A new study supports those who want to lose weight, but would not give up meat or carbohydrates. Researchers say that what matters most in a diet is the calories, and not their source. We’ve all heard of the optimal ratio of fat, protein and carbohydrates in a healthy balanced diet. It should be about 20, 30 and 50 percent of the daily menu. However, if you want to lose weight, you should reduce your daily intake. Obviously, starvation should be avoided.
In a recent study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana found that there was little difference between the four types of diets used by the participants in the study. The participants, obese or overweight, have had a choice of various proportions and combinations of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, but were told that their daily menu should have 750 fewer calories than they were normally eating.
After six months, participants had 4 kg of fat less and 2.3 less muscle, but after two years some gained back some of the lost weight. “If you feel better when eating less fat or fewer carbohydrates, is okay, actually says the study. You can adopt the combination of nutrients that you like”, said Christopher Gardner, a professor at Stanford University, not involved in the study. It was long thought that low-carb diets are more effective during diet than those with less protein. However, the body needs all nutrients which should come primarily from fish, naturally raised chicken, vegetables, fruits, cereals, and nuts.
