nutrition and healthy living

What is the TLC Diet, and how does it work?

By Pam Cochran 4 July, 2023 2 mins read

There are many types of wellness and health programs available. Some programs that focus on improving employee health are more effective than others and can prevent the onset of chronic diseases. It's a little harder to find those who promote holistic approaches, like Therapeutic Lifestyle Change (TLC), programs. Many employers do not have the funds to invest in such initiatives. These rewards are worth the effort and can increase morale and reduce the risk for workplace burnout.

Although a TLC program may not be for everyone, studies have shown it to be an effective tool in fighting disease and can increase employee and employer well being. It is as easy as changing your diet or increasing your exercise. Your success lies in making the effort to implement the program properly. It's not possible for employees to adhere to an extensive exercise regimen every day if it is too time-consuming. However, you could provide tools, such as a stationary biking bike, to help them get going.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, the best TLC programs are a mix of didactic and interactive. A successful program includes a series or modules that teach participants the fundamentals of healthy eating habits and how to exercise. It also gives them the tools and inspiration needed to make it a permanent part of their workforce. Most successful programs combine both online and face-to-face components. The program can last anywhere between six and twelve months. Unlike most other worksite wellness programs, however, TLCs aren't reimbursed by your health insurer, so you'll have to figure out your own route to wellness.

TLC programs that are well executed have more to do with instilling a supportive, informed mindset than using tools and tricks. Many doctors and professionals have reservations about the program's effectiveness, and tend to avoid having such discussions. Recent studies support the effectiveness of TLCs. A study with over 300 participants showed that people who were provided the most information were more likely than others to make key changes in their lives.

WellSteps, a Merck and Co. division, and the National Cholesterol Education Program are among the most popular TLC programmes. These programs are expensive and highly structured. However, if you have a budget and a few willing volunteers on your hands, you might be able to reap the benefits of this surprisingly effective program. Moreover, implementing a TLC program can be a great way to promote a culture of healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

TLC is fun and rewarding. You won't feel the effects of the program until you've actually finished it, and you'll be surprised by the improvement in your overall health and performance.

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FAQ

How can I get enough vitamins

Your diet can provide most of your daily requirements. However, if you are deficient in any particular vitamin, taking supplements can help. Multivitamin supplements can be taken that contain all the vitamins you need. You can also purchase individual vitamins from your local pharmacy.

Talk to your doctor about the best foods for vitamins if you're concerned about not getting enough nutrients. Some examples of rich sources of vitamins E and K include dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach.

If you are not sure how much vitamin you should be consuming, ask your doctor. He or she will recommend the appropriate dosage based on your medical history and current health status.

How much should I weigh for my height and age? BMI calculator & chart

Use a BMI calculator to determine how much weight is needed to lose. A healthy BMI range is between 18.5 and 24.9. You should lose about 10 pounds each month if you are trying to lose weight. Simply enter your height/weight into the BMI calculator.

Check out this BMI chart to determine if you are overweight or obese.

Which are the top 10 foods you should eat?

These are the top 10 foods to eat.

Avocados
Berries
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Eggs
Fish
Grains
Nuts
Oats
Salmon

What is the best food for me?

Many factors influence which diet is best for you. These include your gender, age and weight. It's also important to consider how much energy your exercise consumes, whether you prefer low-calorie meals, and if fruits and veggies are something you enjoy.

Intermittent fasting may be a good choice if you want to lose weight. Intermittent fasting involves consuming only specific meals throughout the day, rather than having three large meals. This method may work better than traditional diets which include daily calorie counts.

Research suggests that intermittent fasting may increase insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. This can result in improved blood sugar levels as well as a lower risk of developing diabetes. Intermittent fasting has been shown to promote fat loss as well as improve overall body composition.

Here are 7 ways to live a healthy lifestyle.

Eat right
Exercise regularly
Sleep well
Drink plenty of water.
Get adequate sleep
Be happy
Smile often

Statistics

Extra virgin olive oil may benefit heart health, as people who consume it have a lower risk for dying from heart attacks and strokes according to some evidence (57Trusted Source (healthline.com)
WHO recommends reducing saturated fats to less than 10% of total energy intake; reducing trans-fats to less than 1% of total energy intake; and replacing both saturated fats and trans-fats to unsaturated fats. (who.int)
WHO recommends consuming less than 5% of total energy intake for additional health benefits. (who.int)
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend keeping added sugar intake below 10% of your daily calorie intake, while the World Health Organization recommends slashing added sugars to 5% or less of your daily calories for optimal health (59Trusted (healthline.com)