INTRODUCTION
Most weight loss programs are total “calorie restriction” programs. It is not easy to stick to such a “calorie restriction” program.
In order to lose weight, fat needs to be burned. Either by exercising or eating less. There is no other way!!!!
The problem with only exercising is that strenuous exercise and many hours are required so as to obtain real results. Secondly, people then use exercise as an excuse to eat more and cannot understand why they aren’t losing weight.
Therefore eating correctly, as well as mild exercise is the answer.
The idea is to eat less without feeling hungry, for when you arrive home in the evening - you indulge in too much food, especially the rice, potatoes, sweetened carrots and sweetened pumpkin.
If we can therefore “con” the body into thinking there is sufficient sugar in the brain and that you do not need to eat now, your body can and will use the stored fat as an alternative energy provider. That is what we would like to achieve!!!! BURNING FAT AND MAINTAINING OUR GOAL WEIGHT.
Most overweight people take in too much carbohydrate (sugars), and too little protein, as well as the ratio balance of sugar and protein, and what is not used as energy is then turned into fat!
Protein plays an important role in keeping the sugar levels more stable, and retaining it in the cells longer as well as in the regeneration of cells in the form of essential amino acids. If we do not take in sufficient protein the body takes it from your muscles!
Overweight and underweight people all suffer from protein deficiency.
Remember that sufficient protein according to your needs also have calorie value, but unlike carbohydrates, it does not convert into fat as it does not get used for energy purposes! (Just think: where does all that rice, potatoes sweetened pumpkin, sweetened carrots plus 2 slices of bread with jam go when you go to bed??)
We do not eat sufficiently during the day and we are therefore extremely hungry in the evening and overindulge in food!!!
The basic plan is therefore to decrease your carbohydrate intake and increase you protein intake.
Divide the protein value into 5 portions throughout the day.
Cut down on/avoid certain high value carbohydrates.
Eat only proteins in the evening. (Yes that is correct – no other additional foods such as salads and/or vegetables – only proteins!!!) (You would like to lose weight not so? Some self-discipline needs to be applied and a little self-sacrifice is required).
HOW MUCH PROTEIN DO I NEED?
It is determined as follows:
Determine your current weight in kg. Then deduct the amount of weight you want to lose from that and multiply by 2.2. If your goal weight loss is less than 15kg, use the losing weight as guideline.
E.g. If your current mass is 120kg and you would like to weigh 105kg:
v 120 – 15 x 2.2 = +- 230.
230 Is the weight in grams of your daily protein intake. When you have then lost 10kg, you will adjust your protein value again.
v 120 – 10 – 15 x 2.2 = +- 210
If a person weighs 95kg and would like to weigh only 88kg, then he would adjust his protein value downward with the following weight loss goal:
v That means with 8; 95 – 8 x 2.2 = +- 192g protein.
The reason being that by adjusting to lessened protein, you would also minimize your carbohydrates. (Those little devils that cause fat). EXPLAINED LATER!
This protein target is then divided equally into 5 equal portions throughout the day.
230g 200g 150g
Morning 45g 40g 30g
Mid-morning 45g 40g 30g
Afternoon 45g 40g 30g
Mid-afternoon 45g 40g 30g
Evening 45g 40g 30g
WHAT IS PROTEIN VALUE?
To make it easier, I use the average size of the palm of an adult man as guideline. That is approximately 25-30g protein value. Therefore:
v Lady’s steak 200g = 30g protein
v Egg = 30g protein
v Handful nuts = 30g protein
v 2 x lamb chops = 30g protein
v 1 x scoop “pure protein” powder = 30g protein
v 1 x chicken breast = 30g protein
v ½ can tuna = 30g protein.
HOW MUCH CARBOHYDRATE SHOULD I USE?
WE FOLLOW THE 1:1 RATIO RULE!
We here refer to portion sizes. That means 1 portion meat : 1 portion carbohydrates of the same amount of protein! Meaning:
v 1 x egg : ½ slice of bread
v 2 x lady’s steak : 4 tablespoons vegetables
v 1 x scoop “pure protein” powder : 1 x banana
v ½ can tuna : 1 cup lettuce, tomatoes etc.
v 1 x scoop “pure protein” : 1 cup oats / granola / mieliepap / pronutro
CARBOHYDRATE RULES
- No white bread, pasta, rice or potatoes.
- No salad dressing, tomato sauce.
- Only protein for meal in the evening – no additional foods such as salad, vegetables or bread!!! If you are still hungry, drink a “pure protein/low calorie shake” or eat another portion protein!
- Additional food of the same portion size, only on one evening per week (e.g. Friday / Saturday evening).
WHAT DO I EAT?
v Use your imagination and don’t make an issue of your “eating plan”. Dieting is work, but to eat correctly and reap the benefits of weight loss is satisfying.
v You will not starve, and will lose weight if you eat correctly and follow the guidelines.
v Always remember the 1:1 ratio rule. Eat your 5 portions of protein throughout the day.
v 6 days – eat only protein in the evening, 7th day – add additional food in the evening.
FLUIDS
v Drink a glass of water each morning on an empty stomach (please don’t burn your mouth). You can add a bit of lemon juice.
v If you feel thirsty during the day, drink water.
v Now and then drink fruit juice (e.g. Grape juice, litchi juice and Apple juice). Water is still the best low calorie drink available! (The Buffalo bulls and male Lions in the wild grow nice and strong just on water).
v The only alcohol allowed is 1 x tot whiskey with ice/water.
v 2-3 Cups coffee/tea per day – no sugar (yes bitter!)
SUPPLEMENTS
We all need vitamin and mineral supplements(the most expensive you can afford). Our food (fruits and vegetables) lack sufficient amounts.
I strongly recommend an antioxidant (e.g. Procydin).
For the ladies – additional B6 / B12 supplements will be advantageous.
v GOOD LUCK! IT’S NOT EASY – IF IT WAS, EVERYONE WOULD DO IT!
v IT IS AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR OWN HEALTH!
v “THE BALL IS IN YOUR COURT – YOU PLAY IT!”