Now that the new year is here, one of the most made resolutions is to lose some weight and get into better shape. If you are like most people, you have joined a gym or committed to some workout regime, told yourself you would eat less, and committed to cutting out those “I know that this is bad for me” foods and beverages.
Although all of these changes are “healthy” what most people don’t realize is that the very foods that they believe are improving their health are not. Let me give you a couple of examples:
Fruit Juice
Whether you enjoy orange juice in the morning or apple juice during the day you are sabotaging your weight loss efforts. Fruit juices contain very high amounts of sugar and as a result increases fat storage. Fructose, the natural sugar in fruits, spike your insulin levels similar to eating candy and other sugar laden foods. Fruits are not necessary bad for you but when your juice them you remove all of the fiber causing the spike in insulin. Make sure you start your day with a big cold glass of water. This will speed your metabolism and hydrate your cells.
Soy
This favorite “health” food has been link to all sorts of hormone imbalances. Soy is a phytoestrogen which means that it mimics the estrogen in your body and causes your hormone cascade to become dysfunctional. This can result in lower progesterone levels which inhibits your body’s ability to burn fat. Soy should only be consumed sparingly and must be fermented! Tofu is NOT a healthy food choice and neither is soy based weight loss or meal replacement shakes or bars.
Margarine
“I can’t believe it’s not butter!” has become a favorite tag line in commercials leading individuals to believe that they can get a “healthy” alternative to butter without compromising taste. What most don’t understand is that they are actually compromising their health when they use margarine. Margarine is hydrogenated vegetable oil that wreaks havoc on your cell membranes. Inflammation is the result and an inability to break down fats in your body ensues. Butter actually PROMOTES fat lose! It contains CLA which helps the body utilize and breakdown your fat for energy.
Energy Drinks
Almost everyone that begins exercise considers using an energy drink during or post workout. What most people don’t realize is that most of these “recovery” drinks are loaded with sugar and artificial colors. Sure they can provide some electrolytes, but what you are really getting is a bunch of unnecessary calories. Only elite/Olympic level athletes ever train hard enough to justify consuming one of these drinks. For the average person it is just inhibits your weight loss goals.
Protein Bars
These popular snacks and workout recovery items are typically just “candy bars in disguise”. Sure they may have been fortified with “vitamins” but the other ingredients mimic the most popular junk food on the shelves. These are typically loaded with sugar, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives all resulting in fat storage and weight gain. You must find one with a natural source of protein (whey from grass fed cows is the best) and sweetened with stevia or xylitol.
Artificial Sweeteners
Everyone knows that sugar is bad but what most people don’t understand is that artificial sweeteners are worse. Suclurose (Splenda), Sweet-n-low, and Equal (Aspartame) all have very serious negative side effects to your health. These sweeteners are neurotoxins that destroy brain cells and create inflammation in the body. As a result, your body is unable to metabolize fat correctly and prevents you from reaching your weight loss goals. Using natural sweeteners such as Stevia or Xylitol is a much healthier option, as well as, local organic honey. Do not be tricked, however, into using some stevia “look a likes” such as Truvia or Pruvia. These items still contain sugar and is not the same as pure stevia.
