Do the weight loss experts actually agree?
Copyright 2006 Adam Waxler
Today, many well-known diet gurus, weight loss experts, and nutritional researchers have stepped up to the plate to declare that the high carbohydrate, low fat diet regimens recommended by such institutions as the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association and the United States Department of Agriculture are misinformed, and frankly unhealthy.
Can this be true?
Should you actually follow a weight loss program that goes against these acclaimed institutions?
These weight loss experts now tell us that our diets should, instead, include lots of high quality protein, fat should not concern us, and carbohydrates are the enemy. This has set the stage for battles between the health industry and the weight loss industry with the only agreement between them seeming to be the need to lose weight.
The problem is - both approaches to weight loss are wrong. And, both approaches to weight loss are both right. The most regularly leveled criticisms of each weight loss program seem legitimate - until you examine the recommended diets in depth. Sit down and look at the recommended menus.
Take them to the calorie calculators and compare ingredients and nutrients. I did, and what I found was quite interesting.
In the most practical sense, all of these weight loss programs are talking about the same diet.
Oh, there are minor variations that have been grossly blown out of proportion by the advertising hype created by the weight loss industry. And, of course, there are misinterpretations that?have been stated as fact. However, the bottom line of each and every one of the Atkins Diet, the South Beach Diet, the Zone Diet, the American Diabetes Association diet, and the American Heart Association's Heart Healthy Diet -- all of them - is to derive the greatest portion of your caloric intake for the day from low carbohydrate vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, summer squash, and fruits with high calorie and antioxidant counts. It is when it comes to whole grains that the controversy seems to arise.
Almost without exception, proponents of the low carb diets for weight loss and maintenance have condemned the recommended diets for suggesting that adults should derive the greater portion of their diets from carbohydrates.
What they fail to note is that also without exception, each of those 'healthy' diets strongly suggest avoiding white breads, starchy, processed foods, sweet snacks high in sugar and preservatives, and white rice.
On the other hand, the medical community has condemned the low carb diets for encouraging the consumption of a diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol. But there is also a strong suggestion in each of those diets along the lines of "eat only until you are no longer hungry". .. and a minimum consumption of vegetables. Dinner's minimum suggested amount of vegetables is 2 1/2 cups.
How hungry will you be after consuming two and a half cups of vegetables?
In the end, the bottom line of every weight loss program advertised is the same:
* Eat fewer calories than you expend.
* Eat a well-balanced diet where most of the calories are derived from whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
* Exercise moderately every day.
* Make your diet a "lifestyle diet" so you will lose weight?and keep it off! ?
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Research Findings Reveal Interesting Aspects of Gout
Gout is a type of rheumatoid arthritis that causes pain, swelling and inflammation of the joints. Statistics indicate that there are more than 3.5 million people in the United States confronted with gout, most of them developing the disease after the age of 50. Although gout can be developed by both men and women, it predominantly affects the male gender. For many years, gout sufferers have been advised to limit the intake of purines and proteins in their diet, by avoiding fatty meats, seafood and even some purine-rich vegetables. Dairy products have also been considered to influence the development of gout, but in the absence of any clinical evidence.
Until recently, these recommendations were based solely upon the theory that purine-rich foods and a high protein intake are directly related with the occurrence of gout, by increasing the blood levels of uric acid. In order to reveal conclusive evidence regarding the contribution of a purine and protein-rich diet...
Diets > Research Findings Reveal Interesting Aspects of Gout
Diets, Diets, Diets?Do They Work?
Almost everyone has attempted to follow diets and weight loss programs at some time in their lives. The trouble with so many diets and low fat diets is that they are hard to follow. Some diets leave you hungry and craving food all the time. A healthy diet is one that you feel good about following and encourages you to eat in a healthy way while at the same time reducing the overall calorie content.When choosing from among the many diets available, keep in mind what your reason is for altering your eating and exercise habits. Do you want to feel better and have some more energy? Are you tired of not fitting into your clothes and that has caused you to consider one of the weight loss diets? Experts agree that it's not good to try and loose excess weight in a quick manner.
It's better to take your time and incorporate a package of exercise, proper nutrition and, in general, balance.As with all new diets, weight loss and exercise plans, it's always best to consult with your physician...
Diets, Diets, Diets?Do They Work?
Diets > Diets, Diets, Diets?Do They Work?
The Hidden Truth About Diets
Quick, what's the first thought that pops into your head when you hear the word "diet?" Probably that when you're on one, you feel like you're going to "d-i-e" right?!WHAT EXACTLY IS A DIET?Most people believe that a diet is something that involves pain, suffering, and giving up foods we enjoy. Some of the symptoms of "being on a diet" usually include being hungry and cranky all the time. But this is not really the true meaning of the word and if you get hung up on all the negative stuff, you'll miss the entire concept.Webster's dictionary defines a "Diet" as:a : food and drink regularly provided or consumed; b : habitual nourishment; c : the kind and amount of food prescribed for a person for a special reason.In other words, it's what we regularly or habitually eat and drink to nourish our bodies. That's not so bad. But here's the hidden truth that will turn your understanding of diets on its head and practically guarantee that you'll reach whatever weight goal you desire: Being "on...
The Hidden Truth About Diets
Diets > The Hidden Truth About Diets