Taste Life Blog

Everyone wants to lose weight. We know it is much easier to lose weight than to keep it off.    Studies show that only one in six adults that loses 10% of their body weight keeps it off for at least a year. This year the Journal of the American Association published a study that tested three weight maintenance diets.

Researchers at Children’s Hospital in Boston put 21 overweight and obese young adults on diets to lose 10%-15% of their body weight. Once they reached that weight, they were put on one of these three diets.

• Low-Fat, High-Carb: 20% fat, 60% carbs (high glycemic foods included), 20% protein
• Low-Carb, High Protein, High Fat: 30% protein, 10% carbohydrate, 60% fat
• Low Glycemic Index: 40% carbohydrate, 20% protein, 40% fat, minimally processed grains, fruits and vegetables, like a  Mediterranean diet

The results showed that the subjects following the low-fat, high-carb diet burned the fewest calories during 24 hours. They also experienced hormonal changes that increased fat storage and triggered hunger.

The low-carb diet group consumed the same amount of calories and exercise was kept constant as the other diets yet they burned an additional 325 calories more per day. However, the low-fat diet increased markers for inflammation and cortisol; both which are associated with risk for chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

The low glycemic index diet showed the subjects burned an additional 125 calories and also had improved biomarkers for health. This diet had both weight loss and health advantages.

The bottom line this study concluded that a calorie is not a calorie.  Maybe you are looking for a ”magic diet” bullet. Sorry there isn’t any. All diets can work, which is the real problem. This study concluded that the low glycemic index diet had the most weight loss and most health advantages. You will find health care experts that will dispute this study.

Is there a right food or nutrient? My favorite answer would come from Michael Pollen, who, in his book, In Defense of Food says, “Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” For starters eat foods in their natural state. The long list of ingredients indicates processing and unwanted additives.  Yuck!

Make it simple this holiday season. To avoid weight gain, choose foods with a one word ingredient list like apple, nuts or carrots (beer is more than one ingredient).

The real weight loss and weight maintenance secret? Losing weight and keeping it off really has more to do with your brain than your fork. You know what you have to do but you have to DECIDE you WANT to weigh a healthy weight. Maybe you only focus on your goal – “I want to lose weight.”  But to be super successful you have to decide. Weight loss goals are doing and decisions are thinking.  The power is in your decision. You have to DECIDE!

Which diet keeps the pounds off? The one that puts power in your brain to decide before you lift your fork to your mouth. Remember the way to predict your future is to create it…but only if you want to. Happy Deciding! Happy Eating! Need help? Check out the 5 Ingredients for Healthy Living Cookbook at www.cherebork.com.