Top 5 FAQs about Healthy Meal Plans

Most dieters have questions about healthy meal plans. Eating a well balanced diet for weight loss can be confusing because so many foods seem healthy when they really are detrimental to your waistline and your health. And some dieters have very specific questions about what should or should not be included in a healthy weight loss plan.

So in this article, we answer the top five most commonly asked questions about meal plans and healthy eating—questions that are more specific than the general “how to be healthy”-type of inquiries.

Q. Is it possible to make gluten free meatloaf? Can it be included in a healthy diet?

A. You can make a yummy gluten-free meatloaf by either eliminating or substituting the usual breadcrumbs or oatmeal for a wheat-free option. There are several recipes for this kind of meatloaf on our website, so you can do a search for the recipe that sounds best to you. The most common type of GF meatloaf uses GF breadcrumbs, which are usually made from rice and can be purchased at most health food stores. If meatloaf is prepared with all-natural beef or bison and doesn’t contain gluten, it can be a good addition to your healthy eating plan.

Q. Is wheat bread fattening?

A. You should avoid wheat bread and all wheat products if possible. On the Diet Solution program, we advocate eating only bread made from sprouted grains, such as Ezekiel 4:9 bread, and only that in moderation. Most of the wheat bread on the market is highly processed and contains additives, preservatives, and sugar—all of which are destructive to your weight loss diet. In addition, if you have digestive issues or bloating, you may have gluten or wheat intolerance. If you steer clear of wheat products for a while and your symptoms improve, you probably have sensitivity to wheat and should avoid it in your diet as much as possible.

Q. What are some Omega 3 benefits?

A. If there’s one supplement you should take while dieting, it’s Omega 3 fatty acids. You can also increase your intake by eating flaxseed oil, raw walnuts, whole organic eggs, certain types of fish, and green leafy vegetables. Increasing your supply of Omega 3s can help lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol, lower your blood pressure, and act as an anticoagulant. In addition, Omega 3s may help decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, though research is still being conducted in that field.

Q. What are the dangers of high fructose corn syrup?

A. High fructose corn syrup (HFC) can wreak havoc on your weight loss program. HFCs have been linked to a significant risk of increased weight gain and obesity (in one Princeton study, rats fed with HFCs gained weight 300% more quickly than rats fed fructose). HFCs have been associated with an increased probability of developing type-2 diabetes, hypertension, and elevated bad cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. HFCs are also difficult for your liver to process, which can lead to liver damage and other problems. Finally, HFCs have been found to contain high levels of mercury. This means they should be avoided, especially by pregnant women and young children.

Q. Name one reason why I should go organic?

A. Your health. Foods that are grown or raised without the use of pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics are better for your long term (and short term) health than foods that contain these troubling substances in abundance. Not only do you support small farms and local growers by choosing an organic way of living, but you improve the quality of the food you eat dramatically. Going organic is one of the most positive changes you can make to your healthy lifestyle.