And as far as energy is concerned, what are the very best food sources for fuel and energy?
Believe it or not, protein is NOT nature’s most efficient source of fuel and energy for our bodies.
Without question, carbohydrates are the most efficient sources of fuel and energy for the human body.
Contrary to common belief and the doctrines of so many loudly touted and very lucrative weight loss programs and diets, carbohydrates are not always the bad guys, even though they have certainly gotten a bum rap in the last while.
Unrefined plant sources of carbohydrates in the form of whole, fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains and beans are our best sources of fuel and energy. They are also the best sources of nutrition for human health and fitness.
However, refined carbohydrates, made from white sugar and/or white flour, are the bad guys. It is best to eliminate these refined foods from our diets altogether. You know what they are: refined breads, cookies, cakes, desserts, baked goods, candy or anything at all made with white sugar and white flour.
Because human beings get their most efficient fuel, or energy, from carbohydrates, unrefined plant sources, if enough unrefined carbohydrates are not consumed, you will, among many other problems, feel tired.
Those people who go on high protein diets, after a while, have a common complaint—they get very tired. Why? Because they load up on animal protein, a poor source of fuel and energy, and they cut way back on the best food sources for energy—carbohydrates from unrefined plant foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans).
Furthermore, high-protein dieters often crave and binge on refined carbohydrate goodies.
These cravings are the body’s way of telling them that they are not getting something they need through the foods they are eating. In this case, it is the unrefined carbohydrates.
However, rather than grabbing for a few pieces of fresh fruit or a big, green-leafy vegetable salad, these people typically grab for the goodies that are so very accessible, edible, and dearly loved.
What is the percentage of carbohydrates in plant foods?
Sweet potatoes consist of 92% carbohydrates
Grapefruit 90%
Oranges 88%
Brown Rice 87%
Wheat flour 76%
Oatmeal 69%
Carrots 36%
On the contrary, what is the percentage of carbohydrates in animal foods?
Beef has 0% carbohydrates
Chicken 0%
Pork 0%
Turkey 0%
That’s right. Animal foods contain protein and fat, not to mention the cholesterol and chemicals, but no carbohydrates.
Knowing what you know now, what foods provide the most efficient sources of energy?
Plant foods or animal foods? That’s right. Plant foods.
Compare your body to a car. The protein, which makes up the structure of the cells, can be compared to the engine in a car. The carbohydrates can be compared to the gas you put into the engine.
Want to get your engine, or your body, running faster and more efficiently? Fill up with plant foods.
Plant foods give us all the nutrients we need to enhance and maintain our bodies and our health.
Plant foods are the keys to preventing diseases and promoting health and fitness and longevity.
If you don’t believe me, just ask the elephants.
Dr. Leslie Van Romer is a health motivational speaker, writer, and lifestyle coach. Visit http://www.DrLeslieVanRomer.com for more inspiration.