Some Sound Advice

I've been experimenting the last couple of weeks of trying to boost my protein.  The first time I attempted this experiment, I had some intestinal problems, but now I think I might have something.  With the right balance of complex carbohydrates, protein, and fat and less refined sugar I have noticed the scale tipping a little bit more in my favor.  That's good news.

I don't suggest and never have bought into the idea that we need to eliminate carbohydrates from our diet, but I am more and more convinced that adding protein and fat while carefully reducing and choosing more complex carbohydrates is much healthier and simpler than trying to cut carbs altogether.

What I mean by complex carbohydrates is the sources of carbohydrates that include a naturally high level of fiber and a high level of protein.  Whole wheat flour naturally contains a high level of fiber and protein as do lentils, quinoa, just about any type of bean, split peas, oatmeal, brown/black rice, nuts, whole wheat pasta, etc.

Take notice, too, that I am saying to choose foods that naturally contain fiber and protein.  I highly advise you to avoid foods that have added fiber.  Why?  Because these foods may or may not have had fiber in them before processing, but now fake-fiber has had to be put into the food.  It's also possible to overdo the fiber, protein, fat... remember, too much of a good thing can easily cause problems.  Too much of anything all at once can cause intestinal problems that you do not want to deal with.

What I have discovered is that the better balance is higher protein and fewer carbohydrates.  Specific carbohydrates to reduce would be the simple sugars.  Think about your breakfast.  If you are typically eating cereal every day, even a granola, organic, all natural, super-healthy variety that says "Good source of protein" right on the box, you may be sabotaging your day.  The sugar content, even if all the sources of sugar are super-tree-hugging-all natural-organic, can be way too high.  We like our foods sweet, and even the organic cereal producers know that, and they know that if the cereal isn't sweet, people won't buy it.  But in the long run, sugar is still sugar and too much is not good for you.

There is a lot of research that has shown a connection between obesity and sugar.  This is why the Atkins, Sugar Buster styled diets are so popular.  These diets are designed to break our addiction to sweets by completely removing sweets from our diet.  To replace the sugars, these diets encourage a higher amount of fat and protein.  It's almost counter-intuitive, but it works.  The only issue I have with these diets is that I'm not sure they're as "natural" as the creators of these diets suggest.  Because users of the diet tend to suddenly need supplements to make up for the lack of certain nutrition that they are no longer receiving.  Certain fruits and vegetables, for example, are forbidden.  However, their point is taken and I won't disparage a diet that has worked for some, I just caution dramatic diet changes that I'm not sure are healthy in the long term.

So, I tried this experiment and it seems to be doing me well.  Here's an example of my typical day of eating.

Breakfasts (each bullet is a typical meal- no, I'm not eating ALL of this every morning!)

• Eggs (WITH the yolks) and cheese over 1 piece of my own whole wheat bread, glass of milk with chia seed, water, coffee
• Big bowl of oatmeal made with milk with blueberries, pecans, maple syrup, and chia
• 1 Cup greek yogurt with blueberries, maple syrup, oatmeal, pecans, chia

Lunches

• Sandwich made with homemade whole wheat bread
• Peanut Butter and banana - chia mixed in the PB, with 1/2 sliced banana- no sweetener
• Peanut Butter and blueberry- chia mixed in the PB, with frozen or fresh blueberries- no sweetener
• Same as above, but with Almond Butter
• Chicken/Steak with spinach, brown mustard, and cheese
• Usually there is a side of Greek yogurt or an apple

Dinners

• This is where it gets creative, but typically there is some sort of Protein/Fat source, grain source, and vegetable- sometimes meat is included and sometimes not
• Meat Proteins have included:  Chicken, beef, steak, fish
• Other Proteins have included:  beans, lentils, etc
• Grain sources- quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, etc.-- occasionally, I have made corn bread with whole wheat flour

I've actually lost weight eating this way.  I usually like a big breakfast, light lunch, and reasonable dinner and will snack in the evening... in fact, the snacks may do me in if I'm not careful.  But I have snacked on peanuts, grapefruit, grapes, apples with peanut/almond butter, and occasionally animal crackers and goldfish crackers.

 I really hope things are going well through this fast and maybe I've given you some ideas.  I pray your fast is uplifting for you and eyeopening.  God Bless!