Eat Greens For Fat Loss

When it comes to fat loss and losing weight there is an overwhelming amount of information. If you're like most people who want to lose weight you may feel somewhat bewildered and confused by all the diet and nutrition advice given by so many different fat loss experts. The tough part is that much of this advice overlooks the basic physiological premise for weight loss and long-term health - alkalinity!

Our bodies operate within a fine pH equilibrium. If we are too acidic, we invite disease and "fatness" to grow rampant. 2-time Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Linus Pauling, was the first to show to that cancer cannot grow in an alkaline environment. Many years later, though, most people have no idea what being alkaline means.

Being alkaline means not being acidic. The most important bodily tissue - our blood - requires a slightly alkaline pH to operate perfectly. If not, red blood cells begin to die, coagulate, and expel their waste into the blood. Oxygen transport to the cells becomes compromised and the body begins removing dangerous acid out from the blood and storing in our fat cells.

The body's fat cells hold onto this acid as a protective mechanism since acid in the blood or vital organs can be lethal. Therefore, your ability to burn fat is related to your body's acid-alkaline balance. You will find it very hard lose fat if you are acidic. It's simple - your body needs to keep the fat around to hold onto to the acid. Once the acid lessens, the fat will follow.

So when you hear "experts" promoting high protein diets or other similar weight loss gimmicks you need to ask yourself if the foods they promote are acid or alkaline-forming in the body. For instance, all animal products (meat, dairy, eggs) are acid-forming in the body. Most grains and refined sugars are as well. A diet high in these foods can only result in an acidic body.

It has been said that our diet should be 80% alkaline and 20% acidic. However, I'm sure you can see that the Western diet - full of its processed, refined, and high fat foods - is the exact opposite. It's no wonder that obesity is such a problem in Westernized countries.

So what foods are alkaline-forming?

Fruits and vegetables. The reason for this is that they are abundant in alkalizing minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium while possessing lower concentrations of acidifying properties such as sulfur and nitrogen.

The best sources of alkalinity of all foods are greens. Grasses, green vegetables, and sea vegetables are some examples. A diet rich in green foods will not only help prevent the onset of disease but it will keep you thin.

As you incorporate more green foods into your diet you will become more alkaline - displacing needless acid - and improving your fat loss efforts. Think about it...how many overweight vegans or vegetarians do you know? Obviously being vegetarian doesn't guarantee weight loss because many of these people can also have atrocious diets. However, their chance of staying thin is far better than someone who eats burgers and other garbage foods.

How to alkalize your body?

Eat for health and you will alkalize your body and lose weight. Here are 4 strategies to help you alkalize your body for optimal fat loss (and health) results:

1. Eat more fruits and vegetables and get plenty of greens. My rule of thumb is to consume at least 1 green juice and/or salad each day.

2. Drink plenty of water. You should drink at least half your body weight (lbs) in ounces each day.

3. Breathe! Take a few minutes each day and focus on deep breathing. Oxygen is alkalizing.

4. Minimize and avoid processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and nutrition-deficient drinks like coffee and sodas.

Nutrition Expert, Yuri Elkaim and his groundbreaking book, Eating for Energy, have helped thousands of people in over 80 countries regain control of their health and weight. Watch his new You Tube Video and discover a delicious GREEN smoothie recipe that will keep you energized and nourished. For more on his revolutionary healthy eating book visit http://www.EatingforEnergy.ca.