Nutrient-Dense Diets Best
For Weight Loss
Nutrients Needed For Metabolic Health
The health of our metabolic system
(how we use food and energy) is closely related to weight loss and
weight gain. Here's how it works. Food is digested in the stomach
and small intestine (duodenum, jejunum), where it is converted to glucose.
Released into the bloodstream, this glucose is (in simple terms) distributed
to the cells for use as energy, or stored as "quick-release"
energy in the form of glycogen, or stored as body fat. For
these metabolic processes to work efficiently, your body needs adequate
amounts of vitamins and minerals. This is why a healthy body loses
weight faster than a sluggish or unhealthy body.
Choose a Nutrient-Dense Weight Loss Diet
A healthy nutritious diet gives
you all the necessary micronutrients required to process food and burn
calories efficiently. The latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans
(2005) offer a new set of recommendations for what constitutes a healthy
diet. In particular, they stress the need to choose whole grain carbohydrates,
low-fat dairy products and lean protein. In addition, they advise
the weekly consumption of different types of vegetables (eg. dark
green, orange vegetables, dry beans, and starchy vegetables). They also
advocate a reduced-intake of trans fats and saturated fats.
A Nutritious Weight Loss Diet is Always
Best
The Dietary Guidelines also emphasise
the need to avoid "empty-calorie" foods, such as regular
sodas, added sugar, and alcohol. For anyone following a calorie-restricted
diet, the excessive consumption of these foods is not beneficial for health
or weight. Bottom line: if you are really interested in reducing weight,
choose a nutrient-dense eating plan.
Next: Binge
Eating and Weight Gain
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