Proof that pretty much any diet that reduces calories will result in weight loss

[FMCoug]

http://laist.com/2009/02/18/pigging_out_san_diego_man_goes_on_a.php

[Jacob]

I recently saw a powdered donut diet that demonstrated the same thing.

But these are also useful in demonstrating that fat is not the enemy, right?

[Lost Student]

It's all about the carbs, IMO. After my wife watched "Fathead" on netflix, we have been eating bacon and eggs most mornings, red meat for a lot of dinners, whole milk (yes, whole milk), etc. We cut out the vast majority of carbohydrates, especially foods higher on the glycemic scale, and I dropped 5-6 pounds without changing anything else.

Most of my reduction in carb intake was from cutting out cold cereal for breakfast. I pretty much ate two full bowls every morning.

[BigFatMeanie]

I recently saw a powdered donut diet that demonstrated the same thing.

But these are also useful in demonstrating that fat is not the enemy, right?

Not necessarily true. Even though he is losing weight, he could be simultaneously clogging his arteries...

[Jacob]

It's all about the carbs, IMO. After my wife watched "Fathead" on netflix, we have been eating bacon and eggs most mornings, red meat for a lot of dinners, whole milk (yes, whole milk), etc. We cut out the vast majority of carbohydrates, especially foods higher on the glycemic scale, and I dropped 5-6 pounds without changing anything else.

Most of my reduction in carb intake was from cutting out cold cereal for breakfast. I pretty much ate two full bowls every morning.

Losing 5-6 pounds by cutting carbs is really easy, but it's not necessarily lost fat. Carbs retain water. Less carbs = less water. That's what people mean when they say that they've lost 5 pounds in water weight.

I agree that carbs are the enemy. But it may be largely because foods that are high in carbs are also calorie dense. At least as far as weight-loss is concerned.

Also, I've seen research that the body doesn't digest carbs/sugars as well as it does fats and proteins. So reducing calories and carbs is beter than calories alone. But if you cut carbs without cutting calories, you probably won't lose much weight.
OTOH, eating more protein means you don't get as hungry. Carbs cause cravings. So again, less carbs makes losing weight easier.

[mUUser]

It's all about the carbs, IMO. After my wife watched "Fathead" on netflix, we have been eating bacon and eggs most mornings, red meat for a lot of dinners, whole milk (yes, whole milk), etc. We cut out the vast majority of carbohydrates, especially foods higher on the glycemic scale, and I dropped 5-6 pounds without changing anything else.

Most of my reduction in carb intake was from cutting out cold cereal for breakfast. I pretty much ate two full bowls every morning.

Low carbs lower the insulin level which in turn, keeps the enzymes (lipoprotein lipase) which capture and store fat inactive. If you lift 2x week for 30 minutes, the weight you lose will be fat, not muscle. In fact, you'll lose weight as long as you can keep carb intake below 20 or 30 grams per day and protein intake above 60 grams. Once you get to your goal weight, you can typically increase your carb intake a little bit. Since you don't count calories, you don't need to worry about becoming too thin (plus weightlifting 2x week), and you don't need to count fat....just net carbs. Take a good multi vitamin every day.

I can recommend Carlean Johnson's 6 Ingredients or Less Low Carb Cooking Cookbook. I also recommend Medical Treatment of Overeating by Jeffrey Tate to really understand the benefits of a low carb life.

[FMCoug]

Not necessarily true. Even though he is losing weight, he could be simultaneously clogging his arteries...

Agree to a point. But I do think that we need to realize that carbs are a much bigger enemy than fat. Especially if you're avoiding trans fats. There are good fats and bad fats just as there are good carbs and bad carbs.

The other thing to remeber about fats. We like them. Compare how you feel after a 500 calorie bacon and egg breakfast vs. a 500 calorie low fat meal. You're more likely to "cheat" on the low-fat diet.

[happyone]

FWIW, when I lost my weight, I didn't count calories, I counted carb servings - I don't go extemes, but I limit my carb intake to between 150 - 225 gms/day (10-15 servings with a serving = 15 gms). Probably about half comes from dairy or fruit. I really limit my intake of refined sugars and grains.

