Many people have asked which is better for weight loss: low fat or
low carb? Well, that question has finally been answered: neither… and
both!
As it turns out, calories are the key. Whether they
are from fat or carbohydrate is not as important as the total number of
them. To lose weight and keep it off, we simply must adhere to the
simple rule of “calories in, calories out.”
Be cautious about cravings
Our bodies were designed to communicate nutrient needs through
cravings. Our bodies need protein, carbohydrates, fats, fiber and water
to be healthy. These are called macro-nutrients because they are large
categories of food that contain smaller categories called
micronutrients. A micronutrient is something we need in a very small
quantity, like salt (sodium). We crave what we need.
Food manufacturers create products to tempt these cravings the way a
fisherman uses a lure to catch a fish. We can be induced to buy one
food over the other because of added ingredients. Three common
additives that tempt our taste buds:
Salt has its own issues (see link below) but sugar and fat are often hidden sources of calories.
Hidden calories
Are you watching your calorie intake? Use these tips when looking at labels:
Watch out for added-sugar foods.
Recommendations for carbohydrate intake range from 60 to 250 grams
daily for the average adult. These carbohydrates should come from whole
foods to avoid the “empty calories” of added sugar. If the label lists
“sugar” as an ingredient, select another food without the added sugar.
Watch out for added-fat and high-fat foods.
Fat contains very few nutrients. While it is a good source of energy, a
little goes a long way. Protein and carbs contain four calories per
gram, yet fat contains a whopping nine calories per gram. Fat is often
added to improve the “mouth-feel” of foods. If a label lists the daily
value (DV) at 20% or higher, it is a high-fat food. The DV should be
between 2% and 10% for a single serving. Never eat trans-fats.
Conclusion
As with most elements of life, selecting your diet is both a science
and an art. Take a little time to learn the science behind food
selections and then you can enjoy the endless, artistic variety of
foods. Remember, moderation is the key!
Take Control of Your Health
- Get your nutrients from plant-based foods
- 5 servings of fruits and vegetables for children
- 7 servings of fruits and vegetables for women
- 9 servings of fruits and vegetables for men
- Take Leanology to help curb cravings
- Take VitaDaily AM/PM, Daily Men or Daily Women to fill in nutritional gaps
- Read the articles below on hidden salt and sugar and how to eat nutritiously.
Source from Trivita's Weekly Wellness Reports by Brazos Minshew
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