Cheese, bacon, butter, nuts and ice cream, now what if I told you they didn't make you fat. Well OK they do make you fat but only if you gorge on them and do not eat any of the accepted healthy foods and never exercise. All of these foods, and others, have some redeeming factor and offer real nutritional benefits and in limited quantities I claim should be included in any well balanced diet.
Never miss out on breakfast it is scientifically accepted as being the most important meal of the day; it is imperative you start the day with breakfast to get your metabolism on the move. So why don't we begin with bacon and eggs which, although high in fat, certainly gives your metabolism the kick start it needs and an active metabolism fights the fat. Studies show that a carbohydrate breakfast has the opposite effect. No frying though, stick with grilling.
Eggs? They have had a terrible press over the years what with the salmonella poisoning and claims they are bad for your heart due to being high in cholesterol. Eggs are actually high in protein and will make you feel fuller whereas foods rich in carbohydrates have the opposite effect. In addition research shows that it is saturated fat that poses the biggest threat to your heart not cholesterol.
How about a nice juicy steak for dinner, am I going against all you have read so far about healthy foods. My grandfather was a herbalist and would never have red meat in his house claiming it was not only an unhealthy food but warned of the dangers of beef production and the dubious methods employed in the industry.
I never took heed of his advice on this one and for a treat I choose a lean cut of sirloin or fillet which is packed full of protein and contains the healthy oleic acid a mono-unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. Accompany your steak with tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and then roasted in the oven
For our sweet course I recommend....wait for it... Ice Cream. You cannot believe it can you. Now do not go overboard with huge mounds of double chip chocolate, ice cream is very fattening but is also high in calcium and calcium has been shown to slow down loss weight. Remember this is just a treat so one, or two, small scoops only.
What snack foods can you eat through the day well cheese, yes it is high in fat but cheese is also rich in calcium and linoleic acid which experts say is a good type of fat that helps combat diseases. Also nuts which again are high in fat are packed with protein, avoid salted nuts but eat a handful of Brazils (rich in selenium), Almonds (lower cholesterol levels) and Walnuts (full of Vitamin E) each day.
Finally the $64,000 question, "What about alcohol". Healthy living is all about balance and moderation. There is nothing wrong with the occasional glass of wine or the odd beer, in fact studies show that red wine actually benefits the heart (only in moderation though).
Moderation must be your watchword; I doubt you will find any of the foods mentioned in this article in any diet or weight loss plan but they all have their qualities and consumed sensibly and in reasonable quantities can offer you nutritional benefits. How many of us have aspirations to be top catwalk models or the next Mr Universe, maybe a few, but the majority of us desire a well balanced healthy life.
I heartily recommend you follow a sound, healthy regime combining exercise good wholesome food and plenty of water, but there are times we all deserve a treat. So get the grill going and throw on some bacon.
Tomorrow I will be back on my diet.
I hope you enjoyed my lighter look at diets and life style but if you are overwhelmed with the choice of diet programs I highly recommend you take a look at one of the most successful online nutrition and natural weight loss programs The Diet Solution Program. Their motto is Stop Dieting, Start Eating and Start Living, how good does that sound?
For regular health, fitness and great weight loss tips and articles take a look at my [http://lose-fat-tummy.blogspot.com/]Lose Tummy Fat site today.
Please note. You must always consult with your doctor or health professional before undertaking any diet or fitness regime.
Here's to you being lean, strong, and healthy for life.