Nutrition plays a huge role in the ability to lose weight and to maintain an optimal weight. Thousands of diets are based on changing the foods that are eaten, reducing the amount of some types of foods as well as eliminating or including foods that provide the best nutrition for weight loss.
Some of these diets provide for the nutritional needs of the body while others are based in starving the body of energy and fat in order to get fast and effective results. Unfortunately, starvation or crash diets are not ideal as they do not take into account the value of eating some types of foods in order to achieve weight loss.
1. Foods To Eliminate
Following a nutritionally healthy meal plan does mean that some types of foods must be eliminated. Start with processed foods and those containing saturated and trans fats. Avoid ingredients such as colors, flavors and preservatives. Foods that have empty carbs or simple carbohydrates (monosacchrides) like sugar and those that have a high sodium (salt) content should also be avoided.
These foods provide little nutritional value and result in weight gain. They are fast foods and snack foods that do not need to be prepared and result in a large percentage of the population being malnourished. It is best to replace these with healthy, raw and whole foods that have a high nutritional value.
2. Foods To Include
The basic nutritional foods groups include protein, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Each of these foods groups play an important role in nutrition and should be included in any diet and this is often referred to as eating a nutritionally balanced diet.
However, balancing these essential nutrients is a little more complicated when considering the optimal nutrition for weight loss. Each food must be gauged individually as to the ideal amount to consume for weight loss as well as in conjunction with the other nutrients.
For example, low carb diets are currently popular and consist of eating foods that have a low energy or calorie count and therefore prevent energy from being stored as fat and promote stored fats being burned for energy. Combined with a high protein diet, the weight loss effects can be greatly increased as this food group is essential to build muscle and burns energy in the process.
It is also essential to ensure that the daily nutritional value for vitamins and minerals are met. A body that is lacking a certain nutrient will have food cravings and be hungry even though it is receiving more than it’s fair share of food every day. Although it is a good idea to use supplements to achieve the optimal daily value, it is best to get the majority of the required vitamins and minerals from whole, raw and healthy foods.
Fiber is essential for maintaining healthy digestion and aids in weight loss. Fats are absolutely essential as long as they are not the bad variety mentioned above.
It is recommended to get a nutritionally balanced diet from a qualified dietitian or nutritionist to achieve fast, effective and lasting weight loss goals.