When they want to lose weight, most people go straight for the dieting option and finding as many other ways of cutting calories in a short period of time as possible. What many slimmers don’t realise is that initial weight loss often comes at the expense of muscle loss.

When the body lacks energy input it decomposes fat to supply its needs. Meanwhile, carbohydrates and protein – including muscles and organ tissue – are also converted into energy. Excessive dieting prompts the body to slow down its metabolic rate, leading to a feeling of tiredness.

A healthy slimming regime needs to include a low-calorie, yet nutritious, diet together with moderate exercise. The whole slimming process should be a pleasant experience with the aim of yielding long-lasting results. A healthy slimming progress should reduce 0.5 kg of weight per week.

Protein – the essential nutrient
If we do not get enough protein during the slimming process, it will not only hamper normal growth and muscle repair – it can also damage the heart. In short, a proper protein intake can help us achieve our desired weight and, through muscle retention, a great body shape.

Chicken or beef?
Chicken breast is often regarded as the ideal choice of meat for slimmers, while beef is usually avoided. However, the fact is that 100g of lean beef contains just 3.8g of fat while 100g of chicken breast contains 5g of fat. Not all beef is rich in fat and lean red meat is often a good choice!

How can I maintain healthy pink skin while I slim?
We all know that red meat is rich in iron. For example, 100g of chicken contains 0.7mg of iron while 100g of lean beef contains 2.1mg – three times more! Iron is an essential part of haemoglobin and helps prevent iron-deficiency anaemia, which is one reason why we should not avoid red meat in our diet completely. At the same time, both red meat and white meat contain saturated fat and cholesterol, so always eat meat in moderation.

Soy protein – the perfect protein
Natural soybean has a high protein content and yet it’s low in fat and cholesterol-free. Most importantly, it contains nine essential amino acids and it’s an ideal choice for both keeping fit and promoting good cardiovascular health

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