And by 'THIS'
I mean doing what we're told.
And this is what The British Journal of Sports Medicine reported (andnThe Daily Mail took to the extreme...) this week.
That the governments 'carb heavy' EatWell Guide...
Isn't based on 'science'
And is 'causing' (be very careful with that word) obesity and diabetes...
The 'guide' suggests that:
1) 37% of our meals should be made up of starchy carbs like potatoes, pasta, and bread
2) We should eat more fruit and veg (39%)
3) 12% should be protein....
4) 8% dairy
5) 1% oils and spreads
6) 3% foods high in sugar, fat and salt.
Now, let's clarify a few things here:
1) It's a 'guide' for the general population <<< meaning it's not specific for individuals
2) The research on dieting generally suggests that if we stick to a diet...it WILL work (whether it's high carb, low carb, high fat or low fat)
So what I'm getting at here is this:
Public Health has come up with 'guidelines'
^^^ 'guidelines' are NOT tramlines.
So it's not individual to me, you, Jane or Mary...
BUT...
Many are commenting that the food industry has too much of an input on this...
Carbs are actually the one macronutrient that is NOT essential for the body.
Our body can make 'carbs' out of other energy sources, like protein.
Yet, it's recommended that a large part of our diet should come from…
Carbs!
That said, carbs are a great source of energy.
They can improve your performance in exercise and help you burn more calories.
And maybe even increase your metabolism when dieting (not to mention they can keep you full up and are pretty cheap)
But if you're not moving much, do you need as many?
Protein and fats are ESSENTIAL for life...
Meaning we need to get them from food.
And as more research comes out about protein and dairy...
Such as:
1) Increased metabolism
2) Better weight loss
3) More feelings of fullness when trying to lose weight
4) Increased strength
5) Better weight loss maintenance (meaning you don't pile it back on again)
6) That the recommended protein requirement is actually too low...
Is there a case for more protein?
How much more?
Does it depend on your lifestyle / how active you are?
And this is not to mention the fact that meats, eggs, fish and beans / pulses are full of nutrients like iron and vitamin B that can help us get energy from our food so we can do more of the things we want to do in our everyday lives!
Some say that the protein recommendations are low because it is an 'expensive' and scarce nutrient
^^^ It's thought that the price of beef is only going to rise and that we'll be having Roast 'cricket' or 'grasshopper' on a Sunday lunch time (hopefully not...)
And all of the above...
Is exactly why YOU need to be your very own 'nutritional' expert!
You need to know what works for you.
Does bread make you feel full, satisfied and full of energy?
Or does it make you feel bloated and have you running to the nearest loo (as was the case with me due to my wheat allergy...I couldn't understand why even 'wholemeal' bread made me feel 'bad'. Turns out, my body doesn't get on with wheat)...
And it's why knowing that these are just guidelines (not tramlines) AND being empowered to know exactly how your body responds to certain amounts and types of foods will probably mean that you feel awesome and...
STICK to the nutrition strategy / plan / diet...
Which as I mentioned...
Is the key to sustainable weight loss and fitting into your favourite, more fashionable clothes!
Speak soon,
Matt
PS. Made some handy, on-the-go 'breakfast' cakes yesterday (yep, move over Belvita)...
Recipe coming soon!
PPS. Last chance (for at least a month) to apply for the free 7-day trial on my body transformation Programme starting next Wednesday.
Apply here: https://frucifit.com/free7daytrial/