05 Oct THE BEST FOOD TRENDS FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Not all food fads are bad. Once you weed through the ones that take dieting to the extreme, we can appreciate the ones that have made us healthier. We may have a lot of work to do before we have a predominantly healthy America, but we’ve made some positive strides. It’s important to take time to look at the bright side and focus on what we’re doing right. A recent study by the Institute of Food Technologists studied the most functional food trends that I hope are here to stay.
We’re making an effort. In 2013, eight in 10 adults made some effort to eat healthier, while one-third made a big effort, according to the IFT survey. Although these statistics have not changed much over the past few years, it’s promising to know that the majority of Americans recognize their health as a concern and are taking the responsibility to acknowledge it and consider making a change. Now, we need to act on our thoughts.
We’re focusing on food. Instead of turning to supplements for nutrition, more people are paying attention to good nutrition in foods. When it comes to weight loss, this should be your focus. Look for foods high in nutrients and antioxidants like green, leafy vegetables. You can get all the nutrition you need from food sources, and it’s the most natural and healthy way to go!
We’re reading the nutrition label. And we’re taking it a step further by looking at the ingredients. Six in 10 people look for ingredients they recognize in an effort to eat more natural foods and fewer processed foods. Many processed foods have sneaky calories that add up quickly, so by reading the nutrition label carefully, you’re more likely to make choices that will fill you up and keep you satisfied.
We recognize the power of protein. Fifty-seven percent of consumers seek additional protein sources to improve their health. High-protein diets tend to help people feel less hungry while maintaining muscle mass as they drop pounds. To maintain good nutrition while losing weight, the general recommendation is 60 grams of protein per day for women and 80 grams of protein per day for men. Stick to leaner, less fatty protein sources like chicken, fish, beans, and lean cuts of meat, and stay away from fatty cuts of red meat to maximize your weight loss potential.?