The different weight-loss programs marketed to the general public are typically designed to eliminate one food group, like no fats or low fats, or increase the consumption of one food group in relation to all other foods like high-protein diets (Whitney & Rolfes, 2004). We know that this diet programs are just fads that claim to be a method to lose weight safely. Fact is, eradicating of increasing a certain food group is never healthy.
Fats are necessary for growth and development, fats provide the energy that the body needs to process the different actions of the body, and it is a key component in hormone production and even in the absorption of some nutrients. If a person follows a low or non fat diet, then chances are that the individual may be suffering from weakness, fatigue and inability to concentrate and function well (Whitney & Rolfes, 2004).
Thus, it is impossible to completely remove fat from one’s diet; instead individuals must consume more unsaturated fats than the saturated ones because it is healthier. A very high protein diet is disastrous to the body as it has to work double time to be able to convert the entire protein intake to that of energy that the body needs. It is advocated that instead of eradicating or focusing on one specific food group, a balanced combination of unsaturated fats and proteins should comprise the healthy diet.
Unsaturated fats aid in the absorption of key nutrients and vitamins while protein is necessary for tissue repair, increase the immune system, and are able to live a healthy life (Whitney & Rolfes, 2004). Unsaturated fats come from organisms that have a more pure and cleaner quality which makes it a healthier choice, proteins are necessary for human growth and too much or too little protein is detrimental to one’s health.
Whitney, E. & Rolfes, S. (2004). Understanding Nutrition 10th ed. New York: West Publishing Co.