Last week we discussed how food is medicine and how it has the power to heal our body. Today I will share information about 3 core food groups that we should all have in our diets. Good carbs, protein, and healthy fats.
Good Carbs
We must consume carbs in order to have successful long-term weight loss and good heath. Did you know all plant foods contain carbohydrates? We often think of carbs as bread, cereal, rice, pasta, cookies, and cakes, but there are good carbs too. Good carbs are unrefined, unprocessed, also known as vegetables and fruits. Whole grains and beans are also carbs, but since they contain more starch, they should be eaten in moderation. Plant foods contain a rich combination of blood-sugar balancing, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying compounds called phytonutrients. Vegetables and fruits contain nature’s most powerful anti-inflammatories. They are also the main source of vitamins and minerals in your diet, and contain fiber, which is needed to keep your digestive system healthy.
Protein
Meat eaters: The secret to optimal health, fewer cravings, balanced blood sugar, and losing weight, is getting high-quality protein in every meal. Some healthy animal meat sources are poultry, beef, pork, lamb, bison, eggs, and fish (including shell fish). Of course if you can it’s recommended that you choose organic, grass-fed, and hormone- and antibiotic-free meats.
Vegan/Vegetarian: There are individuals who feel weighed down by meat, which leads them to choose a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. We are all biochemically, metabolically, and genetically different. We each have to listen to our own body. Some good sources of vegetarian proteins are nuts, seeds, legumes and soy. Soy can be a controversial topic and I will discuss it further during our JPF 40 Day Challenge.
Healthy Fats
There are healthy carbs, and there are healthy fats. Good fats contain omega 3s and can be found in fish, nuts, seeds, avocados, olives, extra-virgin olive oil, and coconut oil. These sources of fat have been proven to reduce diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and dementia. They lower cholesterol and triglyceride; and they are powerful anti-inflammatory compounds. Plus, they make our food tasty and satisfying.
During our 40 Day Challenge I will discuss these food groups in much more detail, so make sure to join our online group.
Happy eating,
Coach Andrea
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