With 2016 having begun, everyone is trying to stay on top of their new year’s resolutions. It’s undeniable that the majority of us have listed body related goals at the top of our resolutions list. That said, it is important not to get sucked into fads about what it means to be a healthier version of yourself! Here are the three main diet fads that you should try to avoid:
1. Eating “Fat Free” Foods
While there are obvious fat foods you should stay away from, such as processed foods and high sugar foods, staying entirely ‘fat free’ prevents your body from gathering all of the necessary nutrients that help you grow muscle and lose weight in a healthy manner! For instance, avocados are a great example of a ‘good’ fat; they aren’t a saturated fat, instead they are a monounsaturated fat (the good kind of fat needed by your body). They help your body metabolize nutrients and stay full. So, try looking up some delicious recipes that include avocados or other fruits and vegetables that contain the good kind of fat, and try to stick to this healthy diet on a regular basis.
2. Eating “Gluten Free” Foods
There are many reasons why eating gluten free is beneficial for your health, especially if you have an allergy related or digestive issue with gluten. However, often times cutting out all gluten for weight loss purposes isn’t entirely beneficial for your body, particularly if your body is dependent on foods that contain a high amount of gluten. A great alternative, for those of you looking for that crunch of bread, would be Ezekiel bread; a bread made out of seeds and beans. Not only does it taste just like regular bread, only healthier, but it also gives your body healthy omega threes and healthy fats. So, next time you’re yearning for some gluten high foods, look for alternatives that curb your appetite in a healthy way.
3. Cooking without Butter or Oil
When it comes to cooking vegetables, pancakes, or anything that requires a buttery oil covered pan to absorb yummy flavours, it’s hard to find healthy alternatives to achieve that same flavour. Personally, I find that cooking with coconut or avocado oil is the closest thing to achieving that same flavour! They are healthier alternatives used for the same purpose.
Overall, when it comes to trying new diets or meal plans, it gets very tricky finding what’s right for your body and what works best for you. Here’s a rule of thumb that everyone can follow: “Do not deprive your body of what it craves”. If you want butter, cook with it; if you want some ice cream; go ahead and eat some. Try swapping some stuff out with these options and see if you notice any differences! Make it fun, and adjustable to your lifestyle!
Image Sources:
– http://cimg0.ibsrv.net/cimg/www.fitday.com/693x350_100-1/136/07_FatFree-…
– https://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/gluten…
– http://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/Cosmo/2015…