Top Reasons Not to Omit Foods when Dieting

Obesity is so prevalent today, and with it comes many different kinds of quick fix cures for being overweight. You very rarely hear of a diet plan that includes all the basic food groups. Many diets would have people actually omitting certain foods altogether. Citing them, as the main reason that we are overweight. This is so unhealthy for so many reasons.

Omitting breads, cereals, rice, pastas and grains is a big factor in many of the popular, "fad" diets. People do not realize that we need these foods to remain healthy. They are a great source of protein, carbohydrates, and are high in fiber. They are full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They also have phytochemicals that helps protect our bodies from such things as diabetes, certain cancers and heart disease. Grains also help significantly with digestion because they contain high fibre. Which means better bowel health and a reduced chance of getting colon cancer.

Many people assume that omitting beef or any meat for that matter, is a healthier way to live. The truth is beef is a great source for protein, iron, zinc and vitamins B6, B9 and B12. Iron and protein produce the energy we need on a daily basis. So it truly is good for us. But what about the fat content?. We already know that a grilled steak has less calories than a hamburger. So preparation of any food has to be considered.

Fat is a confusing subject when it comes to having a healthy diet. Again we need fats in our diet to give us energy and absorb vitamins. Saturated fats, Poly unsaturated and Mono unsaturated fats help to decrease cholesterol levels. While Trans fats lower good cholesterol and raise bad cholesterol. In any case, I found out the importance of fat in my diet the hard way.

I was dieting one summer and really losing a lot of weight. I was pretty happy about it until I stopped menstruating altogether. I was concerned, so I made a quick trip to the doctors office. I was rather shocked by what he told me. He stated that I did not have enough fat in my body to menstruate properly. I would have to take the hormone depo-provera to start again. I had so many terrible side affects from this drug. He suggested that I immediately start eating right. He was annoyed that so many people thought they could maintain a healthy diet by omitting all fats.

If we omit certain foods it affects our health in a negative way. Moderation is best when trying to maintain good overall health. If you do chose to omit something from your diet, make sure you replace whatever vitamin or nutrient you are missing out on.