In the previous chapter PART 1 (please make this link to park 1) we spoke about the importance of proteins in the diet. Later we will be seeing how we can make the wisest protein-filled choices in any social setting.
But now we need to omit carbs, sugars and fatty foods. What do we say to the public to decline these dietary culprits of health in a friendly manner?
What to say to avoid: carbohydrates, sugars and fatty foods
Excess carbohydrates and simple sugars cause adipose tissue (excess fat) in the body. But simple sugars are also the main culprit of diabetes, inflammation and a whole host of other nasty systemic side-effects. Your best bet is to mention that you are avoiding carbohydrates and sugars based on adopting an “anti-inflammatory life-style”. This sounds far more acceptable than saying “I am on a diet”. Critics will much rather accept a medical excuse than an aesthetic excuse. Alternatively, the ‘gluten-intolerant’ phrase is now widely accepted and non-disputed (for breads, pasta etc).
Saturated fatty foods, fried foods or foods doused in oils and dairy (creams and cheeses) can also contribute to systemic inflammation. Because you are now adopting an ‘anti-inflammatory life style’ you can also use this line to avoid the fatty foods. Alternatively, you can mention “dairy intolerances.”
While proteins have been linked to inflammatory reactions this is, however, based on the amount of consumption and the type of meat consumed. An excess of red meat consumption, predominantly beef, has been linked to gout and other inflammatory processes however this is largely due to the fact that most of these animals have been fed on a grain-based diet which changes the fat content in animals from omega-3 rich fats to omega-6 and 9. It is for this reasons that the best meat proteins to choose, in ranking order, are: sea foods and organic grass-fed cattle, poultry and venison, pork and lamb and then beef products. The more “free-roaming” the animal (allowed to eat its natural diet and environment) the better-quality proteins it has and less anti-inflammatory it is.
Knowing that carbohydrates (starches and sugars) and fatty foods leads to excess fat gain and a host of negative health issues is the first step to omitting them from your diet. Knowing that proteins (the lean kind) will help satiate you and keep you lean is the second step to winning the battle of the bulge. The next step is knowing how to pick the right foods in social settings. It’s all good and well making lean meals at home, but when life happens how do we make the wisest choices?
To find out more CLICK HERE FOR PART 3
