As you embark on your physical therapy journey, whether it be because you were injured in a car accident, in a sports accident, or perhaps you have developed an issue that needs rehabilitation, there are many contributing factors to how your healing journey unfolds. One of those often overlooked factors is food: what you consume, how much of it you consume, and how often.  

It goes without saying what food your should consume minimally: heavily processed, high-sugar, low-nutrient foods shouldn’t be at the top of your shopping list.  So, what foods should you focus on to support the work you’re doing to heal? Check out our Top 5 Foods To Support Healing and Physical Therapy below, and most importantly, talk to your medical doctor for any guidance or dietary needs specific to you. 

Top 5 Foods Types To Support Healing and Physical Therapy:

Lean Protein

• Eggs
• Lentils
• Salmon
• Turkey
• Tofu
• Chicken

Complex Carbohydrates

• Whole grains (Quinoa, Oats, Brown Rice, 
• Apples
• Bananas
• Berries
• Beans
• Sweet Potatoes
• Squash

Omega-3 Rich Foods

• Olive Oil 
• Fish Oil 
• Avocado 
• Pecans 
• Walnuts
• Almonds

Fiber-Rich Foods

• Lentils
• Kidney Beans
• Chia seed
• Raspberries
• Pears
• Almonds 
• Oats
• Broccoli
• Green Peas

And Don’t Forget the H20 For Healing

Water, water, and more water. Remember, our bodies are made up of more than 60% water, so it’s crucial to make sure you stay well hydrated. If plain water isn’t your preference, get creative by adding fresh fruit, flavor enhancers, or a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice.

4 Tips to Make Eating Healthy Easier

Let’s face it, it’s very easy to go through the drive-through, but unless you’re ordering a salad and grilled chicken, the healthy options are few and far between. So how can you make eating healthier less of a hassle? 

Change your mindset

First and foremost, once you decide you’re committed to prioritizing nutrition to support your healing process, half the battle is won. Then you can focus on how to make the process more efficient so you can reap the benefits. 

Meal Plan

Gone will be the days of “what should we eat for dinner,” because you’ve got it all planned out a week (or even a month) in advance!

Meal Prep

You’d be surprised at how a little effort can go such a long way. Even something simple, like washing your blueberries or cutting your fresh produce early in the week can take just one task out of the way that makes eating healthier much easier.

Cook in bulk

Whether you’re going for leftovers to munch on during the week or making a freezer meal to feast on later, having your food ready with little to no prep is a great way to make eating healthier easy.

Eating To Support Your Physical Therapy Journey

When you’re prescribed physical therapy, you probably want to get to that last session as quickly as you can. We can’t always give an exact prediction for your healing timeline, but we can say this: we’ve never seen someone digress or slow down their healing because they were eating well.  So talk to your doctor about making a shift in your diet, and we’ll help support with the best physical therapy you can find in Irving and surrounding areas. 

Just give us a call to set up your first appointment at (214) 225-0291.