Correct Your Carbs

Spurred by the Atkins diet craze we all remember from a few years back, nutrition scientists have done a ton of research on the effects of different amounts and types of carbohydrate in the diet. So, what have they learned?

Quality vs. Quantity

It appears that the actual amount of carbohydrate you eat is not the most important thing to be concerned about. While very low-carb diets have been proven effective for weight loss, they also have negative health consequences such as reducing the amount of digestive bacteria in the gut. On the other hand, relatively high-carb diets have also proven effective for weight loss and cardiovascular health, as long as they are based on low glycemic index carbs such as vegetables and whole grains.

The Protein Factor

Research has also shown that both the amount and the types of carbohydrates matter less when you eat a high-protein diet (where protein accounts for 25-30 percent of total calories). That's because eating lots of protein reduces hunger and improves glucose control.

Think of protein as "the carbohydrate corrector"!

The best diet for leanness and health, according to the latest science, is a high-protein, low-glycemic carbohydrate diet. Here's a one-day example:

Breakfast

• Start your day off right with an EnergyFirst Whey Protein Shake

Alternative Breakfast

• 2 whole eggs, 2 egg whites omelet
• 1/2 cup oatmeal with 1/2 cup favorite fruit and 1/4 cup mixed nuts
• 1 cup green tea (or coffee)
• Large glass of water

Smoothie Snack

• 1 cup low fat or unsweetened soy milk
• 1 scoop of vanilla EnergyFirst Whey Protein Isolate
• 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen berries
• 1 cup of spinach
• 1 tbsp flax seeds

Lunch

• Chicken salad with two 4-oz chicken breasts, spinach, and a variety of vegetables
• Olive Oil and Vinegar dressing
• 1 piece of fruit
• Large glass of water

Snack

• 1 slice whole grain bread
• 1 tbsp all natural peanut butter
• 1 cup baby carrots
• Large glass of water

[Workout]

Post-workout EnergyFirst Whey Protein Shake

Dinner

• 6-oz piece of fish (salmon, orange roughy, etc.)
• 1/2 cup wild rice
• 2 cups steamed veggies
• Large glass of water

I think you'll find it's not only will you get great results from eat this way, you'll also enjoy it!