We had the pleasure to speak to a wonderful group of people last week at Long Champ USA in Robbinsville, NJ and we wanted to pass the message along to our extended Caruso family.
Insights from Our Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
-Michele Wroblewski-Pflug, RDN
The new norm has become seeking efficient and fast results. Who wouldn’t want to get to their health goal faster? However, this can come at a cost. Most of the time fast results lead to restriction, elimination, a poor relationship with food, and therefore, results that don’t last and create resentment towards your health journey.
At Caruso Physical Therapy and Nutrition, we want to create life long change, not a change just for the season. Creating a healthier you from the inside out is our passion and mission. We don’t want to put a band aid on the problem. We want to get to the root of the issue and solve it for the rest of your life.
We had a brownie, a cookie, ice cream, pie, and various food replicas on the table at our presentation. We asked the crowd, are you surprised to see these foods featured at our presentation today? Are you wondering why we have them displayed?
The crowd in unison said YES! Why are there desserts on the table we are here to discuss health and wellness????
As Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, it is our job and responsibility as the nutrition experts to share the facts. The fact is, you can indeed be “healthy” and still incorporate the foods and desserts you love, and no, you don’t need a magical metabolism to do so.
Health is not restriction. Health is not elimination. Health is moderation.
Moderation means being able to enjoy the foods you love, while achieving your health goals and keeping your risk for disease low.
The Secret to Achieving Your Health Goals
First question needs to be, is my goal realistic? The experts will determine that (Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and Physical Therapists!).
Second question needs to be, what can I do to take action now? What would feel like a very simple adjustment? START THERE.
Health and Recovery are NOT Linear
Health is not linear- it is okay to adjust your goals on a weekly, and sometimes monthly basis.
Certain months will have more social situations, which means more social eating and less time for self care, and that is okay. We will meet you where you are. As your life changes, your health goals will change as well- we need to be adaptable and flexible. Small goal setting is key, it plants the seed for big goals. We need to give ourselves grace.
Be Present with Food Choices. Little Changes Matter
There’s no cookie cutter recommendation, every person’s health goals are different. Health is so subjective and individual. This is why meeting with an RDN and PT are essential to your health, and why most insurances cover nutritional counseling and physical therapy services.
Just because we are “used to” doing a certain behavior, or something has worked in the past with our health, doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do for your health now. Allow us to help you.
Insights From One of Our Physical Therapists
– Danielle L Liegl, PT, MPT Pelvic & Orthopedic Physical Therapist,
We discussed several topics that are the “hot topics” and concerns with our patients at Caruso PTRD!
One such topic is Ignoring a Nagging Pain. We all have aches and pains but it’s those that linger that should be addressed. These Nagging Pains, such as shoulder or lower back pain, can turn into something more like a rotator cuff tear or a herniated disc. We can address those pains and reduce them before they turn into a full fledged injury requiring surgery or injections. We can also help you prevent injuries in the future.
Another topic was posture. Raise your hand if your neck hurts after looking down at your phone or laptop for an extended period of time. I should see everyone’s hand up- including mine! We need to be mindful of our posture and our ergonomic set up while at home and at work so we can again, prevent a more severe injury.
The last Physical Therapy topic that I think is pertinent is the dreaded “S” word… STRETCHING! It is something very few of us make time for but it is so critical and only takes a few moments out of your day. If you are unsure of how to properly stretch, for how long or are unsure what needs to be stretched, we’d be happy to help!
Send us an email at [email protected] or call us at 609-738-3143 to get started!
