Diets for Fast Oxidizers

In the language of fitness experts, fast, slow and balanced oxidizers are terms coined to describe the general types of metabolic processes. Laboratory testing for blood glucose and lipid levels is needed to determine an individual's oxidation type. Fast oxidizers tend to burn through calories from carbohydrates fairly quickly, making such food an inefficient energy source for them. Therefore, the crux of a diet for a fast oxidizer involves avoidance of simple carbohydrates while stressing consumption of plenty of protein and healthy fat.

Food for Fast Oxidizers

• Consume a diet that contains mainly protein and fat with limited amounts of complex carbohydrates if you are a fast oxidizer. The intent of this diet is to help you control your weight while simultaneously providing your body with the fuel source it is most suited to using, allowing you to have sustainable energy levels throughout the day, according to the researcher of these metabolic types, Dr. George Watson.

  This means avoiding simple carbs like sugar, most types of fruit, and any food in which one of the primary (first four or five ingredients) is a sugar or sugar substitute such as dextrose, honey, glucose, rice bran syrup, corn syrup, chocolate or sweetener.

  Focus instead on consuming both protein and healthy unsaturated fat with each meal, aiming to ingest at least one tablespoon of high-quality oil with every meal you eat. Sample oils that can be used for this purpose include fish, flax, olive, coconut, peanut, sesame and macadamia nut.

  Beyond that, consume 12 or more ounces of protein per day, ideally from lean cuts of meat, poultry or seafood. While this might sound like a lot, it can easily be broken down into three smaller servings of protein. A good rule of thumb is that four ounces of protein is about the size of your fist, so consume a fist-sized portion of meat with every meal along with healthy fat to provide your body with the nutrients it requires as a fast oxidizer.

  Finally, round out the diet nutritionally by aiming to consume at least one serving of vegetables per meal, aiming to consume a different veggie with each meal to ensure that your body receives a wide spectrum of vitamins.

Meal Ideas

• Consider consuming a four-egg omelet with melted cheddar cheese and tomatoes for breakfast while on this dietary approach. Round out the meal with a breakfast meat of choice -- bacon, sausage or turkey bacon, along with a few capsules of fish oil for healthy fats.

  Lunch can consist of a four-ounce homemade hamburger (using lean meat) served on a whole wheat bun with a garden salad.

  Dinner might consist of a generous helping of turkey with a bowl of broccoli with olive oil dressing.

  For dessert, stick to higher-fat, low-flour items like cheesecake or danishes.

  For a snack during the day, consider hard cheeses or beef jerky to give your body plenty of protein and healthy fat.

  Other substitute meals include: pork tenderloins with cauliflower and spinach; grilled chicken with whole wheat pasta and a large salad; salmon steak served with whole wheat dinner rolls and peas; and chili with lean beef and beans.