Who ever thought it was possible to eat fat and stay slim? It has been a while since this surfaced but came to me in a TV interview talking about what the diet is really. I cannot count times we have been told that fat makes you gain weight and is a definite no no in trying to get in shape. Does this mean we can indulge in our oh-so-delicious fatty foods and still rock the small sizes?
What is high fat diet?
This diet was developed by Zana Morris and fosters eating high animal fat and protein and less or no carbohydrates meals. It tackles the impact fat has on the hormone called insulin which is released whenever we have something to eat. This hormone is responsible for breaking down glucose (the energy in a form of sugar that our bodies need to function effectively) into cells where it will therefore be used as fuel for our bodies. What this means in simple words, the sugary and carbohydrates foods we consume are turned more quickly to glucose than fat and protein; so staying away from such foods causes the body to use up existing stored fat instead leading to weight loss.
What’s good about it?
A lot of people try out and give up various diets because of foods that leave a bitter taste in their mouths. There are high demanding compromises such as dumping foods that we so dearly love for broccoli and “rabbit foods” and that is almost impossible for us to follow through for more than two weeks. With this diet, we are almost certain to follow through the diet until we see some results.
Hunger is what pushes us to have constant meals and snacks. Other diets leave us half-full all the time leading us to forget everything and go for that juicy filling beef burger. Fat and protein takes time to be broken down hence we are most likely to stay full for longer periods of time.
You don’t need to be paranoid about calories. It gets tiring to constantly read up, count up and scale foods. We all want something that will be simple and not compromise us, after all, this is supposed to be a lifestyle and counting calories for every meal you consume seems a bit like work.
What you can eat
Coming to the important part what is it that we are required to eat. You can have all kinds of meats: chicken, pork, beef etc, you can choose organic meats that are grass fed if you wish but it is not compulsory –go ahead and dig in the fatty parts of these meats and the chicken skin.
Natural fats are the “to go things”, have your olive oil and coconut oil also feel free to use for cooking ingredients such as butter and cream these will make your food tastier and keep you full longer. Don’t be afraid of your cheese and yogurts.
Have fish of your choice; it could be hake, salmon or mackerel and eggs: boiled, fried or omelette. Try all vegetables preferably those that grow above the ground: spinach, tomatoes, pumpkin and many more.
You can never have too much water and forget about the old wife tales about coffee; have it with full cream milk and indulge in your tea.
What you should try avoid
Sugar is the number one enemy the soft and fuzzy drinks will slow your progress. Candy, juice, chocolates, breakfast cereals, ice cream are a red zone. Fruits can also be a drag they act as natural candies try having them as a treat.
Foods rich on starch are not part of the diet: bread, potatoes and potato chips, rice, porridge, muesli, fries, yes I know that hits in the core but we have to do what we have to do to get what we want right? You can try wholegrain every now and then. Also try stay away from margarine, beer and legumes (beans and lentils).