A holistic approach to wellness focuses on fueling the body, engaging the mind and nurturing the spirit. This includes nutrition, dietary patterns, physical activity and stress management.
HopeWay integrates healthy diets and nutrition into a holistic treatment model that helps clients maintain and implement healthier eating habits throughout their lives. This is done by offering a variety of nutritious food options to all residents, day treatment clients and staff; promoting an active lifestyle through an onsite gym and yoga classes; and educating on healthy food choices through cooking lessons in the learning kitchen.
Nutrition
Nutrition is the study of how we use the foods we eat to maintain health. It involves all aspects of physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology as well as social and psychological factors related to food choices.
A healthy diet provides a variety of nutrients–the substances in foods that nourish the body–and can prevent or treat many diseases. Nutrient deficiencies cause malnutrition and are often the root of chronic illness.
The nutrient composition of your body changes in some predictable ways over time, including during pregnancy and lactation, growth, and the aging process. Measuring the levels of many nutrients in blood or inside certain cells may help your doctor determine whether you are nutritionally adequate.
Studies show that eating a nutritious, balanced diet helps improve mental and emotional wellbeing. It can also reduce the risk of depression and improve symptoms of anxiety.
Dietary Patterns
Dietary patterns are a way of thinking about how the foods we eat and the overall way in which we eat them affect our health. They can be derived from empirical methods such as principal component analysis or theoretically-based patterns constructed from scientific knowledge regarding nutritional health.
Generally speaking, healthy dietary patterns are rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds; low in saturated fats and trans fats; and lower in sugar, salt, and added oils. These dietary patterns also incorporate a range of healthy foods, such as nonfat and low-fat dairy products, fish and seafood, and lean meats.
Healthy eating patterns are a good way of avoiding chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. They can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of certain diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension.
Physical Activity
Whether you do it for fitness or fun, regular physical activity helps improve your health and wellbeing. It reduces your risk of chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, and can help you control your weight and extend your life.
A sedentary lifestyle – sitting for long periods of time and not moving – is one of the biggest causes of poor health worldwide. Sedentary behaviour can be hard to change and may result in a decline in overall health and well-being, leading to an increased risk of illness, injury or death.
GWI’s research takes a much broader look at physical activity than what is usually defined as exercise or “fitness.” It focuses on recreational and health-enhancing activities ranging from health clubs, fitness apps, yoga and Pilates to sports, dance and outdoor recreation. It also highlights business innovations and public initiatives that are closing the gap in access to exercise for all populations.
Stress Management
Stress is a normal reaction to changes and challenges (stressors). When stress continues for long periods of time without relief, it can have serious health consequences.
Stress affects every body system in the human body and can cause a range of symptoms, from headaches to stomach upset to weight gain. Chronic, unremitting stress can lead to depression and anxiety.
Many people find that stress management techniques are helpful in reducing these symptoms. They may include yoga, meditation, exercise, laughter and other forms of relaxation, group counseling or other mental-health services.
Maintaining a healthy diet can help you combat the effects of stress as well. Proper nutrition can also boost your immune system, protect you from nutrient deficiencies, and prevent weight gain.