Fat Loss Diet Plans

Fat Loss Diet Plans
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A healthy fat loss diet encourages good nutrition and daily exercise to burn fat, not starvation and hours at the gym. Excess fat commonly collects around the hips, thighs and abdomen. Excess fat, particularly the fat surrounding your abdomen, is linked to metabolic disturbances, increased risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. In women, excess stomach fat is also associated with breast cancer and the need for gallbladder surgery. A diet rich in natural foods and daily exercise will not only help you lose fat it will also decrease your risk for developing health conditions and diseases.

Natural Carbohydrates

A fat loss diet will encourage eating only natural sources of carbohydrates like fruits and vegetables over their processed counterparts. Processed carbohydrates like those found in bread, cereal and pasta are easily digested and not only interfere with weight loss, but even promote weight gain. Natural carbohydrates are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate that keeps you feeling fuller, longer. Fiber also aids in proper digestion.

Healthy Fats

When desiring to burn fat you should avoid saturated and trans fat foods. These types of fats are found in beef and dairy products, as well as in baked, processed and prepackaged goods. Instead you should obtain your fat from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat sources like almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, flax seed, flax oil, avocado and olive oil. Replacing bad fats with healthy fats has been shown to help reduce body fat.

Lean Protein

Fat loss diet plans will encourage you to eat only lean meats like skinless poultry and fish. If you crave red meat, eat only the leanest cuts. Lean beef cuts come from the round, chuck, sirloin or loin. Lean pork cuts include the tenderloin or loin chop, and lean lamb cuts come from the leg, arm and loin. Your body makes all the saturated fat you need, so you do not need to consume more through your diet.

Balanced Eating

An effective fat loss diet will encourage balanced eating at every meal. You should try to eat about 40 percent of your calories from carbohydrates, 30 percent from fat and 30 percent from protein. These three macronutrients all provide different nutrition to your body, not just calories. Carbohydrates provide your body's main source of energy, fat is important for normal growth and development, and protein is responsible for proper immune system function and the building and preservation of lean muscle mass.

Daily Exercise

To lose fat and get lean, a healthy diet needs to be coupled with daily exercise. Fat loss requires participation in moderate intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes daily. Performing cardiovascular and strength training will positively affect your body composition, decreasing body fat and increasing lean mass.

References

Article reviewed by Billie Jo Jannen Last updated on: May 26, 2011

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