We can also label them “tools to build a strong body” or “pieces of the good health puzzle.” Whatever metaphor we use, Stacy Kennedy, nutritionist of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, points out “a very basic food synergy is the concept of eating protein with foods that contain beneficial carbohydrates, which we need for energy.” Here’s why.
Protein, Kennedy reminds us, slows the absorption of glucose, or sugar, from carbohydrates. “This synergy helps by minimizing insulin and blood-sugar spikes, which are followed by a crash, zapping energy. High insulin levels are connected with inflammation, diabetes, cancer, and other diseases. By slowing the absorption of glucose, your body can better read the cues that you are full. This helps prevent everything from overeating to indigestion.” So cut as many bad carbs (i.e., anything white, starchy, and sugary) as you want. But when you eat healthful carbs (whole grains, fruit, vegetables), don’t eat them on their own.
The paragraph above is from “The Thirteen Best Food Combos On The Planet” by Adam Baer.
After 20 years of battling to lose weight I am convinced, based on my own experience, that the surge in blood sugar from sugary food and bad carbs, followed by the spike in insulin, then the crash of blood sugar, was the key reason for my own inability to control or limit overeating. Try making this healthful eating lifestyle change “Good Carbs and Protein.” Let me know the result.
Bob Rossilli is a Certified Fitness Trainer, Certified Specialist in Fitness Nutrition and a Certified Specialist in Senior Fitness. He is President of Fitness Over Fifty Inc. based out of Kings Park NY. He also works as a Fitness Trainer at The Y Jewish Community Center in Commack NY. If you would like to contact Bob about using his services to help you, your company or your business staff get fit, get in touch at 631-629-4757, 781-910-3279, or fitnessoverfiftyinc@gmail.com.
