Eat Smart!

To lose weight, you have to cut calories, but the latest research shows that counting calories is not the healthiest approach.  The types of foods you eat are as important as the amount.

It is obvious (I think) that there is little room in a healthy diet for doughnuts, candy, fast food and the like. But even my most nutritionally savvy clients make the common mistake of loading up on turkey breast and tossing aside the whole-wheat bread.

The collective American brain believes that eating a high protein diet makes you lean and eating a diet high in carbohydrates makes you flabby. There is something about turkey or chicken breast that makes you feel virtuous while eating it. Most people don't realize that excess calories, even those taken in the form of protein are stored as fat, not muscle.  

Complex carbohydrates are in need of a good publicist.  In case you are unsure, fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains, beans and peas, are all complex carbohydrates. They are generally high in fiber and low in fat. In fact, the majority of your diet should come from these foods. They provide energy as well as vitamins and minerals.

Unfortunately cakes, cookies, candy, white bread, chips and soda are also carbohydrates.  These processed snack foods, largely devoid of nutrients and high in calories, give carbohydrates its bad reputation.

How does this translate into everyday eating?  An ideal summer lunch would be a large green salad loaded with fresh vegetables, topped with 2- 3 ounces of chicken or turkey and splashed with a light vinaigrette.  If you are still hungry add a whole-grain roll.