Article by Lisa Leuthesser
Almost everyone knows that the role of healthy foods to lose weight is an important one. And, unless you have absolutely no knowledge of the science of weight loss and nutrition, you know that at the top of your food pyramid are plenty of vegetables. Vegetables contain vital nutrients for a healthy diet, are rich in fiber and provide variety and taste. One word of caution: all vegetables are not equally good for you if weight loss is your goal. Obviously the two vegetables in name only–potatoes and corn–are very high in carbohydrates. If you are on a metabolism adjustment based diet that seeks to keep your insulin at a low and steady level, these two vegetables are not for you.
Additionally, it is generally true that vegetables that are grown underground including carrots, onions, beets, turnips and sweet potatoes are higher in sugars (carbs) than their above-ground cousins. And in the hierarchy of above ground vegetables, the nightshades–peppers, tomatoes and eggplant–have more carbohydrates than leafy greens. That is not to say that you should leave any of these valuable vegetables out of a carb restricted diet, it is just important that you know the relative ‘cost’ of all types of vegetables.
Fruits are controversial on low carb diets. In many diets that have an initial ‘jump-start’ phase, fruits are eliminated as the sugar content puts them out of the realm of high carb restriction. But all nutritionists agree that fruit provides a valuable source of vitamins and minerals and should be a part of any healthy diet. Berries are always listed as the best fruits to consume as they are lower in sugar than other fruits and provide a great anti-oxidant boost. Fruits also fill in the gap as ‘sweet things’ on diets that otherwise contain no sugar. It is generally agreed that if you must have something sweet an apple is infinitely better than a doughnut.
For protien sources, you will have to consider whether your diet is a high-fat, low carb diet like Atkins or a low-fat, low carb diet like Scarsdale. The higher fat diets do offer more choices when it comes to your protien sources: lots of eggs, plenty of bacon, nice fatty steaks are all okay. The theory behind this is that fat does not make you fat. Fat satisifies you and fills your calorie requirements that might otherwise be spent on insulin spiking carbs that signal your body to “eat more, eat more!
While we are talking about fats, it is important to remember that MUFAs (mono unsaturated fatty acids) found in nuts (especially walnuts), avocados and olives (and olive oil) are actually considered weight loss friendly foods. They provide high levels of nutrients that help boost metabolism, add to satiation and contain other micro nutrients than enhance health.
A low carbohydrate weight loss plan doesn’t have to be boring. There are lots of very good recipe collections and cookbooks that will help in planning a diverse menu. 5 easy diets to lose weight recommend excellent meal plans and food choices. Easy diets that work offer you plenty of choices in healthy foods to lose weight on a low carb diet.
Find up-to-the-minute information on great cutting age diets, motivation and information. don’t have to be boring when you use the best .
©Copyright 1997-