From the time my husband and I moved in together, we’ve eaten a very similar diet. It just makes sense from an economics standpoint as well as making our lives easier when deciding on dinner. I think most families function this way. Growing up I ate whatever my parents put on the table and never considered that I may need different foods from my brothers. Well now I’m learning this is false. Men and women require different diets.
I shared this with a friend the other day and she was surprised to hear it. Then I explained why and it totally made sense.
Women need more carbohydrates than men in order to support their reproductive systems. We women need carbs for three reasons:
1. To get the “fed” signal to our reproductive systems
2. Provide enough energy to potential offspring
3. Support healthy thyroid function
Carbohydrates play a vital role in telling the body that is has been fed. Fat does the same thing. These two have to play together in order to prevent our bodies from going into starvation mode. In starvation mode the body shuts down the reproductive system first, since it would not be possible to provide for an offspring with the current amount of nutrition. For me, this led to losing my period for months at a time. No bueno.
We cannot fight biology. Men are at no risk on a low-carb diet. They can go as low as 4% body fat and still be healthy. Women require a minimum of 15-20% in order for optimal health. Women’s bodies may go into starvation mode if they do not receive around 100 grams of carbohydrates. Most of the studies done on the success of low carb diets were performed with men only. Women can have success on low-carb as well, just not as low as men.
Of course, it is important to remember that every body is different. My nutrition needs vary not only from my husband’s but also my sister’s, my mom’s and my girlfriend’s. My hormones are constantly changing too, so my diet will alter as these rise and fall throughout the month. I’ve tried various forms of low-carb diets over the years and once years ago I even passed out at work from not eating enough. Yet, it’s taken me until now to learn the reason behind it. I’m happy that quinoa, white rice, potatoes and oats have a vital place in my diet.
*Nutrition facts referenced from Stephani Ruper’s Sexy by Nature.
Makes 2 serving.
Asparagus Quinoa:
2 tbsp butter
1/2 sweet onion -chopped
4 cloves garlic -minced
1 bunch asparagus -chopped
1 cup quinoa -cooked
1 1/2 cups beef bone broth
tsp salt
tsp pepper
Cod:
2 pieces cod
2 tbsp melted butter
1/4 tsp cayenne
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
lemon
Preheat oven to 425.
►Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent. Then add the garlic, asparagus, salt and pepper. Cook for three minutes then add the quinoa and broth. Lower the heat to low and cover for ten minutes. The quinoa should absorb all the broth.
►Grease a baking dish with a small amount of butter. Mix together melted butter, cayenne, salt and coconut in a bowl large enough to fit your pieces of fish. Coat each piece of fish individually and place in the prepared dish. Bake for 15 minutes or until fish begins to flake.
►Serve with a fresh squeeze of lemon.
