What to look for in food....

[BritNoob]

As you might know I'm new to MA and looking after my body in general (too many years sitting on my * playing video games and eating junk food ) so over the next few months expect plenty more newbie questions

 

I've started for the first time in my life actually checking the packets of food I eat to check fat, sugar, calories, protein etc and I'd like to know exactly what to look out for.

 

I'm skinny so I'd like to build my body up a little but at the same time I want to lose the love handles I've built up since I hit my twenties.

 

So I guess fats are bad, saturated even more so, right? But what about carbohydrates? Are they good or bad? I'm guessing the sugared and starched carbs the packets mention are bad, but I notice bread has alot of carbs.

 

I'm in the process of gradually altering my diet. I used to eat several bags of crisps a day and plenty of chocolate in between 3 unhealthy meals but now I have almost cut out the crisps and only have occasional bars of chocolate. I eat plenty of apples and bananas and yogurts (I try to go for lower fat ones) but I don't like fish so I'm missing out there.

 

Are dairy products like cheddar cheese good for you? Is full fat milk going to do me more harm than good?

 

These are a few questions that I'd love to know the answers too, apologies if they're a bit silly.

[GrrrArg]

What do I look for in food? Chips mainly..

 

As my gran says if you want to lose weight eat half.. not the best idea but it works. Eat less of the bad stuff, cut it out over time not all at once.

 

This is the way im sorting out my diet. I think if you cut it out all at once then you will lose the weight fast. But you are more likely to put it back on.

[aefibird]

Well, the human body needs a little of everything in order to be able to function properly. So, you do need some fats, but that should make up only the tiniest part of your diet.

 

Eat plenty of fruit & veg along with lean meat and slowly digested carbs like pasta or bread (the carbs in sweets/chocolate/crisps etc etc give you a quick sugar 'high' but an equally quick blood sugar plunge.)

 

However, you're more likely to stick with a healthy eating plan if you make lots of small changes over a gradual period of time, rather than cutting out the junk and switching to salad all in one week. Yes, you'd lose the 'love handles' but you'd feel so deprived you'd probably put it all back on again and more besides.

 

Carry on with stuff that you've been doing, such as cutting out the crisps & chocolate and combine it with regular excercise, such as power walking, running or swimming, as well as your karate. Regular excercise alongside healthy eating will help you to shift those love handles....

 

Yes, dairy products can be good for you - like anything else if they're taken in moderation. Obviously, cheese, milk, yoghurt etc contain vital nutrients like calcium & vitamins, but they do also contain lots of fat. Switch to low-fat and no-fat versions of cheese & milk & other dairy products so that you still get the nutritional benefits but without the fat content.

 

As an aside, if you take sugar in your tea or coffee then try and cut that out. Don't be tempted to replace the sugar with artificial sweetners, they can actually slow your metabolism down. You're better off trying to cut out the sweet drinks altogether.

 

Also, drink as much water as you can - at least 8 glasses a day.

 

Good luck with the healthy eating!

[Rich67]

To lose those love handles, nothing will do better than good old fashioned EXERCISE. Meaning you have to do aerobic work. 30-40 minutes of medium to high intensity work 4-5 times a week. Sure, work the diet as well. Stay away from anything that comes in a bag and crunches. That's a good rule of thumb. I try to stick to the "straight from nature" philosophy. Meats (lean ones), dairy, veggies, fish, and some sweets should be the main staple of your diet. Eat six SMALL meals a day- a portion of protein (lean meat, tuna, fish) a portion of carbs ( veggies, red potatoes) and a small portion of fats (olive oil in salad dressing). All these items should be in a serving size no larger than the size of your fist. Dring 8-10 glasses of water a day.

 

Follow this eating and exercise regimen, and in about 2 months you'll notice a leaner and healthier you.

[GrrrArg]

Incidentally why would you want to lose the love handles. They come in quite handy I think..

[aefibird]

lol, can't imagine what you mean...

[The-Muay-Thai-Kickboxer]

You need alot of protien it gives you energy and helps repair and build muscle.

[Luckykboxer]

what the Muay Thai Kickboxer states is true.

 

However.... please realize that the more protein you take in the more your kidneys have to process..

 

If you are not using that protein and it you are taking alot of protein into your system then you are putting a major strain on your kidneys.

 

muscles need protein to grow...

 

but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing :/

[solar_kid]

I think there have been so many diet fads... who knows what to think about the relative value of fat, carbs, and protein.

 

I think if you just eat a good variety of normal foods... avoid fried foods and heavy gravies and sauces, sweets, and just make a point to eat a little more conservatively you'll do well.

 

I've heard that fats help you feel full, and some people who try to curb fat too severely actually eat more to get that feeling of being full. Just lends credence to the idea of eating moderately.

 

Just keep up the exercise!