Many dieters feel that they should incorporate the best fat burning foods into their eating plans. But when it comes to protein, they put on blinders. Only eating chicken or fish, or foregoing animal proteins altogether for a vegetarian lifestyle, they avoid beef like the plague. And nuts? Nuts are notoriously full of fat, right? So they have no place in a healthy lifestyle.
Wrong! You can eat nuts and beef as part of a healthy diet program. But on the other hand, you must be very careful to choose healthy sources of nuts and red meat. A healthy diet does not include a run to the local burger fast-food restaurant or a handful of roasted, salted peanuts.
Can You Eat Nuts? Yes, You Can
Nuts can and should be included as part of a healthy diet. They are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which provide a wealth of benefits for your cardiovascular system, lowering bad cholesterol while boosting levels of good cholesterol. Because they are chock-full of good fat, nuts are also particularly good for people trying to lose weight.
Consuming adequate amounts of good fat is necessary for feelings of satiety, making it possible for you to stick with a diet plan without feeling deprived. However, you should always choose raw nuts, never roasted nuts.
The Omega-3 oils are very vulnerable to heat and light. So during the roasting process, the Omega-3 oils become oxidized, transforming them into trans fats. Trans fats, as you know from the huge press coverage they have received, are very bad for the cardiovascular system, leading to atherosclerosis and possibly causing heart attacks if consumed long-term.
Can You Eat Beef? Yes, You Can
Beef has gotten a bad reputation. Anyone who watched Oprah a few years ago can attest to the uproar one particular show caused in the beef industry. Many dieters have sworn off beef, but it can be an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs to function properly.
As with nuts, the key is choosing the right kind of beef. Select grass-fed, organic beef only. This is the only way you can be assured that your cuts of red meat arent chemical and hormone-laden.
You may also want to give grass-fed bison meat a try; its also free of chemicals and an excellent source of nutrition for your body. If you cannot find a local health food store that sells grass-fed beef or bison, check with your local farmers market, food co-op, or even online for great sources of healthy beef.
Why Protein Is So Important
Taking in adequate amounts of protein is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Varying your chicken and fish intake with grass-fed beef and raw nuts is a great way to ensure you get the protein you need. Proteins are among the best fat burning foods for three reasons:
Protein contains essential amino acids;
Protein helps our bodies function properly,
Our bodies are made of protein.
So be sure to incorporate protein as an important component of your healthy eating program!
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