[jay santos]

It's all about the carbs, IMO. After my wife watched "Fathead" on netflix, we have been eating bacon and eggs most mornings, red meat for a lot of dinners, whole milk (yes, whole milk), etc. We cut out the vast majority of carbohydrates, especially foods higher on the glycemic scale, and I dropped 5-6 pounds without changing anything else.

Most of my reduction in carb intake was from cutting out cold cereal for breakfast. I pretty much ate two full bowls every morning.

That might be all water weight. When I go on and off carbs, I fluctuate about that much in water weight.

[jay santos]

I'm a big believer in the strict mathematical equation calories = weight gain or loss, irrespective of type of calorie carb, fat, protein.

[mUUser]

Compare how you feel after a 500 calorie bacon and egg breakfast vs. a 500 calorie low fat meal.

I wonder if a "low carb recipes" in the Diner section would take off? I have an amazing cheesecake recipe with only 5 carbs per serving. Add 3 carbs if topped with pureed fruit. Would be great addition to a Mother's Day meal.

[CardiacCoug]

I'm a big believer in the strict mathematical equation calories = weight gain or loss, irrespective of type of calorie carb, fat, protein.

I agree with this.

Then there is the question of whether or not some diets are more "atherogenic" (artery-clogging) than other diets.

In animal models (rabbits, mice, and even primates etc.) high-fat diets definitely cause coronary artery disease. It's a bad idea to eat a lot of bacon, steak, eggs, and whole milk, even if you stay at a normal weight.

But getting fat on carbohydrates, especially if you become diabetic, is probably about as bad.

Moderation and a common sense, well-rounded diet is the way to go. But I think 80% or more of the health problems in this country are due to just TOO DAMN MUCH food, rather than the wrong types of foods.

[marsupial]

I agree with this.

Then there is the question of whether or not some diets are more "atherogenic" (artery-clogging) than other diets.

In animal models (rabbits, mice, and even primates etc.) high-fat diets definitely cause coronary artery disease. It's a bad idea to eat a lot of bacon, steak, eggs, and whole milk, even if you stay at a normal weight.

But getting fat on carbohydrates, especially if you become diabetic, is probably about as bad.

Moderation and a common sense, well-rounded diet is the way to go. But I think 80% or more of the health problems in this country are due to just TOO DAMN MUCH food, rather than the wrong types of foods.

I was just going to say this, but of course, it means more coming from a doctor.

That said, while you can get skinny eating a low-calorie junk food diet, I think it is usually more difficult to accomplish for a couple reasons:

1). Junk food is calorie dense so you end up eating less food for the amount of calories consumed. It can leave you feeling hungry.

2) Junk food is designed to make you want more. It takes greater willpower to stop at only a few Doritos than it does to stop at only a few broccoli florets.

Also, I believe good-for-you food just makes you feel better. I can't imagine what that bacon-diet guy felt like every day. Blech. And how did he ever poop?!

[Pheidippides]

I was just going to say this, but of course, it means more coming from a doctor.

That said, while you can get skinny eating a low-calorie junk food diet, I think it is usually more difficult to accomplish for a couple reasons:

1). Junk food is calorie dense so you end up eating less food for the amount of calories consumed. It can leave you feeling hungry.

2) Junk food is designed to make you want more. It takes greater willpower to stop at only a few Doritos than it does to stop at only a few broccoli florets.

Also, I believe good-for-you food just makes you feel better. I can't imagine what that bacon-diet guy felt like every day. Blech. And how did he ever poop?!

He probably lost most of his weight on a weekly measurable basis from the one time he was able to poop.

[Jacob]

I wonder if a "low carb recipes" in the Diner section would take off? I have an amazing cheesecake recipe with only 5 carbs per serving. Add 3 carbs if topped with pureed fruit. Would be great addition to a Mother's Day meal.

Yummy. Wanna share the recipe?