General practitioner Tamara de Weijer uses food as medicine
Tamara de Weijer is a general practitioner, chairman and founder of Arts and Nutrition, the association for regular lifestyle medicine. Nearly 1000 doctors and other healthcare professionals are now affiliated with this association. She is also the author of the book Eat Better in 28 Days, which has just been published. She has a mission: to help the Dutch become healthier, more energetic and slimmer through better food and a different lifestyle. Health Net spoke to her.
Why this lifestyle book?
‘In the Netherlands, one in two people is overweight, which is a huge problem. About a million people have diabetes and this number will only increase in the coming years. These people use medication while this can be remedied by adjusting their lifestyle and diet. It will soon be more normal to be overweight or even obese than a healthy weight. I wanted to do something to reach the consumer. And with Eat better in 28 days I have made an accessible and scientifically substantiated book that can be used by everyone.’
How can you eat better?
‘It is often said that you have to start with small steps, but I think it is better to do it differently all at once. Already after a short period of eating differently, you will notice the positive effects. The book has weekly menus for four weeks, so 28 days, because that time is needed to make a habit your own. After that you will get used to the new eating pattern and lifestyle and the positive effects will be noticeable: better sleep, less tired, less stomach complaints, fewer headaches. These results also make it easier to maintain. Do you jump out of the band once and it makes you feel worse? Then ask yourself if it’s worth it to you. Listen to your body and do what makes you feel good and fit.’
Also listen to the podcast with Tamara de Weijer:
Which food should we immediately throw away from our kitchen cupboard and the fridge?
‘All processed food products, such as biscuits or sauces from a jar or bag. Everything with added sugars, preservatives, etc. You should not eat these products. I always say: if you put diesel in a car that actually runs on petrol, it will run badly. If you eat the wrong things, you will feel tired and less fit.’
Which foods do you recommend eating and ‘must’ be on our menu?
‘The base is fresh and unprocessed as much as possible. Lots of fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds and fatty fish.’
How do you keep it up?
‘By eating healthier you feel fitter and more energetic. That’s the reward for your good behavior. You will also lose weight if you follow the meals from the book, but it is not a waste book. Because you experience those positive effects, you will also be able to sustain it more easily. It’s not a diet that you do for a few months and then go back to your old diet. Often people think that they can never eat anything unhealthy again or if they do that their whole new lifestyle has failed. They then think after a splurge that all is lost. But of course that’s not the case. Something unhealthy every now and then is fine. Pick up your healthy lifestyle the same day, or at least the day after. Look for a lifestyle that suits you and that you can sustain. Above all, eat what you like.’
Finally, what’s the best tip you can give someone?
‘Start today, don’t wait until tomorrow, after the holidays or until January 1. The best time to start is now.’
