Healthy Optimal Eating

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Diets Don’t Work!

The solution to optimal eating is not a “diet”, it’s a long term lifestyle change in what you eat!

Healthy eating can be achieved using different approaches. In our busy society, taking time to make a special, home-cooked meal is not an easy thing to do on a regular basis. The convenience and cheapness of fast foods has paved the way for the eating habits of most Americans. However, fast foods are high in sugar, sodium, and empty calories which lead to poor health and disease. They can also cause diabetes, obesity, and a shorter lifespan.

Putting together an optimal eating plan should be considered to be a very personal individualized thing, based on body chemistry, taste, and the ability to sustain the plan. There are several popular plans you may wish to consider as the genesis for your own plan:

  • Eating Clean – As long as it isn’t processed, you can eat just about anything when you eat “clean”.
  • The Mediterranean Diet – researchers credit the emphasis on antioxidants-rich foods such as olive oil, almonds, broccoli, and the occasional red wine for the success of this food motif.
  • Zone Diet – Uses nutritionally balanced meals that don’t require calorie counting or number crunching.
  • Paleo Diet – This may feel too restrictive at times, however modified versions can allow for the consumption of dairy and legumes.
  • Nutrient Timing – this approach centers on eating the right types of carbohydrates at the right times based on your body’s biochemical response to foods.
  • Volumemetrics – The focus is on eating higher-volume, lower-calorie foods Which gives you a satisfaction edge as you feel like you are eating a lot volume-wise but you really aren’t calorie-wise.

The best plans begin with a visit to a Registered Dietician, and do bloodwork to determine your personal chemistry, and exact nutritional needs. Here are a few points to include in your own Optimal Eating Plan

  • Avoid fast food
  • Prepare meals at home
  • Eat less meat, especially red meat
  • Find alternate protein sources like nuts
  • Consume anti-inflammatory foods
  • Chew your food completely for digestion
  • Eat sitting down
  • Eat small meals throughout the day
  • Keep your meal plan one thats low calories
  • Consuming good fats OK
  • Understand your “personal chemistry “

Benefits of good eating:
1. Loss of body fat- since carbohydrates are limited, body fat is used by the body for energy.
2. Decreases blood sugar- since carbohydrates are made of simple sugar, limiting it would naturally lead to a decrease in blood sugar, thus lowering the risk of diabetes.
3. Lowers Blood Pressure- low carbohydrates decrease the blood pressure
4. Decreases Triglycerides- lesser fats circulate in the blood thus lessens the risk for cardiovascular diseases
5. Increases HDL/ Good Cholesterol- high HDL reduces the risk of cardiovascular illnesses.
6. Transforms LDL/ Bad Cholesterol- low-calorie foods transform dense LDL into large LDL, which is less harmful to the body.

FURTHER READING

https://www.bmj.com/content/363/bmj.k4583

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-eat-healthy#section1

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537084/

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