Eating a Balanced Diet

For decades there has been a debate going on amongst experts as to what constitutes a balanced diet. Some encourage higher intake of proteins, while some promote a higher intake of carbohydrates. In the recent years, most dieticians agree on one viewpoint. A balanced diet that results in weight loss should be low in fat, and moderate in both carbohydrates and proteins. Besides carbohydrates, proteins and fat, vitamins and minerals should be an integral part of your diet. High protein diets have been proved to be ineffective. The case is similar with high carbohydrate diets. One point to note is that saturated fats and refined carbohydrates should be completely avoided.

Saturated fats result in a higher insulin levels in the body thus increasing hunger cravings for fatty foods and subsequently the deposition of more fat. Higher insulin levels also increase cholesterol levels and with it the risk of heart disease. However, our body does need all types of fats to function well.

Likewise, higher intake of protein does not help your body in the long run. Although high protein is known to promote rapid weight loss, it has a whole range of side effects as well. High protein diets have seen an immense gain in popularity, especially in the last two decades. Most diet plans substitute large amounts of fats and carbohydrates with proteins to assist in a hurried weight loss. But various studies and research have subsequently shown definite flaws in such diets. High levels of protein have been proved to be a major factor in heart attacks and other diseases.