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Chronic illnesses including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and stroke affect 60 percent of Americans. And according to the National Institute for Health, these diseases account for more than 75 percent of healthcare costs in the U.S.
Bozeman Health Lifestyle Medicine physician Joseph Sofianek and his team of board-certified registered nurses, health coaches, and physical therapists are leading the national charge to change the way we approach medicine to address these concerns. This relatively new department at Bozeman Health offers the resources, support, and tools to help patients make changes in their lives that can help alleviate and prevent chronic disease.
Food is a foundational pillar of good health in the Lifestyle Medicine approach. And patients frequently ask Sofianek what they should be eating. Among other things, he says plant-forward grain bowls are a tasty, versatile, and nutritious way to embrace getting more fiber-rich plant foods into the diet. Topping the bowl with a vibrant healthful dressing goes a long way toward creating a flavorful meal.
These bowls typically feature a base of whole grains, like quinoa or brown rice, topped with an array of colorful vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and other protein sources (air-fried tofu and falafel are delicious choices), creating a balanced meal that is satisfying, healthful, and packed with fiber.
We should aim to eat 30 different plant foods each week so that the good bugs in our gut have a smorgasbord to feed on.
These plant-forward meals feed our good gut bacteria, which in turn helps support heart health, aids in blood sugar management, decreases inflammation, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
According to Sofianek, only 5 percent of Americans get the recommended amount of fiber each day, which translates to about 14 grams for every 1,000 calories. And no, these values should not be met by just taking a fiber supplement; a healthy gut thrives off of plant variety. We should aim to eat 30 different plant foods each week so that the good bugs in our gut have a smorgasbord to feed on.
TRY THIS RECIPE: BOZEMAN HEALTH GRAIN BOWL
For more information about Bozeman Health’s Lifestyle Medicine program, visit bozemanhealth.org/services/lifestyle-medicine.
