"My Low-Fat Diet Really Works!"

Take a moment to check yourself out in the mirror. Oh c'mon now, you know you enjoy your reflection from time to time. But can you honestly say that you can look in the mirror and find nothing to complain about? "I really need to lose this extra meat on my thighs." "My stomach isn't flat enough." "I really wish I could shed those final 15 pounds." We all have that inner monologue nagging at us when we step foot in front of the mirror. And while we'd like to put precedence on those small, realistically unimportant issues, there are individuals who are actually suffering health deficiencies such as being overweight, obese and even underweight.


I can't stress the importance of physical activity, enough. So while we go on discussing the importance of diet, one can not survive on diet alone - and vice versa. Both go hand in hand.

In the United States, we as Americans can proudly say - insert sarcasm here - that a whopping 66% of adults are overweight and even more alarming is that a 1/3 of the U.S. population is considered obese. (Sizer & Whitney, 2011, p. 325) Those numbers are staggering and alarming to say the least! But the reality is, that there are also people suffering from being underweight and while the numbers may not be as frightening, those who are underweight are at risk for disease and even worse, death. And the fact of the matter is, with some guidance in proper nutrition, all the above could be improved and/or even avoided completely.

First and foremost, we can't expect to change our physical circumference without expending some energy. We can eat everything and anything, but without getting our butt's off the couch, and engaging in physical activity - at least 5 times per week - we'll never find a happy medium. (Sizer & Whitney, 2011) Anyone who knows me, knows that I will always endorse the benefits of combining weightlifting with gymnastics and cardiovascular endurance. And while I think everyone should partake in it to achieve the greatest health & physical benefits, I know that it may not be feasible for all; so it is up to you to find an exercise regimen that keeps your heart ticking. And now that you've established your fitness regimen of choice, you've got to be accountable for your diet - because we all know that our food choices benefits or sabotages our health.

I'm not going to sit here and tell you that you need a certain percentage of fats, proteins, carbohydrates as well as calories per day to sustain a healthy weight. As Mark Sisson (2011) puts it, "[N]ot only is it nearly impossible to accurately gauge your exact meal-to-meal calorie and macronutrient requirements, doing so will drive you crazy." The most important thing to determine is the quality of food that is being consumed. One should stick to lean meats, chicken, fish, nuts & seeds, some fruits, vegetables and foods low in high glycemic carbohydrates. Removing processed foods, grains, high glycemic foods, fried foods, etc., will have a huge positive effect on the way your body will begin operating and as a side benefit, you will begin to look amazing! I can only assume at that point your inner monologue will no longer tell you to lose those final pounds, it will be remind you of what it has taken for you to forge your healthy, beautiful body!


References:

Sisson, M. (2011) The definitive guide to the primal eating plan. Mark's Daily Apple. Retrieved September 13, 2011 from http://www.marksdailyapple.com/definitive-guide-to-the-primal-eating-plan/

Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2011) Nutrition: Concepts and controversies. (12th edition) Belmont, California: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.