Answers for the Confused Dieter

Avatar for catalinadeb
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2003
Answers for the Confused Dieter
4
Wed, 10-15-2003 - 2:09pm
1. ARE ALL CALORIES CREATED EQUAL (I.E. DO 50 CALORIES OF GODIVA CAUSE THE SAME WEIGHT GAIN AS 50 CALORIES OF GRAPEFRUIT)?

Yes. (Although the fruit calories might be more filling).

2. CAN YOU GET ADDICTED TO CARBOHYDRATES?

There’s no hard science to prove it.

3. DOES IT MATTER WHAT TIME YOU EAT?

No. If you’re looking at 2,000 calories over a 24-hour period, it doesn’t mater what the clock says when you swallow them. But the evening hours have a way of tempting many people to overeat.

4. ARE FOUR, FIVE, OR SIX SMALL MEALS BETTER THAN THREE BIG ONES?

There may be a hint of weight loss advantage to the nibble-and-nosh mode for some people. Preempting hunger also helps avoid unplanned food sprees.

5. DOES EATING BREAKFAST REALLY HELP YOU DIET?

Yes, according to a study of almost 3,000 successful dieters in the National Weight Control Registry-not because it helps you eat less during the day but because it tends to make you a little more active.

6. HOW MUCH EXERCISE DO YOU HAVE TO DO TO LOSE WEIGHT AND KEEP IT OFF?

One hour a day of moderate activity, like jogging four to five miles.

7. IS IT TRUE THAT A LONGER, EASIER AEROBIC WORKOUT BURNS MORE FAT THAN A SHORTER BURST OF HEART-BUMPING EXERCISE?

It’s all in the math. Whichever workout burns more calories is the one that burns more fat. You have to stroll a lot longer at a leisurely pace to come close to the calorie expenditure of a quick sprint-than again; it’s easier to keep walking.

8. WHICH DIET WORKS BETTER: LOW CARB/HIGH FAT OR HIGH CARB/LOW FAT?

The most recent review of more than 100 studies on low carb diets found no difference when compared to high carb diets. Some people don’t feel as ravenous on one or the other, but in the end it boils down to the calories: Less is more (fewer calories mean more weight loss)

9. WHY ARE THOSE LAST FIVE TO TEN POUNDS SO HARD TO LOSE?

Weight loss is like blackjack-stacked against you. As you get lighter, your metabolism becomes slower. And maybe there’s a good reason those last pounds are holding on for deal life: Maybe you really don’t need to get rid of them.


James D. Hill, PhD Cofounder of the National Weight Control Registry, Mirlam Nelson, PhD, Director of the Center for Physical Activity and Nutrition at Tufts University, David L. Katz, MD Head of the Yale University School of Medicine Prevention Research Center.

From the Aug issue of Oprah

...· ´¨¨)) -:¦:-

¸.·´ .·´¨¨))

((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Debra -:¦:-

-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 10-15-2003 - 2:14pm
I'll have to remember #9 if I can't lose these last 7-10 I want to lose!
Katherine (Kat)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 10-15-2003 - 2:34pm
Isn't it weird how various experts disagree? It's hard to know who to believe. The studies quoted in national newspapers the other day based on medical studies said just the opposite on some of those points. Wild, wacky stuff!

Rhonda

       ~~Rhonda~~


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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2000
Thu, 10-16-2003 - 8:43am
Yanno, even though they don't say many numbers, this is talking about numbers, which is one of the few sure-fire things regarding calories and pounds. A 1-pound loss equals 3500 less calories. That's why you can put on pounds eating fat-free cookies, because they still have calories and if you don't use 'em, they saddle up and ride you. I think people find plans that work best for them because they find one that they are able to stick with. That's why there are so many diets around, though that's also why I roll my eyes at so many of the "experts" pounding the podium that you have to consider all these various factors, that their way is *the* correct way.

On Godiva chocolates vs. fruit, you can argue that the calories aren't equal, but isn't it the ingredients that aren't equal which make a difference in the digestive tract? The body uses them differently - one is little more than sugar and leaves the body needing something else. (Too bad, LOL!)

On those last 5-10 pounds, they alluded to it, but didn't come right out and state it in terms of calories. As you lose weight, you need fewer calories to maintain your bodily functions. At the beginning, cutting from a 2000 calorie diet to 1800 delves into your body's stores; but when you've lost 40 pounds, that 1800 calories might be what you need just to maintain your current weight - you're no longer using stores, and you must find a way to cut back more calories or use more up to lose the last few pounds. The BMR is one of the neatest calculators around!

Thanks for sharing.





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Avatar for imthebigsister
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 10-16-2003 - 8:59am
Time magazine this week - great lead story....