Why aren't these foods on the Fast Metabolism Diet?
Food is medicine to keep the body strong and healthy. But you may have noticed that some seemingly healthy foods are not part of the Fast Metabolism Diet. Here's why.
While designing the diet that became the book, I wanted nutrients and micronutrients that enhance and optimize the adrenal-calming aspects of Phase 1, the muscle and body-structure-building aspects of Phase 2, and the fat-torching properties of Phase 3. I chose nutrients FIRST -- then chose foods that most optimally fit the profile.
There's a method to my madness! Here are just a few of the foods not on the diet, and why.
Bananas
Not a day goes by that someone doesn't ask this question! The potassium and sugars in bananas work together in a unique way, actually shuttling the fruit's sugars more quickly to your bloodstream. That's why bananas are a great pre-race food for athletes -- their sugars are quickly absorbed and immediately available for fuel. But on the Fast Metabolism Diet, that's not what we want. We want a s-l-o-w delivery of natural sugars to the body.
Brazil nuts
Brazil nuts are high in selenium, which has been linked to the prevention of prostate cancer. That's why you'll see Brazil nuts often noted as great for men's health. Brazil nuts are also higher in saturated fats, ultimately why they aren't included on Phase 3. One-quarter cup of Brazil nuts have about 5 grams of saturated fats (the "bad" fat), compared to 1 gram for raw almonds. But they have less fiber and protein, too. Certainly enjoy them after the diet.
Honey
"But honey is natural, why can't I use it?" I hear that one a LOT. On the Fast Metabolism Diet, I want you to avoid sweeteners that raise your blood sugar quickly. That includes sugar, molasses, agave, cane juice, fruit juice, and honey. The sugars on the diet -- natural sugars from fruit -- are fed to your blood stream slowly, thanks to the fiber and water content of those fruits. Raw honey has a wonderful blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants (processed honey has none of these), so after your metabolism is rehabilitated, I think it's a healthful alternative to table sugar.
Potatoes
Plain white potatoes do have some health benefits, including a range of antioxidants. They are a good source of vitamin B6 as well as potassium, copper, vitamin C, manganese, phosphorus, niacin, dietary fiber, and pantothenic acid (critical for the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates). But potatoes, compared to other vegetables, just fall shy in nutrients. Plus they contain a lot of starchy carbohydrate, which the body converts to sugar, potentially causing a spike in blood sugar, insulin and adrenal hormones.
Plus agriculturally, they have been hybridized to resist fungus, and grow at an extremely fast rate, increasing their glycemic index. Because they are grown in the ground, they can absorb toxins, pesticides, and insecticides, so non-organic white potatoes can be one of the dirtier food items.
While designing the diet that became the book, I wanted nutrients and micronutrients that enhance and optimize the adrenal-calming aspects of Phase 1, the muscle and body-structure-building aspects of Phase 2, and the fat-torching properties of Phase 3. I chose nutrients FIRST -- then chose foods that most optimally fit the profile.
There's a method to my madness! Here are just a few of the foods not on the diet, and why.
Bananas
Not a day goes by that someone doesn't ask this question! The potassium and sugars in bananas work together in a unique way, actually shuttling the fruit's sugars more quickly to your bloodstream. That's why bananas are a great pre-race food for athletes -- their sugars are quickly absorbed and immediately available for fuel. But on the Fast Metabolism Diet, that's not what we want. We want a s-l-o-w delivery of natural sugars to the body.
Brazil nuts
Brazil nuts are high in selenium, which has been linked to the prevention of prostate cancer. That's why you'll see Brazil nuts often noted as great for men's health. Brazil nuts are also higher in saturated fats, ultimately why they aren't included on Phase 3. One-quarter cup of Brazil nuts have about 5 grams of saturated fats (the "bad" fat), compared to 1 gram for raw almonds. But they have less fiber and protein, too. Certainly enjoy them after the diet.
Honey
"But honey is natural, why can't I use it?" I hear that one a LOT. On the Fast Metabolism Diet, I want you to avoid sweeteners that raise your blood sugar quickly. That includes sugar, molasses, agave, cane juice, fruit juice, and honey. The sugars on the diet -- natural sugars from fruit -- are fed to your blood stream slowly, thanks to the fiber and water content of those fruits. Raw honey has a wonderful blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants (processed honey has none of these), so after your metabolism is rehabilitated, I think it's a healthful alternative to table sugar.
Potatoes
Plain white potatoes do have some health benefits, including a range of antioxidants. They are a good source of vitamin B6 as well as potassium, copper, vitamin C, manganese, phosphorus, niacin, dietary fiber, and pantothenic acid (critical for the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates). But potatoes, compared to other vegetables, just fall shy in nutrients. Plus they contain a lot of starchy carbohydrate, which the body converts to sugar, potentially causing a spike in blood sugar, insulin and adrenal hormones.
Plus agriculturally, they have been hybridized to resist fungus, and grow at an extremely fast rate, increasing their glycemic index. Because they are grown in the ground, they can absorb toxins, pesticides, and insecticides, so non-organic white potatoes can be one of the dirtier food items.
