Healthy Living
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Should We Be Eating Way Less?
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Last week, two interesting
studies were published: Our rate of obesity continues to climb and
now 25% of adults in 31 states are clinically obese; some states
classify almost a third of their population as obese. Add that
population to the one that is termed overweight and we are talking
about more than two-thirds of Americans as somewhat or very
overweight.
The following day, an article on the front page of The New York Times revealed that rhesus monkeys that
have followed 20 years of a calorie-restrictive diet (30% less
calories than the norm) were in much better health than those
primates who ate a regular diet. "The monkeys are showing many
beneficial signs of caloric resistance, including significantly
less diabetes, cancer, and heart and brain disease," writes
author Nicholas Wade. What are we to make of this? To me, what this
all signifies is that it's important to keep the spare tire
off, and to exercise as much as possible, and eat as healthfully as
possible. BUT, I would never want to (or even be able to) live life
without a few caloric pleasures, like chocolate, ice cream, and
butter. What about you? Would you consider giving up your favorite
foods if it could add a year or two to your life?
by Tanya Steel
MORE HEALTHY FEATURES FROM EPICURIOUS.COM
Related: restriction, moderation, healthy eating, healthy, epicurious, calories
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Posted by Jett Tue Jul 14, 2009 8:06am PDT
No. Plain and simple. I'm not saying chocolate is more important to me than life. I'm saying I'm not going to give up having fun (like eating a slice of birthday cake or having a cinnamon roll on Christmas morning) just to squeeze out every single drop of life. I'd rather have a good life full of enjoyment that ends when I'm in my 60s than have a boring, strict one that gets me to 90. That's just me. That doesn't mean I'm going to just toss health out the window, but then I don't think that's what you're asking, either. :)
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Posted by Jett Tue Jul 14, 2009 8:07am PDT
What do you mean by a "normal" monkey diet, by the way? The monkeys aren't eating chocolate and butter. Why would their "normal" diet be unhealthy for them?
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Posted by Eva Tue Jul 14, 2009 11:09am PDT
NO. I will not give up chocolate. I may minimize them but I will not deprive myself. Same with other food. The key is moderation. I sometimes over indulge but I also cut back the next day and I do walk and dance a lot.
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Posted by HawkeyeGirl Tue Jul 14, 2009 1:42pm PDT
Those macrobiotic diets and super-restrictive diets are creepy and unhealthy. Eat in moderation and you'll live a heathy life.
And like other's have noted, how can a monkey's diet compare with a human's?
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Posted by cindy Wed Jul 15, 2009 6:03am PDT
Eating a strict diet doesn't always mean you will live to be 100. YOu may have a strict boring live and then be killed in a freak accident. You should live, laugh and love to the fullest! Have a drink and a candy bar, and live like there is no tomorrow, because tomorrow is not garaunteed.
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Posted by Joy in Seattle Wed Jul 15, 2009 9:21am PDT
About 6 months ago, I severely changed my diet. I've already lost 5 inches on my waistline, but the amazing thing is how much better I feel! I think the point of a restrictive diet isn't adding 5yrs, it's about adding health to your life. One study said that it puts aging back about 16yrs. Isn't feeling great worth getting rid of that soda, cake, chips, and junk?
As for those super restrictive, almost starvation diets... I don't agree with those, but if you think you "should" eat 2000 calories, maybe you shouldn't be eating 2100 every day and might want to try 1800 instead.
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Posted by Val Wed Jul 15, 2009 10:05am PDT
If it would only add 1 to 2 years to your life it is not worth it. Taste buds need to be satisfied. I do restrict my calories to 2000 a day for weight management. This does not mean no chocolate or ice cream. When I eat a pint of Ben & Jerrys I just eat less the rest of the day!
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Posted by Ms. L Wed Jul 15, 2009 10:49am PDT
I am constantly surprised when people comment on topics they have no knowledge about. I really should get over that.
Living on a calorie restricted diet DOES NOT mean depriving yourself of all food pleasure.
It simply means that in total fewer calories are taken in, with a focus on eating vegetables and fruits (among other super nutritious foods). Veggies and fruit have more nutrients per calorie which makes them ideal for the human body (along with lean proteins like fish and chicken).
The focus of a calorie restricted diet is to live a long HEALTHY life. Yes, you may make it to 80 on an average American diet, but as my grandfather can attest, they most likely will not be healthy years. He has battled his weight for decades, had a heart attack, had bypass surgery, has type 2 diabetes, takes meds for his diabetes and high blood pressure, and has recently had surgery to clear clogged arteries in his neck. His doctor tells him constantly: eat better and exercise.
I am on a calorie restricted diet. I eat dessert. I eat bread and cheese. I eat wonderful meals that consist of meat, veggies and pasta.
I focus on eating mostly vegetables, fruit and lean protein. I try to avoid sugar, most oils (olive and coconut excluded), and most processed foods.
I would also like to point out that once you brain and mouth adjust, fruits and veggies are what you crave. Right now I am thinking of a nice big peach on my counter at home. Candy and cake sounds pretty gross.
Does this diet mean I can't eat mac and cheese out of a box? Yep. Candy? Sure. But in exchange I feel great. You would too, if you let go of the lollipop long enough to find out.
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Posted by EnCee Wed Jul 15, 2009 11:47am PDT
Forget the monkeys! They make a pretty good point, but that's not what the article is about.
Just remember that you should never eat more than your body needs every day. If you have a treat it should not make you feel like you're about to bust open at the seams. Would you keep pumping air into a balloon even through it was full? If you did it would eventually pop. Just like the human body. Eventually, too much food makes us sick one way or the other.
When we talk about giving up foods, it's more about giving up huge portions that none of us work off. Yes, I agree that 90% if us would be much better off if we shaved our calorie count by 200 to 400 calories per day.
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