"Mind boggling" is the exact phrase for the tsunami-like availability of information. I would like to share something good, though, as I have been a long-time fan of Dr Andrew Weil (okay, mainly from watching tv) whose website (drweil.com) recommended "Good Calories, Bad Calories" by Gary Taubes.
The book is not a diet book at all, but tells the
history of the science studying obesity came to be. It is NOT a linear progression, but appears to have changed direction, for the worse, beginning in the 1950s.
There are several conclusions he makes which, to me, are mind blowing, including:
1) A calorie is NOT a calorie. The body treats different kinds of calories in diferent ways. I had always assumed at eating 3500 cals meant a pound of weight... and that my only remedy was to burn off as much as possible to counter the effects. In great detail, Taubes explains how although many quality studies have proven (yes, proven) this, the vast majority of the nutritional academia still holds on the idea that "a calorie is a calorie".
2) Eating fat does NOT make you fat; rather it is carbohydrates which drives up insulin which makes you fat (thus the removal of carbs reduces insulin which inhibits fat production). The best example of people who eat high-fat/low-carbs are the French (hence the French Paradox). As I understand Taubes' book, it really no longer becomes paradoxical at all, as fat is not the culprit; rather, it is carbs and sugar (something which us Americans eat more than ever).
3) Aerobic exercise, has NO influence on losing weight (I always wondered why I never lost anything when I used to do 45 min on the treadmill consistently). If you watch Biggest Loser, you see them exercise AND lose weight; however, they are also on a semi-starvation diet and that is the real source of their weight loss. Although a calorie is NOT a calorie, when virtually NO calories are taken in, that also means that virtually no CARBS are taken in (hence the weight loss). Unfortunately, with all semi-starvation diets, once you go back to a "normal" diet, your weight will explode upwards, even without any cheating, as that is how the body reacts (so a contestant could gain 25 pounds in just a few days, even when eating properly and exercising).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Suzien
I'm completely overwhelmed with information on this site. It's fascinating but it's confusing. I will read something and think, that's what I'll do, then I'll read something else and chnange my mind.
There seem to be some people who think the ratio of fat/carb/protein is what matters. This is complicated to work out but I suppose I could manage it. Then there are others who want to keep carbs down to, well, anything between 15g and 60g per day and not worry about the rest.
My own experience has taught me that too much fat (or it could be too many calories) can be eaten and my own inclination is to eat 30g carbs, not worry about the amount of protein but keep the fats below about 90g.
Does anyone have any views on this?
Sue
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