I watched on the news yesterday about a long-term study that had been done on weight loss. The object of the study was to see which of the diets worked best, low-carb, high protein, low fat, high fiber, fruits and veggies, etc. The study was done over a 2-year period on a large number (thousands) of people all over the country, and there were four diet options, which had an equal number of people with different sizes, shapes and problems in each. The results of the study were quite amazing. Each of the groups had about the same success rate! It didn't matter which diet the people were on, the ones that kept on it were the most successful.
By the way, there were two stipulations that went with each of the 4 diet groups. They had to exercise 30 mintues a day, five days a week, and they had to lower their calorie intake at least 500 calories a day from what they were normally eating. In essense, all diets are the same; the things that made a difference were exercise and eating less high-calorie food.
It only makes sense. Vegetables and most fruits have less calories and you can eat more. Sugars and carbs are high calorie and you must eat less. You need to do a little calculating to see what your normal caloric intake is, but you should not cut more than 500 calories at a measured time or your body goes into 'starvation' mode and wants to store more. After you have reached a plateau with your first 500 calories, you can take off more.
My new goal is exerise, walk, whatever for at least 30 minutes every day, and I'm going to start counting calories honestly and see where I really am. I'm hoping I see a change in my habits without having to make major changes in my diet. I'll let you know!
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By the way, you can also lower your calorie intake by just taking smaller portions of the foods you love to eat but often eat too much of!
I saw that study as well.
Published by The New England Journal of Medicine
811 overweight adults
62% women
38% men
4 types of diets varying in carbs, protein, fat, etc...
no matter the diet plan, they all lost the same pound for pound. 13 pounds in 6 months with maintaining a 9 pound weight loss over the 2 year period.
the thing they ALL had in common was that everyone cut out 750 calories a day and added exercise. (90 minutes of exercise a week)
for women they say we should be eating about 1200 calories a day to lose weight and maintain it.
eating less calories than that can put your body in starvation mode and slow your metabolism down to hang on to everything.
plus - those with a support group are much more successful! Yea for us!
Here is the link to the video of this story on the Today Show: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/29407031#29407031
Another good tip to go along with this is to eat good quality grains weather it is rice, pasta, bread or crackers. Whole grains will keep you more full longer. Poor quality carbs will make you hungry within a short period of time. They also fill you up more quickly.
By the way, this is Melanie...not Adam.
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