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Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Low Carb Or Low Fat Diets?

vegetable dietI recently read an interesting article on Yahoo about whether low carb or low fat diets are more effective which is a question that I've often pondered. To summarize, the article leverages a 2 year study that followed people on both types of diets, and concludes that overall calories consumed are what ultimately count when it comes to weight loss, independently of whether those calories come from a low carb or low fat diet.

Based on my own experiences, I have to agree with what the article says. I find that no matter what I eat, calories in (aka food eaten) minus calories out (aka exercise) ultimately translates to what I see on the scale. This is why I like the weight watchers point system so much. I do want to note, however, that I have found that when I fill my diet with natural foods like fruits and vegetables, instead of breads and other starchy or sugary foods, I generally end up eating a lot more food but a lot fewer calories during the day, ultimately leading to better numbers on the scale. So, eating more natural foods is win-win.

Here are a handful of links to some of my favorite all natural food finds and recipes that I leverage to keep full while keeping calories down:

Edamame: Edamame is high in protein, as well as vitamin A, vitamin C, Calcium and Iron. And, it is really easy to make at home!

Sesame Stir Fry: This carrot and asparagus (or broccoli) stir fry is delicious and really easy to make!

Cuties Oranges: I wrote about these recently. I actually eat 2-3 Cuties a day, since they make such a delicious and sweet snack!

Warm Cinnamon Apples: You can combine and cook apples and cinnamon to create a dessert/snack that tastes just like apple pie!

Broccoli in Spicy Orange Sauce: Broccoli is healthy because it is packed with nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Folic Acid, Calcium and Fiber, and it is believed to help shield us from many diseases and conditions. The Broccoli in Spicy Orange Sauce recipe is very straightforward and provides you a great way to dress up your broccoli!

All Natural Popcorn: Who doesn't love popcorn. If you eat it without salt and butter, it is still delicious and, of course, much healthier!

Freeze Dried Fruit: Freeze dried fruit is so convenient since you can keep it with you in your car, bag, or desk. It is a yummy, crunchy snack.

Hummus: Hummus and whole wheat pita is a low calorie, healthy, high protein snack.

Fage Yogurt: Fage yogurt is thick, delicious, high in protein, and since it is yogurt, it helps improve digestion.

What is your favorite all natural treat?

Enjoy!
Juliet

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

same here. my favorite - apples and peanut butter.

Balance, Joy and Delicias! said...

fav: squash fries, soft wrap tortilla (new find after reading your review), fage, fruits.

Anonymous said...

Rice cake, 1/2 banana & 1 T Better 'n Peanut Butter = 2.5 pts. Great, filling snack. I eat this everyday!

The Diva on a Diet said...

Personally, I've lost more weight on my current low carb (not no carb) diet than I have on any other ... and I've tried them all. Yet I do agree it comes down to calories in versus calories burned. I don't loose anything when I don't work out!

As for healthy, natural snacks, I'm partial to roasted nuts (all varieties) and red & yellow bell pepper strips dipped into some hummus. Mmmm!

The Diva on a Diet said...

Feh, typo ... I don't "lose" anything either. LOL

lauren said...

I love your list of snacks. Add apples and bananas w/ AB for me!

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

I love lots of fruits, vegetables, Larabars, and ESPECIALLY Pure bars!! See my latest post ;-)

Marisa @Loser for Life said...

I have been addicted to hummus lately, both regular and white bean!

The Blonde Duck said...

Barbecue. :) And salsa.

Joie de vivre said...

I do like natural foods best. The Low Carb/ Low Calorie foods scare me!

Anonymous said...

Fruits and vegetables by far take the cake for me! Did I say "cake"?

Anonymous said...

Fruits and vegetables by far take the cake for me! Did I say "cake"?

Anonymous said...

I eat a lot of the items you listed!! Baked sweet potato is a really filling snack too!

Anonymous said...

Air popped popcorn. Apples with PB2. YUM! Good ideas you've got here :)

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