Food Combining for Weight Loss

Though many of us usually think that the best way to lose weight fast is to stop eating fatty foods and start doing some rigorous exercise routine. Well, exercise and a weight loss diet, does help us to shed those extra kilos but they require tremendous amount of dedication and hard work. However, in quest of losing weight we try all possible things that can help us but ignorantly we forget about the foods we eat which are highly responsible for our weight gain as well as weight loss.

Research shows one of the major causes for weight gain is improper digestion of food. Besides weight gain, improper food digestion can also result in various digestive problems like acidity, constipation, bloating, heartburn, etc. Also incomplete digestion plays havoc with nutrient absorption and contributes to fat and cholesterol accumulation in the body which eventually results in weight gain and obesity. Since each food has different digestive requirements, it is essential for us to have food in healthy proportions and combination for proper metabolism and digestion.

Food Combining and Weight Loss

Food combining for weight loss basically refers to separating specific foods and consuming foods in right concentrations and combination for easy digestion and fast weight loss. This concept was introduced in the 20th century by Dr. William Howard Hay, emphasizing on eating certain foods together and in specific meals. Hence, below given are food combining principles that will help in fat burning and controlling body weight.

• Since an acid neutralizes a base or any alkaline medium, in order to avoid fermentation or impaired digestion, separate foods rich in acids and starches like potatoes, sweet corn, cereals, breads, etc. and consume them at different meals.
• Likewise, even carbohydrates and proteins like fish, poultry, eggs, milk, meat, cheese, yogurt, tofu, etc. should be consumed at separate meals. Since proteins require an acidic medium for digestion, carbohydrates being alkaline in nature are unable to provide that acid medium, which results in improper protein digestion.
• Avoid having sugar and protein rich foods together, and try having one type of protein food at a meal for better results. Similarly eat proteins and fats at separate meals as foods high in fats require more time for digestion.
• Fruits, which are packed with vitamins and minerals and are also easy to digest, should not be combined with proteins and starches. Except yogurt which is also very easy to digest, it is recommended not to mix up fruits with other foods. However, banana being high in starch is one such fruit that goes well with porridge and cereals.
• Desserts the most irresistible part of any meal, should be avoided as far as possible especially when you are on a weight loss program. But if you still desire to eat them, try having them after 15 minutes and within 30 minutes of your main course.

To sum up, we can say that food combining for weight loss helps in controlling body weight and also aids in absorbing nutrients, which subsequently serves in burning extra calories and weight loss. Hence, food combining doesn't mean that one has to eat everything separately, rather one has to make healthy food choices and eat in right combination. For optimum results, keep yourself hydrated by drinking enough water and exercising regularly. I hope the aforementioned guidelines on food combining will help you in planning your food combining diet for weight loss.