Forget the Food Pyramid - Here’s My Simple Formula for Getting Lean

By Al Sears, MD

In 2005, the government issued its latest food pyramid. You’ve probably seen it - but if you haven’t, you’ll soon get your chance. Over 2,000 supermarkets in 17 states are planning to promote it in their stores.

The "new" food pyramid - like the old one - suggests that you eat more grains and carbs than anything else. And, not surprisingly, the big food makers are footing the bill for this "public service" campaign. (When you’ve spent that much money lobbying politicians to support your high-carb, highly processed, artificial-food-substitute products, why not cash in?)

But don’t be fooled. Following this unnatural high-carb diet, while ignoring protein and healthy fats, will only make you fat, sick, and tired. Instead, follow my simple formula for getting lean:

High Protein + Low Carbs + the Right Fats + Regular Exercise = Fat Loss
Increase Protein: Quality protein is the key to good nutrition. Protein promotes muscle growth and increases the burning of carbs and fat for energy. Fish, lean meats, eggs, dairy, beans, and nuts are all good sources of protein.

Decrease Carbohydrates: Starches are a main cause of obesity. Limit your consumption of anything made from grains or potatoes. Get your carbs from unprocessed vegetables that grow above the ground.

Eat Natural Fats: Most modern fat is a health nightmare, but getting enough omega-3 fats is essential for good health. Eat unprocessed vegetable fats from avocados, nuts, and virgin olive oil. Avoid corn oil and all hydrogenated oils. Get your animal fat from grass-fed red meat, wild fish, and eggs.
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It’s Good to Know: How to Use Google to Do a Currency Conversion
Next time you need to convert an amount of money from any world currency to any other, type the requested conversion into the Google search box and hit Enter. For example, type in "2 U.S. dollars in British pounds," and you’ll get "1.19." If you’re traveling to, say, Poland, and you don’t know the name of the currency (the zloty), you can type in "currency of Poland" or "Polish money."
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Word to the Wise: Pyrrhic Victory

A "Pyrrhic" (PIR-ik) victory is one achieved at too great a cost.

Example (as used by Geoffrey Wheatcroft in an article about the Revolutionary War that appeared in The Atlantic): "Technically it was a victory for the British, who attacked the patriot fortifications - but a Pyrrhic victory if ever there was: Out of 2,200 British soldiers 1,034 were killed or wounded, including one in nine of all the officers the British lost in the whole war."

The expression refers to a remark attributed by Plutarch to the Greek king Pyrrhus. After suffering heavy losses in defeating the Romans in 279 BC, Pyrrhus said to those sent to congratulate him, "Another such victory over the Romans and we are undone."
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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #1971, 02-21-07], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.