ONE DOCTOR'S RX
Dr. Bob Arnot, experienced medical journalist and best-selling author, offers his top three personal tips for better health:
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First Things First: Breakfast is my favorite meal — hands down. I still start with a whole grain cereal, such as my childhood favorite Wheat Chex, slice a banana on it, throw in some blueberries and douse it in ice-cold soymilk. I tell patients breakfasts are free ... meaning this meal won’t add inches to your waistline, but it will give you the energy to help fuel your morning. And, choose cereals with lots of fiber to help fill you up and get you off to a healthy start.•
Chill: Fresh vegetables are often perceived as the healthiest choice. However, within hours after harvest, nutrients begin to disappear. Today, food companies literally freeze fruits and vegetables within hours of being picked to retain valuable nutrients. In fact frozen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh. I stock my freezer with corn, broccoli, green beans, blueberries and raspberries. They taste as fresh as if I just picked them myself.•
Enjoy Soy: Soy is a super healthful food I enjoy every day. Using it in my cereal bowl at breakfast, or in a smoothie, is great because it delivers a low-fat, naturally cholesterol free protein great for heart health. If I’m in a hurry and need instant nutrition, I’ll grab a glass of soymilk. Substituting soymilk for whole milk may help lower my cholesterol level. And, like many adults with some degree of lactose intolerance, I use soymilk as a terrific replacement for milk and a great way to get added calcium.
