There’s no denying that inflammation can be the root cause of many health problems; in fact, it might even be the reason for your weight loss struggle despite eating right and exercising! It turns out that inflammation, triggered by inadequate nutrition, may be to blame for frustrations in shedding those extra pounds.
Losing weight can indeed be a complicated task, and advice on diets can be conflicting. However, one rule of health is increasingly gaining attention for its effectiveness in weight loss: focusing on getting enough essential nutrients, especially those that reduce inflammation in your body.
##Nutrition – The Key to Weight Loss Success
The importance of nutrition in your quest for weight loss cannot be overstated. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have shown that when you miss out on key nutrients, it becomes practically impossible to lose weight.
These scientists found that ensuring participants got all the well-balanced nutrition they needed by feeding them two nutrient bars daily for two months contributed to weight loss, with no other changes to their diet or exercise. Yes, all it took was proper nutrition.
##Dietary Changes to Improve Nutritional Deficiencies
Although the nutrient bars used by the Berkeley researchers are not available for public consumption, you can still achieve similar results by addressing your nutritional deficiencies. The first step to successful weight loss is embracing a well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet, which includes:
- Eating more fruits and vegetables, especially green and leafy varieties.
- Consuming more poultry and fish to benefit from inflammation-reducing omega-3 fatty acids.
- Avoiding cheap, processed meats like hotdogs and burgers from fast-food restaurants.
One example of a successful diet for weight loss is the paleo diet, which omits gluten, processed snacks, and processed meats. By focusing on nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables, and fish rich in omega-3s, it is possible to lose a significant amount of weight within just a few days without any additional lifestyle changes.
##Don’t Shy Away from Fats
It is important not to overlook the role of healthy fats in a weight loss diet. Omega-3s are found in many healthy fat food sources, and instead of shunning fats completely, it’s crucial to focus on the right kinds.
According to Katherine Tallmadge, RD, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, “You need a little fat to absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K and other nutrients.” Consuming healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil or canola oil-based salad dressings, can actually aid your body in absorbing more nutrients from the foods you eat.
Another way to enhance nutrient absorption is to include eggs in your diet. A recent study demonstrated that eggs help increase carotenoid absorption from vegetables, which are powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation.
##Try a Nutrient-Focused Diet
Adopting a dietary approach that prioritizes nutrition may just be the key to shedding those stubborn extra pounds. By focusing on consuming nutrient-dense foods that reduce inflammation, avoiding unhealthy processed options, and embracing healthy fats, you may be able to achieve your weight loss goals more easily than you ever thought possible. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try and see the results for yourself!
