- With Mayo Clinic preventive medicine specialist
Donald Hensrud, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Donald Hensrud, M.D.
Donald Hensrud, M.D., M.P.H., M.S.
Dr. Donald D. Hensrud is chair of the Division of Preventive, Occupational and Aerospace Medicine with a joint appointment in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, & Nutrition at Mayo Clinic. He is an associate professor of preventive medicine and nutrition at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. Dr. Hensrud directed the Executive Health Program at Mayo Clinic for more than 10 years.
He received his B.S. from the University of North Dakota, M.D. from the University of Hawaii, M.P.H. from the University of Minnesota and M.S. in nutrition sciences from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He completed residency training in internal medicine and fellowship training in preventive medicine at Mayo Clinic and completed a clinical nutrition fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Dr. Hensrud is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American Board of Preventive Medicine and the American Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists, of which he is a past president.
His career interests have combined nutrition, weight management, and prevention. He is the author of many scientific articles and book chapters and was editor of Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight for EveryBody; The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook, which won a 2005 James Beard Foundation award; The Mayo Clinic Plan: 10 Essential Steps to a Better Body & Healthier Life; and The Mayo Clinic Diet, published in January 2010.
Dr. Hensrud says healthy lifestyle habits in diet and physical activity are extremely important as evidenced by a large body of scientific evidence. He also says implementing these lifestyle habits is realistic, sustainable and enjoyable. A primary goal of his work is to help people achieve this.
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The Mayo Clinic Diet blog
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March 24, 2011
Embrace spring, recharge your weight loss efforts
By Donald Hensrud, M.D.
In Minnesota, where one of the sites of Mayo Clinic is located, the winters are long. So, this time of year people are anxiously awaiting springlike weather. This can be a great time of year to recharge your weight loss efforts.
As you move outside in the spring, you naturally become more active. Spring cleaning in the garage, working in the yard, and just moving around in the warmer weather all contribute to burning more calories. In fact, there's some evidence that it may be easier to lose weight in the spring for this reason.
Getting a garden plot ready not only increases activity, but also sets the stage for wonderful vegetables in late spring and summer. Because vegetables differ as to when they're ready to harvest, it's possible to have various types of greens early on, followed by sweet peas, peppers, carrots, squash, and many others as the growing season progresses.
By planting different varieties of tomatoes, they can be enjoyed for many weeks (my favorite is the sweet, small, orange Sun Golds!). If you don't have a garden, support your local farmer's market. Even regular grocery stores often have good specials on whatever is in season.
Take advantage of the warmer weather and incorporate regular activity into your schedule and seasonal foods into your diet. Instead of New Year's resolutions, make some springtime resolutions. Make it part of your lifestyle to go for a walk in the evening. It's a great way to see the neighborhood, burn some calories, and I guarantee you'll feel better. Although it takes a little time, what better way to spend it? After your walk (or before), prepare a seasonal garden salad as part of your dinner.
Embracing spring can be a great way to experience the change of seasons, shed some of those winter pounds, and enjoy improving your health. If you have springtime activities or foods you'd like to share with others, please let us know.
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