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Best Diet for Losing Weight is…

By On · Add Comment · In cutting calories, diets, low carb, low fat, weight loss
Drum roll please: brrrrrrllllrrrlllrllrlllrllrllllrlllrllllrlrlrrrrrlllll…..

Low carb? Low fat? High protein? Atkins? South Beach? Hollywood? Cocaine? Uh…guess again.

How about…cutting calories. Ta-Dah! That’s right, cutting calories (translate: eating less) is the only, and I mean the only, way to lose weight (along with increasing exercise). I’ve said again and again in this blog: It’s simple physiology. Take in more calories than you burn–gain weight. Burn more calories than you take in–lose weight. Simple as that.

But if for any reason you didn’t believe me, here’s the proof: A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health and Pennington Biomedical Research in Louisiana found that diets which modify the amounts of fats, carbs and proteins mattered not at all; the only factor that made a difference in whether participants lost weight was cutting calories.

If you are trying to lose weight, cutting calories probably is least attractive notion in that endeavor; but, without a doubt, it’ll get you to where you are going. Substituting activities for eating and drinking is of mega-importance: feel like eating, go to the gym, drink tons of water, and engage in something mentally like reading, problem solving or writing–anything that’ll get your mind off the food. Hate to make it sound so simple, but, well…it is. It’s just getting over the incessant mind trip that plagues everybody who has ever had to practice discipline–I know, I’ve been addicted to just about everything. And I’ve quit it all (with the exception of coffee), so I know how frickin’ tough it is, but it can be done.

So, again, the only way to lose weight is by cutting calories and stepping up the exercise. Sorry to be such a bummer and tell it like it is.

Smart Food

By On · Add Comment · In Atkins Diet, carbohydrates, cognitive function, diet, high carb, lose weight, low carb, mood, South Beach Diet

Which diet is better? A low carb, high protein diet like Atkins or South Beach? Or a high carb, low fat diet–the type pushed by the sponsors of the food pyramid? Well as far as weight loss is concerned, you know my opinion–calories are calories. So, either way, you’ll gain weight if your calorie intake is greater than what you burn.

But one thing we know for certain: Diets that are higher in carbohydrates seem to fare better for those involved in intense mental activity. And now we’ve got further evidence. Recent research shows that, although both low carb, low fat and high carb, low fat diets help people lose weight, the latter will actually help increase cognitive processing. That is, high carb diets help the brain work faster.

Yup, you all knew that right? Glucose–a carbohydrate–is the only fuel suitable for the brain; therefore, carbohydrate is essential. In the study, overweight and obese men and women were fed either a high carb or low carb diet for eight weeks. The researchers then looked at mood and cognitive function (through intelligence and reasoning tests). Mood was not affected by the amount of carbohydrate consumed, but those eating more carbs solved problems faster.

I find this important information because I am often asked what I think about the low carb diet. My standard answer: Eat everything in balanced moderation, and increase carb or protein depending on your activities. Working hard at the office? Increase your carbs a little. Fruits are best, but grains are good too; just don’t make Pringles your carb of choice (well, OK, have a few). Working out a lot? Increase your protein intake. Try nuts, cheese, turkey meatballs, chocolate milk (yes, it’s good too…in moderation), or whatever floats your boat. All this information, and more, is in my soon to be released book, The Six Keys To Optimal Health. Just follow basic principles and forget the fads, man. Fads come and go (remember food combining and Fit for Life?), but principles are forever. So be smart and eat well. It doesn’t have to be rocket science.

 

Gotta Eat Grains

By On · Add Comment · In carbohydrates, diet, fats, heart disease, high protein, low carb, natural foods, proteins, stroke

There’s a misconception among some people that a high protein, low carb diet is best – especially for those trying to remain slim. I’ve got nothing against low carb diets if they’re done for a short period of time to reach a goal, and then transitioned to a more balanced diet. But for some people this type of diet seems to be the Holy Grail.

I delight in bursting this bubble because I am convinced that over the long-haul this diet is just unhealthy. A new study shows that whole grains are important to preventing the thickening of arteries – a precursor to heart disease and stroke – so a balanced diet consisting of carbohydrates, proteins and fats is still the best.

I think that those people touting the high protein, low carb diet have evaluated it relative to a diet high in substandard carbs – french fries, bagels, corn dogs, pringles, Pop-Tarts, Cracker-Jacks…need I go on? Relative to diets high in processed carbohydrates, yeah, high protein, low carb is way better. But let’s get serious here.

I’ve always said that eating a diet rich in whole, natural foods is best. And it’s important to fill that diet with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, moderate portions of meat, cheese, fish and eggs, and of course, whole, natural fats and oils (avocados, butter, fish) in moderation. Trying to compare a fad diet to one balanced in junk is not going to lead you down the right road necessarily. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. Eat whole, natural foods as you were meant to, and you shouldn’t have any problems.

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