Low Fat Diets Are Making A Comeback
After years of carb-cutting, Zone-ing and GI-watching, low fat dieting is making a welcome return. However there is a significant difference from earlier low fat diets, namely cutting out only 'bad' fats and recognising that there are 'good' fats essential for nutrition and health.
Low fat diets have been around in various guises for decades. From the bouillon diets of the late 19th century to the work of Pritikin, Rosemary Conley, Ornish and now Gillian MacKeith, low fat diets have been a tried and trusted weight loss aid for a considerable time. There are some significant differences though.
Firstly, it is now well known that low fat processed foods can be high in calories due to added sugar. For this reason label reading is essential, along with calculating percentages of fat.
Secondly, there is a need for some fat in our diets, especially those deemed to be 'good' fats. These include flaxseed oil and olive oil, plus raw butter surprisingly enough.
Lastly, there is more emphasis in eating more vegetables, but keeping fruit consumption under control due to calorie and sugar content.
Juicing in particular has become the darling of the weight loss industry as the results are often spectacular. However it is very important to reintroduce normal foods after the first few weeks of a juice diet. Jason Vale is a popular juicing 'guru' in the UK, and has a sensible approach to losing weight this way.
Low fat diets are still a tried and tested method of losing weight, which are still used extensively in NHS hospitals in the UK. Try these tasty, quick recipes and see how easy it is to cut the fat without losing the taste.
- 10 Minute Pasta And Vegetables (serves 1)
- 1 onion (or onion salt)
- Fresh or powdered garlic (optional)
- 1 tin of tomatoes, plum or chopped
- 1 courgette/zuchini
- A small handful of quick-cook pasta
- Basil, salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil or butter
Chop or blend the onion and fry in the oil with the garlic until golden brown (skip this if you are using onion salt). Add the tinned tomatoes and cover the pan on a medium heat. Now chop the courgette FINELY and add to the sauce, along with the pasta. Fill the empty tomato tin halfway with boiling water and add to the sauce. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the pasta is done. Add seasoning if required and serve with a little grated cheese.
- Quick Vegetable Rice (serves 1)
- This recipe is great for using up frozen vegetables!
- 1 breakfast bowlful of mixed frozen veg (carrots, peas, sweetcorn, stringbeans)
- 2 heaped tablespoons of basmati rice
- Vegetable or chicken stock, powdered or cubed.
Very easy indeed. Simply mix together the frozen veg with the rice, add about half a cup of tap water and add about half a cube of stock, or a level teaspoon of bouillion powder. Cover and leave on a medium heat for about 6-7 minutes, or until the rice has cooked. This recipe works best with basmati rice, as it is lighter and more fragrant than white or brown rice.
These low fat recipes can be a delicious addition to your weight loss diet program. A healthy low fat and low calorie diet that includes 'good' fats can help you lose weight while maintaining you health and energy.