Diets - Which diet plan is best for you?
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by: Michael Jenkins
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Ultimately, all diets need to provide you with the essential amino acids, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins you need to remain healthy. There are a huge number of diets out there; unfortunately many of them are based on emotion rather than science. Diets must contain a mix of grains, vegetables (especially beans), fruits, dairy (or substitutes), meat (or substitutes) and of course you must include exercise. The reason that diets require a cross section of these things is because your body cannot synthesize all of the proteins it needs for building tissues, enzymes and hormones- some things you must eat! The food pyramid is always a good starting point for assessing various diets. We have outlined three popular healthy diets here, the Low GI diet, the vegetarian diet, the high protein diet. The Ultimately, all diets need to provide you with the essential amino acids, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins you need to remain healthy. There are a huge number of diets out there; unfortunately many of them are based on emotion rather than science. Diets must contain a mix of grains, vegetables (especially beans), fruits, dairy (or substitutes), meat (or substitutes) and of course you must include exercise. The reason that diets require a cross section of these things is because your body cannot synthesize all of the proteins it needs for building tissues, enzymes and hormones- some things you must eat! The food pyramid is always a good starting point for assessing various diets. We have outlined three popular healthy diets here, the Low GI diet, the vegetarian diet, the high protein diet. Low GI Diets The Low GI Diet is based upon the idea of eating foods that have a low glycaemic index. For a detailed explanation of the glycaemic (or glycemic) index see http://www.alfitness.com.au and look through their articles database. However, in summary, foods that are low GI effectively release their glucose slowly, meaning that blood glucose concentration rises slower with lower GI foods. This is important for people with diabetes as it lessens the short-term load on the pancreas to produce insulin. So, low GI diets incorporate carbohydrates such as multigrain bread, whole-wheat pasta and other similar foods that release energy slowly. The big advantage for people trying to lose weight that are using a low GI diet is that they do not get hungry so often, as their energy levels are more stable throughout the day. Everybody knows that a sweet chocolate bar (high GI) might taste good and give you a quick energy hit, but before long you’ll be hungry again and on your way to rapid weight gain. So stick to low GI foods! Vegatarian Diets Vegetarian diets have the added complication that the essential proteins and amino acids that the body must consume (normally found in meat) need to be found in other sources. At times this is challenging, and some vitamin supplements may be necessary to maintain a healthy status. Nevertheless, vegetarian diets can be effective in helping people lose weight, provided that they do not load up on carbohydrates to make up for lost energy, due to not eating meat. Vegetarian diets require strict control and discipline to be effective in weightloss while maintaining one’s health. High Protien Diets The third common diet (disguised as various names) is the high protein diet. This basically means minimising carbohydrates and maximising proteins. This can be very effective in aiding weightloss, as the body breaks down carbohydrates before it breaks down proteins in food. Consequently, reducing carbohydrates will increase the body’s propensity for burning its fat stores, as it needs energy to keep going, which helps you lose weight. It is important to not cut out carbohydrates completely, as the body requires carbohydrate input to maintain healthy function. High protein diets may lead to you initially getting tired, and you may need to increase your carbohydrate intake slightly if this happens. This diet is also a good option for those trying to put on lean muscle. It is based upon the idea of eating foods that have a low glycaemic index. However, in summary, foods that are low GI effectively release their glucose slowly, meaning that blood glucose concentration rises slower with lower GI foods. This is important for people with diabetes as it lessens the short-term load on the pancreas to produce insulin. So, low GI diets incorporate carbohydrates such as multigrain bread, whole-wheat pasta and other similar foods that release energy slowly. The big advantage for people trying to lose weight that are using a low GI diet is that they do not get hungry so often, as their energy levels are more stable throughout the day. Everybody knows that a sweet chocolate bar (high GI) might taste good and give you a quick energy hit, but before long you’ll be hungry again and on your way to rapid weight gain. So stick to low GI foods! Vegetarian diets have the added complication that the essential proteins and amino acids that the body must consume (normally found in meat) need to be found in other sources. At times this is challenging, and some vitamin supplements may be necessary to maintain a healthy status. Nevertheless, vegetarian diets can be effective in helping people lose weight, provided that they do not load up on carbohydrates to make up for lost energy, due to not eating meat. Vegetarian diets require strict control and discipline to be effective in weightloss while maintaining one’s health. The third common diet (disguised as various names) is the high protein diet. This basically means minimising carbohydrates and maximising proteins. This can be very effective in aiding weightloss, as the body breaks down carbohydrates before it breaks down proteins in food. Consequently, reducing carbohydrates will increase the body’s propensity for burning its fat stores, as it needs energy to keep going, which helps you lose weight. It is important to not cut out carbohydrates completely, as the body requires carbohydrate input to maintain healthy function. High protein diets may lead to you initially getting tired, and you may need to increase your carbohydrate intake slightly if this happens. This diet is also a good option for those trying to put on lean muscle.
About the Author
Michael Jenkins is the owner of Australian Lifestyle & Fitness Weight loss with Australian Lifestyle & Fitness which is an online weight loss program, calorie counter, BMI calculator to help people lose weight. The Australian Lifestyle & Fitness weight Loss Program helps take the guess work out of weight loss and calories Weight loss with Australian Lifestyle & Fitness
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