Dieting by avoiding fat

There are three basic types of foods that we eat: protein, carbohydrate and fat. Protein is largely used to build muscle, but it can also be converted to usable energy by the body. Carbohydrates are most immediately turned into energy, which is why eating sugars and complex carbohydrates (carbs) gives you an energy boost. Fats are used by the body to store nutrients, store energy, and to protect organs. Some diet plans focus on the reduction of carbohydrates, especially simple sugars. However, for many people, the most effective diet plans are those that focus on limiting fats.

Why a Good Diet Plan Limits Fat?

All food energy is measured by calories. Our bodies burn calories when they work, thus to keep a steady weight a person must consume approximately the same amount of calories that they burn. Protein contains approximately 4 calories per gram. Carbohydrates also contain approximately 4 calories per gram. Fat, however, contains a much higher 9 calories per gram – more than double the calories of carbs or protein. Fats are also very easily converted into the same type of fat that the body is able to store. This means that while the body must expend a certain amount of energy to turn excess protein or carbs into fat, it expends very little energy turning consumed fat into body fat.

Saturated fats and trans-fats are among the worst type of fats in that they directly help to raise bad cholesterol levels. Thus, an effective diet plan focuses on reducing the amount of fat that is taken in. Now, do not misunderstand – it is never healthy to completely illuminate fat from one’s diet plan. We need some fat to insulate our bodies, store fat soluble nutrients for future use, create certain hormones and enzymes, and more. However, only small amounts of fat are necessary in any diet plan and in fact only about 30 percent of a person’s diet plan should be made of fat.

How to Limit Fat in Your Diet Plan?

Limiting fat can be challenging, as far as self control – fat tastes good! But today many low fat alternatives exist. It is best to avoid most fat replacements, as many of these can cause digestion problems. But choosing foods low in fat can be easy: ask for skim milk in your café mocha, buy low fat cheese, leave the cheese off your hamburger, purchase low fat hot dogs, and remember that treats such as gelatin and even dark chocolate are naturally low in fat. Make the lean choice a part of your daily diet plan and losing weight will be easier.