What needs to be in the food that goes in you?
If weight-loss was as easy as just not eating, there probably wouldn’t be nearly as much discussion on the topic. Unfortunately, starving yourself will probably hurt you before it helps you, so in lieu of that, you need the right kinds of food to get you your nutrients without sneaking in too much extra.
Before we get into actual recommendations, let’s discuss what you need. Naturally, you need a balance of every major vitamin and mineral, but if you’re specifically trying to lose weight, you need pay extra attention to the macro nutrients: carbs, proteins, and fats.
There are simple carbs, complex starchy carbs, and complex fibrous carbs. Everyone reacts to different carbs differently, so you need to experiment a little to see which one burns most easily while still providing ample energy. Also remember that carbs exist in most foods, not just bread and grains.
Proteins are the building blocks of muscle. Humans don’t produce this stuff naturally; we can only get it from what we eat. Protein is very important in building up your muscular structure, but if you eat too much of it, your body’s going to have a lot of muscle mush on standby and nowhere to put it all. Moderation, as with all things, is the key.
Fat gets a bad rap, mostly due to the existence of trans fats. By all means, cut trans fat out of your diet, ’cause it’s not doing you any favors. Healthy fats, however, help you to regulate your cholesterol and promote circulatory health. It’s also necessary as an emergency energy source.
So with that out of the way, what should you eat? Fibrous veggies like cauliflower and brussels sprouts are a good start, as they’re full of nutrients and fiber, and pair well with other foods. Green tea helps you to burn off unnecessary fat while providing a cleaner source of energy than coffee. Avocado and coconut oil are great sources of healthy fats. It’s all about experimentation. Get the necessary stuff in you, and leave the junk out.
