What really makes us fat
If you’re fatter than you’d like to be, this article by Gary Taubes article in the New York Times is worth a read: What really makes us fat? Here’s an excerpt:
…the study tells us that the nutrient composition of the diet can trigger the predisposition to get fat, independent of the calories consumed. The fewer carbohydrates we eat, the more easily we remain lean. The more carbohydrates, the more difficult. In other words, carbohydrates are fattening, and obesity is a fat-storage defect. What matters, then, is the quantity and quality of carbohydrates we consume and their effect on insulin.
From this perspective, the trial suggests that among the bad decisions we can make to maintain our weight is exactly what the government and medical organizations like the American Heart Association have been telling us to do: eat low-fat, carbohydrate-rich diets, even if those diets include whole grains and fruits and vegetables. [continue]
Filed in food 6 Comments so far
6 Responses to “What really makes us fat”
Penelope on 02 Jul 2012 at 12:14 am #
Ooooo. Love that article. Seems to validate what I’ve been doing, more or less, over the last six months. Will help me continue. Thanks Gabriolan.
Gabriolan on 03 Jul 2012 at 9:43 am #
Glad you liked it, Penelope. Gary Taubes has written some really fascinating stuff. Last summer I blogged about another article of his, which I just loved: What if it’s all been a big fat lie? That’s well worth reading, as are Gary’s books.
Vivian on 03 Jul 2012 at 10:01 am #
I’m a big fan of eating low carb. In my opinion, it has been “All a big fat lie”! You get rid of excess weight, have more energy and feel healthier eating low carb. That’s my take on it anyway :)
Gabriolan on 03 Jul 2012 at 11:05 am #
That’s my take, too, Vivian. When I followed the official advice from nutritionists, dieticians, heart associations, etc, I was fat and unhealthy. When I decided to ignore that whole crowd of so-called experts and switch to a low-carb diet full of traditional foods (bacon and eggs, yay!), all that changed.
GG on 03 Jul 2012 at 12:58 pm #
I agree with the “big fat lie” After talking with some that live the low carb way of eating, we decided to try low carb for a little while. I haven’t felt this good for a few years & we’ve only been doing this less than 2 months. I have my energy back, I’ve lost a few pounds, I’m sleeping again, my painful arthritic knees have disappeared. Oh yay & I get to have bacon & eggs for breakfast & whipping cream in my coffee!!
Gabriolan on 08 Jul 2012 at 12:52 pm #
I raise my fistful of bacon to salute your health, GG!