In order to lose fat and build lean muscle, it is important to make sure that at least 90% of your diet is made up of whole, unprocessed foods.
So what does this look like? Basically anything that doesn’t come out of a box or is packaged is more likely to be considered wholefood. Think foods such as lean meats, vegetables, eggs and fruits. Those as close to their natural state as possible.
You should be eating six meals a day, which leaves room for around four naughty, (junk) meals, per week! Make sure that your diet contains plenty of protein as well. When it comes to building the body that you want, you may not be eating as well and as healthily as you think you are.
Below are some foods that are detrimental to getting your ideal body!
Leanne and Fitness Tips Say:
Breakfast Cereals
Cereals labelled ‘low-fat’ can be deceiving. So many cereals, even those claiming to be good for weight loss, still contain an extraordinary amount of sugar. Always check the label to see just how much sugar it contains.
Tip: Traditional oatmeal, Weetbix or Vitabrix is a good way to go. Any oat based breakfast option is good such as creamy oats and pancakes with maple syrup.
Muesli Bars
Muesli bars may contain whole ingredients like oats, nuts and seeds. Unfortunately, these ingredients are often glued together with things like corn syrup, honey or sometimes just plain sugar. All of these things have a negative impact on blood sugar levels. Muesli bars containing chocolate chips are really no better than consuming a chocolate bar. Basically, they are low in protein, high in fat and sugar. All in all, a fat loss nightmare!
Tip: How about making your own protein bars or cakes at home? There are many simple recipes to be found online that are healthy and will keep the whole family happy.
Low-Fat Yoghurt
The words Fat-free does not necessarily mean healthy. Generally, low-fat yoghurt is actually full of sugar. Approximately seven teaspoons per 200g container to be precise!
Tip: Simple…plain, unflavoured yoghurt or reduced sugar yoghurt.
Cheese and Crackers
Often cheese and crackers are a ‘go to’ for those trying to lose weight. This type of snack is often highly processed and wheat based. Furthermore, a lot of people are wheat intolerant even without knowing it, and should be reducing the amount they consume. Combine highly processed carbohydrates (crackers), and fat (cheese) and you are in for a hard road to losing weight.
Tip: Rice cakes and cottage cheese are a much healthier fat loss alternative.
Fast Food Salads
Often, the ready made salads that you find at the supermarket contain sugar-laden salad dressings, preservatives and loads of hidden fats!
Tip: Try sticking to garden tossed salads and add your own dressing, or better still, make your own salads at home!
Do you find yourself struggling to keep your eyes open by 3pm? A wholefood snack may be the answer! More tips on how to avoid late afternoon slumps here.
Let me know which of these tips have helped you on your journey towards your ideal body or add your ideas to this list in the comments below.
xx Leanne
