Balanced Eating Plan - 40/30/30 Explained
Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Fats provide calories for energy and are all essential to a balanced and healthy diet. After finishing phase 1 of the Amino Diet, we recommend that forty percent of your calories should come from carbohydrates, thirty percent from protein, and thirty percent from fats. We call this the 40-30-30 plan.
Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of fuel. They are easily used by the body for energy, are essential to the functioning of the central nervous system, and are crucial for intestinal health. All of the cells in the body can use glucose, which comes from carbohydrates, for energy. They are found mostly in starchy foods, which are all around us, but also come from fruits and vegetables, many dairy products, beans, nuts and seeds. We recommend you get the majority of your carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables, although some oatmeal and whole grain bread are allowed in phase 2 and beyond. Moderation is the key to keeping these under control.
Proteins are converted into the amino acids our bodies use to build and repair it. Any lack of protein can cause weakness in our muscles as well as lower our energy levels. Protein is essential for growth, tissue repair, immune system function, hormone and enzyme production and providing lean muscle mass. It can be found in meat, poultry, fish, dairy, beans and nuts. Some vegetables and starchy foods also contain protein in smaller quantities.
Fat often gets a bad reputation for causing weight gain, but they are essential for overall health. HEALTHY fats are necessary for natural growth and development, energy, maintaining cell membranes, absorbing certain vitamins and providing cushioning for internal organs. You need to control where you get your fats. Trans-fats should be eliminated from your diet. Omega3 fatty acids and natural saturated fats should be your sources of fat. These can be found in salmon, tuna, olive oil, avocados and nuts, among other things.
Throughout the diet and for the rest of your life, a healthy eating plan is the 40-30-30 diet plan. Although the phase 1 eating plan has a little more protein than a 40-30-30 plan, it is definitely a great start to learning what to eat. Once you hit phase 2 and 3 we recommend the 40-30-30 plan for the rest of your life. It will be the key to keeping the weight off and living the healthiest life that you can.