Tuesday, September 9, 2008

What Foods To Eat To Lose Weight

By Shafir Ahmad

These days it is common for people wanting to lose weight to ask questions on how many calories they should or should not eat in a day. Fact is you need to understand how much weight you lose and how quickly you lose is dependent on how overweight you are and if you are metabolically challenged and not on the amount of calories that you are consuming.

Calories count but they are not the only solution to a weight loss plan. Remember also that you cannot lose weight overnight just as you did not gain your weight overnight. Dieters often look to quick and easy way to lose weight and yet not having to starve themselves or to do strenous exercises.

You do not have to go hungry to shed off your pounds, if only you know what foods to eat and how to go about eating them. Fundamentally you need to eat foods that are metabolism-friendly, one that has carbohydrates with a low glycemic index or with both low and moderate glycemic indexes.

Foods that are high in protein generally are low in carbohydrates and also have a low glycemic index for examples eggs, chickens, turkey, ostrich, all kinds of fish, red meat. To cut out the fat, be certain to choose lean cuts of meat or remove chicken skin. Soy products such tofu, soy milk, soy yogurt, soy burgers, soy powder.

Vegetables and salad greens are naturally low in carbohydrates and fat and high in minerals, fiber and vitamins. If you eat vegetable raw, it has a lower glycemic index than if you eat it cooked, and has higher antioxidants and vitamins.

Starchy vegetables also have low to moderate GI, however be aware that white potatoes have relatively high GI. Yam, sweet potatoes and taro root have a lot of carbohydrates that are unrefined and contain a lot of fiber.

Bread and pastas have generally moderate to high GI, but those with the highest GI includes bagels, tortillas, white bread, pita bread and should be aware of that. Look out for bread with 6 to 8 grams of fiber per large slice and 4 grams per small slice and that contains no refined flour, added sugar or honey.

Most plain dry or cooked cereals have a moderate GI. You need to look out for those with low GI such as oatmeal. Crackers generally have a high GI, even if they are whole grain , this is because they are made from finely milled grains which raises the GI. Brown rice has a high GI but it is still better than white rice due to its minerals and vitamins.

Fruits generally have a moderate GI and although they are high in sugar, most have it in the form of fructose which is not converted to glucose. They are also high in fiber. Avoid ripe bananas because they have high GI compared to unripe banana because the starch in them turns to sugar. Go easy on high GI fruits such as pineapples, mangoes and melons. Go for apples instead.

Once you start becoming aware of what foods make for a high glycemic index, you will begin to eat more wisely and not compromising on your weight loss effort. If you are overweight you still need to consult your doctor on your overall health and weight status and get proper guidance.


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Shafir Ahmad is an Infopreneur bringing you the best information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shafir_Ahmad

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