You know the old mantra: If you want to lose weight, eat less and exercise more! Most weight loss plans are based upon some version of this rule. And yet, what if simply reducing your calories and increasing your activity just doesn’t seem to be working? It’s a common dilemma faced by many people who attempt to lose weight. They do all the “right” things, and yet those stubborn pounds won’t disappear.
They problem isn’t just how much you’re eating; it’s what you’re eating. That’s because certain foods can trigger your metabolism to slow, and store energy (in fat cells) rather than speeding up and burning off excess calories. If your diet is based around these foods, reducing them might not help you lose weight – even if you’re also exercising a reasonable amount.
So what are these mysterious diet-disaster foods? Refined carbohydrates, such as those found in breads, pastas, chips, and so on. If the food’s primary source of nutrition is based upon white flour and/or sugar, then it carries the potential to wreak havoc on your diet (and we use the word “nutrition” very loosely with regard to these foods).
Refined carbs raise your insulin levels, which triggers your body to store energy in fat cells. And in at least one long-term study, the introduction of refined carbs to the diets of Polynesian islanders resulted in troublesome health conditions. First came asthma, skin conditions, and an increase in infectious diseases, but over time the test group developed gout, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.
As you plan your weight loss diet, think beyond calories. Remember that what you eat is just as important – possibly even more important – than how much you eat. We recommend a diet high in protein, which helps to maintain your metabolism, and fresh fruits and vegetables to provide the essential nutrients your body needs. For more information and help with your weight loss plan, give us a call. We can help you pinpoint underlying causes of your weight problem, and show you how to adjust your diet to boost your metabolism.