In Dr. Zimmer’s weekly wellness lesson, the group discussed digestion, nutrition- how food is digested, vitamins absorbed, what creates digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain. The group shared their assignments from the previous week. They made a menu plan including healthy food with well balanced protein, fat and carbs in each meal. They readily participated, listened and took notes.
The group also reviewed food issues such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, chemicals commonly added to foods such as hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, and nitrites. Further, Dr. Zimmer shared with them an important insight into cooking eggs so to not raise cholesterol. According to Dr. Zimmer, the yolk should not come in direct contact with the heat source. The best way to minimize this is by boiling or poaching eggs- as this heats the egg from the outside in. Also covered were particular food nutrients and what they do for the body.
Lastly, Dr. Britta reviewed how to eat properly to optiize digestion. A major player in digestion is enzymes. By drinking too much water with ones food, the enzyme concentration is diluted and the food takes longer to digest. Masticating (chewing) also helps the enzymes to reach the food more quickly.
