Episode 7: Stop Running on Empty — Beth Frates, MD

In this episode Marie meets Beth Frates, MD. Trained as a physiatrist, Beth coaches people to adopt healthy lifestyles, with an emphasis on diet, sleep, stress resiliency and exercise. In this MedPEP episode, Beth focuses on nutrition and healthy eating patterns as critical factors to energize Marie over the course of rigorous days in the clinic. She describes the evidence-based Harvard Healthy Plate - half is comprised of vegetables and fruits, one quarter is whole grains, and the last quarter includes healthy proteins. Beth sings the praises of the health-promoting vitamins, minerals and antioxidants contained in vegetables, as well as the energy-sustaining fiber found in whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa. She underscores the importance of consuming healthy sources of protein such as beans, seeds, nuts, fish and unprocessed, lean meat, all of which sustain energy more effectively than simple carbo-hydrates. Beth engages with Marie in a collaborative and empowering way, enhancing her motivation to make health-promoting changes in her diet, despite her harried work schedule.  Beth also introduces the idea of mindful and restful eating, and by the end of the podcast, Marie finds herself close to taking on the challenge of setting aside 15-20 minutes of clinic time to take a restorative lunch break. Marie continues to struggle with putting her own basic needs ahead of the daily demands of her medical practice.