Top 5 FAQs about Healthy Meal Plans

Most dieters have questions about healthy meal plans. Eating a well balanced diet for weight loss can be confusing because so many foods seem healthy when they really are detrimental to your waistline and your health. And some dieters have very specific questions about what should or should not be included in a healthy weight loss plan.

So in this article, we answer the top five most commonly asked questions about meal plans and healthy eating—questions that are more specific than the general “how to be healthy”-type of inquiries.

Q. Is it possible to make gluten free meatloaf? Can it be included in a healthy diet?

A. You can make a yummy gluten-free meatloaf by either eliminating or substituting the usual breadcrumbs or oatmeal for a wheat-free option. There are several recipes for this kind of meatloaf on our website, so you can do a search for the recipe that sounds best to you. The most common type of GF meatloaf uses GF breadcrumbs, which are usually made from rice and can be purchased at most health food stores. If meatloaf is prepared with all-natural beef or bison and doesn’t contain gluten, it can be a good addition to your healthy eating plan.

Q. Is wheat bread fattening?

A. You should avoid wheat bread and all wheat products if possible. On the Diet Solution program, we advocate eating only bread made from sprouted grains, such as Ezekiel 4:9 bread, and only that in moderation. Most of the wheat bread on the market is highly processed and contains additives, preservatives, and sugar—all of which are destructive to your weight loss diet. In addition, if you have digestive issues or bloating, you may have gluten or wheat intolerance. If you steer clear of wheat products for a while and your symptoms improve, you probably have sensitivity to wheat and should avoid it in your diet as much as possible.

Q. What are some Omega 3 benefits?

A. If there’s one supplement you should take while dieting, it’s Omega 3 fatty acids. You can also increase your intake by eating flaxseed oil, raw walnuts, whole organic eggs, certain types of fish, and green leafy vegetables. Increasing your supply of Omega 3s can help lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol, lower your blood pressure, and act as an anticoagulant. In addition, Omega 3s may help decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, though research is still being conducted in that field.

Q. What are the dangers of high fructose corn syrup?

A. High fructose corn syrup (HFC) can wreak havoc on your weight loss program. HFCs have been linked to a significant risk of increased weight gain and obesity (in one Princeton study, rats fed with HFCs gained weight 300% more quickly than rats fed fructose). HFCs have been associated with an increased probability of developing type-2 diabetes, hypertension, and elevated bad cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. HFCs are also difficult for your liver to process, which can lead to liver damage and other problems. Finally, HFCs have been found to contain high levels of mercury. This means they should be avoided, especially by pregnant women and young children.

Q. Name one reason why I should go organic?

A. Your health. Foods that are grown or raised without the use of pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics are better for your long term (and short term) health than foods that contain these troubling substances in abundance. Not only do you support small farms and local growers by choosing an organic way of living, but you improve the quality of the food you eat dramatically. Going organic is one of the most positive changes you can make to your healthy lifestyle.

Are you looking for more information on the best healthy meal plans? Need advice about the dangers of high fructose corn syrup? Visit the Diet Solution Program for exercise recommendations and eating tips for a healthy lifestyle at http://www.thedietsolutionprogram.com/.

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Which Diet Plan Is the Best Diet Plan? And Other FAQs about Weight Loss

If you are ready to reach your goal weight, you may be wondering: Which diet plan is the best diet plan? There are many elements that create a good diet, one that will help you lose weight and keep it off for good. In this article, we discuss these elements, as well as the most frequently asked questions about good diets, so that you can incorporate these changes into your lifestyle.

Q. What are the elements of good diet plans to lose weight?

A. There are many elements that a good diet plan should have, but common sense should reign supreme. The diet should focus on balance, portion control, nutritional education, and even allow for the occasional indulgence.

And it should also make no promises about instant weight loss, but instead focus on long-term change. In other words, a good diet will educate and empower you to weight loss, while a fad diet will dictate what you eat for rapid (but not permanent) weight loss.

Q. Does the best weight loss diet allow coffee?

A. Yes, you should be able to drink coffee, but in moderation. Caffeine can lead to dehydration, which can register in your body as hunger pains, and can also leave you feeling drained and fatigued.

So while you should be able to have coffee in the morning, be sure to keep your consumption under control, and add a glass of water to your daily intake for each cup you drink.

Q. What if I can’t afford to buy organic foods?

A. Organic foods can be expensive, but are often not as pricey as the processed foods we take for granted. Make sure to price out everything at the store and see what’s a good bargain—and what is really overpriced.

If you can’t afford to switch to organic overnight, start by eating only all natural, grass-fed meats and organic dairy products. Make sure these products are hormone and antibiotic-free as well. Then slowly integrate organic produce as you can afford it.

Focus on the “dirty dozen”—the list of twelve fruits and vegetables with the highest concentration of pesticide residue. These include peaches, red raspberries, apples, nectarines, cherries, grapes, raspberries, strawberries, peppers, spinach, potatoes, and celery.

Q. How does tofu figure into eating healthy to lose weight?

A. The tofu that is available on the market today is highly processed and can be harmful to your health. You should avoid it altogether.

If you are a vegetarian, there are other highly nutritious sources of protein you can try, such as organic eggs, wild fish, legumes, cottage cheese, raw nuts, and nut butters.

As a rule, soy should simply be avoided in a healthy diet. It offers too many health risks to make it a good food for regular consumption.

Q. Which sugar alternatives are best?

A. There are several good alternatives to sugar available on the market. Stevia, xylitol, agave syrup, and raw honey are all great tasting and can help curb your sweet tooth, without the calories of sugar or the chemicals in artificial sweeteners.

On the other hand, some of these all-natural alternatives are higher in calories than others. Raw honey is the highest, followed by xylitol and agave syrup. You should taste-test them and see which kinds you like best, and then limit your consumption from there.

Q. How can I curb sugar cravings?

A. Drinking herbal tea sweetened with an all-natural sugar alternative can help quell sugar cravings, especially after dinner. You might also try a tiny amount of organic dark chocolate, which offers great health benefits in addition to being delicious. As your body adjusts to your new eating plan, you should begin to lose your cravings.

Are you looking for more information on the best diet plan? Visit the Diet Solution Program for exercise recommendations and eating tips for a healthy lifestyle at http://www.thedietsolutionprogram.com/.

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