By JJ Virgin
For years now, I’ve noticed that my clients get the best results when they cut carbs. Now a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine shows that following a low-carb lifestyle not only aids weight loss, but it improves cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure cholesterol more than a low-fat lifestyle.
However, low carb doesn’t mean no carb.
Eating zero carbs will raise your stress hormones, so you do want to include some carbohydrates into your meals, but they should be sensible carbs rather than white, unrefined bread or pasta. Instead of regular pasta, try spaghetti squash. Instead of devouring the bread basket at your favorite restaurant, ask for a side of nonstarchy vegetables and send the bread basket away so you won’t be tempted.
I encourage people to get at least 50 grams of heart-healthy fiber per day, and the way to do that is to include at least one high-fiber, low-glycemic carb at every meal. This could be an apple, lentils, legumes, or other foods that are close to nature (hint: that box of readymade pasta or rice doesn’t count). One of my favorite simple recipes is to toss brussel sprouts and cremini mushrooms in olive oil and sea salt, then roast it in the oven. Yum!
The bottom line? Loading up on colorful, nonstarchy vegetables and reducing your carbs will help you achieve the fitness results you want and improve your overall health.
©2010 JJ Virgin & Associates, Inc. Celebrity nutrition and wellness expert JJVirgin is a media personality, in-demand public speaker and best-selling author of Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy, The 5-Step Plan to Sleek, Strong and Sculpted Arms. Get her biweekly LEANzine chock full of tips to get you slim and sexy fast at http://www.jjvirgin.com.
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