In the course of running my fitness and lifestyle studio, I get asked a LOT of questions about what to eat. And as a lifestylist, I always look for the simplest ways to communicate with my clients about what works.
One expert I am in full agreement with is Dr. J. J. Virgin, whose eating plan flies in the face of others that have been out there a while.
J.J. created the magic plate, showing a graph of what portion of your diet should consist of lean protein, how much should be healthy fats, an amount of high fiber carbs/low glycemic index fruits and a HUGE portion of non-starchy vegetables. Using this magic plate model allows me to encourage my clients to move away from the idea of counting calories and get a good overall picture of what a meal should look like. Simple. Easy. No frills here.
“Food is information,” she says. “What you eat, how much of it you eat, when you eat, and how you eat will make the decision for your body as to whether you burn fat or store fat, build muscle or burn muscle, and if you’ll have steady, sustained energy or if your body will take you on a Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride like at Disneyland.”
Remember how your mom used to say ‘everything in moderation’ – ?? The same goes for even healthy food, “Calories do count, but it’s very clear from research that where they come from counts more,” she advises. When you put your ‘magic plate’ together, however ( the one that puts the right amount and right selections of food groups together), then your body will get the right message. Which one? The one that says, “I’m full!”
With the right food combo, or ‘magic plate’ concept, you won’t be as hungry, and the kind of energy you’ll send to your brain will keep your blood sugar and insulin at a nice level so that your body can use stored fat for fuel – not a muffin top.
Curious now? Next time, we’ll talk about how all this actually works to suppress your appetite.
