veggies at every meal--a lot of them. Now, since yesterday evening, I have been having gut wrenching cramps-- BAD ones--have gone to bathroom like normal, and continue to have bad cramps. Could all those veggies and Activia be the cause? I have never eaten healthy like this ever.
Suzy's AnswerIf these symptoms continue, the first thing you should do is see a doctor and rule out any medical issues. In any event, it is always a good idea to have a check up before beginning a new diet.
Having said that, healthy eating is about more than eating a lot of fresh vegetables and Activia yogurt, especially if your system is unused to this new diet regimen. (You might consider eliminating the Activia for a while and see if that helps and then try adding it back in slowly or try another brand of yogurt.)
Being healthy is about eating a balanced diet consisting of all the food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy and healthy fats, while avoiding or limiting processed food and junk food.
It is also important to keep in mind that any change in your diet should be done gradually so it is not a shock to your system. You may want to consider meeting with a dietitian to help you plan a healthy diet that fits with your taste
preferences, lifestyle and budget.
Here is a list of some things you can do to eat healthy:
-Make fresh, whole foods
from all food groups a large part of your healthy eating diet.
-Drink water as your beverage of choice,and especially avoid sugary soft drinks.
-Buy local and organic whenever possible.
-Limit your serving sizes of meat and avoid processed meats altogether. Try at least one meatless dinner a week.
-Choose a healthy eating diet that includes an abundance of fresh, colorful vegetables—either raw or lightly cooked.
(Some people can't handle a lot of raw vegetables, so cooking them lightly will help make them more digestible.)-Wash all fresh produce using a veggie wash product.
-Know the difference between good carbs (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) and bad ones(cookies, cakes, white flour breads), and their place in a healthy diet.
-Choose more fiber-rich foods and fewer empty calories.
-A healthy diet includes healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts, and avocado.
-Skip the junk food and, if possible, find a more nutritious but satisfying substitute.
-Limit or avoid foods with added sugar and those with excessive salt.
For more information about carbs, fiber, good fats and other healthy eating topics, click on the links at the top of this page.
I hope this helps and that your recent bad experience won't discourage you from changing your diet to a healthier one.
Thank you for visiting our healthy eating website and check back to let us know how you are doing.