Dieting for Idiots, A True Balanced Diet

The key to weight loss is a healthy diet and good, balanced
nutrition. It is unfortunate that the majority of people
haven’t a clue as to what good, balanced nutrition means.
If you are one of those people needing to loose weight, but
you haven’t a clue as to what is a good carb and what is a
bad carb; then you need to read Dieting for Idiots before
you even begin to consider starting a diet geared towards
loosing weight.

Making it Simple: Confused about dietary guidelines?  Let
Dieting for Idiots explain things: Basically, you want to
eat a large variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy,
protein, and whole grains. Fresh does not mean fried,
backed, or smothered in high calorie dressings or sauces.
Fresh does mean uncooked, braised or steamed.

Vitamins & Minerals: Nutritionists suggest a total of five
servings a day of fresh veggies and fruits. Why? Fresh
vegetables and fruits contain key vitamins and minerals
needed for the body to function, as well as antioxidants to
fight aging and cancer.

Women, especially, need to make sure they get their daily
balance of calcium. Dieting for Idiots suggests 3 servings
daily. This is easier than one might think: a glass of milk
in the morning, a cup of yogurt for a snack, and cheese on
your lunch sandwich or salad.  Calcium is vital for strong
bones and good teeth.

Whole grains are high in fiber and lower in fat and calories
(and they taste better than their white, bland
counterparts). Whole grains fight certain cancers and
provide energy.

Proteins are what we need the least of , yet we eat the most
of it. Usually, a meal is planned with the protein being the
main ingredient and the vegetables being the side dish.
Nutritionists suggest only 3 portions daily. (Hint: a
portion is only the size of your palm).

Good carbs verses bad carbs: The most basic carbohydrates
are basic sugars (found in candy, sodas, jams, and jellies).
These carbohydrates are typically the ones that become
glucose (blood sugar).  Complex carbohydrates are the result
of many sugars linked together. Complex carbohydrates are
found in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans.
Despite the nasty reputation carbs have been given; they are
very important. Our bodies gain most of our energy from
compound carbohydrates.

Dieting for Idiots demystifies the glycemic index.
Carbohydrates turn into blood sugar which then causes the
pancreas to produce insulin.  When bad carbs are consumed,
insulin level goes haywire causing hunger (and possible
contributing  to weight gain, cancer and diabetes). To
control insulin spikes, eat foods that are low on the
glycemic index.

Saturated fat is the nasty stuff found in cookies, cakes,
animal meat and whole dairy products. Saturated fat can lead
to weight gain, cancer, and heart disease. Don’t panic,
saturated fat is fairly easy to control. Limit sweets, eat
low fat meat (chicken, pork, filet mignon) and eat low fat
dairy products. Now that you have the basics, you are better
prepared to start your weight loss program.

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