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Protein, Carbs and Fat: Learn How to Diet with Macronutrients
Weight loss plans are almost always trying to get you to get rid of some food that you love. However, the three macronutrients (Protein, Carbohydrates and Fat) as well as the unofficial fourth, water, are all necessary for good health. Never try to eliminate any of these from your diet. If you're trying to lose weight, here is the simple truth about the stuff that makes up food. Protein Power Protein can come from many sources, not just red meat. All animal parts are protein-rich, from fish to chicken to pork to any animal you'd care to cook up. If you are a vegetarian, you probably already know that many beans and nuts are good sources of protein as well. The highest concentration of protein is in muscle fibers, in humans and other animals. Therefore, if you want to build up your muscles, you must consume more protein than your minimum daily requirements. And if you consume less than your daily dose, your body may cannibalize your own muscles to get it. This is why an adequate intake of amino acids is essential. Carb Cravings Carbohydrates are most abundant in foods that taste sweet. The sweeter the taste, the simpler the carb. So candy of all kinds are made up almost entirely of simple sugars. Carbs are also abundant in fruits and vegetables, as well as grains. Whole grains contain complex carbohydrates, while other grains and plants have shorter chain carbs. Some modern diets suggest trying to eliminate carbohydrates from your diet, because they are a major source of calories that you're trying to reduce. Reduction of carbs will be necessary for weight loss, but it is vitally important not to get rid of them altogether. As mentioned above, carbohydrate-rich foods include fruits and vegetables that contain many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Losing all those good elements would put your body in a very unhealthy place. On top of that, your body processes carbs to raise blood-sugar, which is important to your feeling of satiety, or feeling full. If you have no carbs, you may easily be overeating fats (see below). Finally, if your body is not using carbs for energy, it will break apart proteins in your food for energy before it breaks down fats. So, you lose the benefits of amino acids you've eaten, which we discussed above. A good tactic that many people find easy to identify and follow in their diets is to get rid of "empty carbs", meaning carbohydrates that don't provide anything but energy. White bread, potatoes, refined sugar and candy are empty carbs that you should avoid. Fat is Fine (in small doses) Fats, unfortunately, taste very good. Fats are the major component in toppings and spreads, such as butter, salad dressing, mayonnaise, and cooking oils. Fats are also the ingredient that make desserts and snacks so tempting, like cookies, cakes and chips. Even though some people try to get rid of all fat, some fat in your diet is important. Do not try to eliminate it. Fat aids in the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K. Essential Fatty Acids, namely omega-3 and omega-6, can only be found in certain fats, and it is important to consume some of these on a regular basis. These nutrients aid in the regulation of blood pressure, blood clotting and immune response. To get the good fats without an excess of calories, try eating more fish and seafood instead of other meats. Choose margarine instead of butter. When cooking, choose olive oil to grease your skillet. And the most effective tip: read the labels on the foods you're buying. They should list the fat content, and break it down into Saturated and Unsaturated. If unsaturated is not listed, simply choose the food with the least Saturated fat count. Water Weight Water encourages fat loss by keeping the kidneys working at full capacity. If the kidneys don't get enough water, the liver begins to take over some kidney functions. One of the liver's main functions is to metabolize fat. So, if the kidneys need the liver's help, then the liver can't burn fat as quickly. Drink enough water so that your liver can metabolize fat at its peak ability. Water contributes to healthy skin by hydrating it from the inside out. Water aids in joint lubrication, reducing your chance of injury in any activity. Water is also the best cure for constipation. Some people retain water, which is usually caused by a sodium imbalance. The solution is not to avoid drinking water, but to drink more water. When the salt is diluted, it becomes less of a problem. Also, if your body recognizes that water is constantly coming into your system, then it will realize that it doesn't need to store it. Although there have been a few cases where long distance runners have died from drinking too much water, their situation is highly specialized, and shouldn't be a concern for a normal person. For people with a normal amount of activity, there is no danger in drinking too much water, so drink as much as you can. The worst thing that will happen is that you'll visit the washroom more often, so consider it a good chance for a little extra exercise. Now that you understand how important all the macronutrients are, how do you lose weight? Reduce overall calories, but keep a measure of each macronutrient in your diet. Reducing fats overall is an easy way to reduce overall calories, and switch all of your fats to unsaturated. Most dieticians suggest about 25% fat, 15% protein, and 60% carbs. If you're trying to put on a little muscle to burn fat faster, try to raise the protein to 20% and reduce the carbohydrates to 55%. A good weight loss plan keeps a balanced diet with reduced calorie intake and increased exercise. David McCormick is the founder of Weightless Products. His Mr. Weightless site is dedicated to free weight loss articles and advice, primarily targeted to men. There are no banners, no pop-ups, and you will never be asked for your email address. Mr. Weightless: Wait Less for Weight Loss! http://www.weightlessproducts.com
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