| |
|
|
|
|
The Perfect Diet
I'm going to let you in on a secret; the perfect diet does exist. It
isn't a fad diet either because fad diets are called "fads" for a
reason. They come and go with no substance. The perfect diet is called
a Balanced diet. Fad diets send you into a state of malnutrition.
Malnutrition is usually equated with starving children in Somalia or
Appalachia. But you, too, are malnourished at any given time if you
aren't eating the recommended servings from all food groups and
getting appropriate amounts of carbohydrates, protein and fats. Just
think about this for a second. Can you really live off grapefruits and
vinegar? Fad diets are also restrictive and full of deprivation.
That's why no one ever stays on their diet for long.
A balanced diet consists of a wide variety of foods in moderation and
should be nutrient dense. A 155lb woman needs 1535 calories a day just
to breathe and blink. This means you have to eat. Carbohydrates are
not the enemy. They are the primary source of energy during exercise
and running errands around the city. The simplest form of
carbohydrates, glucose, is the only source of energy for the brain.
When your brain lacks enough energy it leads to lethargy, confusion
and irritability – making the ultimate city bitch.
Complex carbohydrates are the best form of carbs you should eat. They
are found in whole grain breads and cereals and new whole grain and
enriched pastas that are on the market. Natural sources of sugar
should be eaten; whole fruit and natural fruit juices. Try to get 65%
of your total calories from carbohydrates.
High-protein diets are all the rage. Protein is the building block of
the body so it is essential in a person's body. But eating too much,
and
staying on a high-protein diet for too long leads to ketosis, a state
where your body produces ketones, and can lead to kidney problems,
irritability,
fatigue and also bad breath. Roughly 50 grams of protein is all a
155lb sedentary woman needs, or 15-20% of your daily caloric intake.
That is a
turkey breast, a glass of milk and a handful of peanuts. You end up
eating three or four times that on a high-protein diet. And if you're
not an
active person, the excess protein and fat will lead to weight gain.
When you find the time to shop and cook, choose ground sirloin instead
of ground chuck. Make sure the ground turkey you buy is made from
white meat,not dark meat, which contains more saturated fat. Eat
chicken without the skin or over-fry more often than you pan-fry or
deep-fry it. Incorporate fish more regularly into your diet. The
omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are essential fatty acids. And plant
proteins found in beans and nuts are also good because they contain
high levels of fiber. Fiber helps clean out your insides and keep you
regular, all which eliminates the dreaded bloated belly.
But remember a balanced diet also requires moderation. Here's a rule
of thumb: If it's thick and solid in it's natural state, that's what
it's
doing to your arteries. Think butter, margarine, coconut oil,
vegetable shortening, lard and salt pork. Your intake of saturated
fats should be moderate to low.
We all have a rich, fattening, decadent indulgence we can't live
without. We just have to save those treats for every once in a while.
Ice cream for
dessert every night is not balanced. Bacon, egg and cheese for
breakfast everyday isn't balanced. A balanced diet is totally doable
and it includes
cheeseburgers and cheesecake!
Abigail Ekue-Smith
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ABOUT US | CONTACT US | CREDITS
|
© 2007-08, Sun Goddess Productions
All Rights Reserved
|
|
|
