Healthy Living

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Should You Eat More Carbs to Lose Weight?

The latest headline from Epicurious sister site Nutrition Data's blog sure caught my attention: What?! People who eat more carbs tend to be thinner? ND's Monica Reinagel reports that a study published in the current issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association "observed that the lower the percentage of carbohydrates in your diet, the more likely you are to be overweight or obese."

Check out the Nutrition Data article for more details, including some observations that cast doubt about whether this means we should all start scarfing down bags of chips.

The study does seem to back up Epicurious's healthy eating philosophy: It's wise to include plenty of whole grains, fruits, and veggies in your diet. In other words, don't fear the potatoes, rice, and pasta!  It also ties in nicely with my colleague Lauren Salkeld's recent blog about Dr. Sanjay Gupta's pledge to eat less meat.

What do you think of the study? Will it cause you to eat more carbs?  

by Megan O. Steintrager

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Comments 1-5 of 5
  • Katie B's Avatar
    Posted by Katie B Mon Jul 13, 2009 11:21am PDT

    I think it really depends on the carbs you are consuming... Carbs that come from chips and sodas aren't good for you but carbs that come from fruits and veggies are...

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  • slam's Avatar
    Posted by slam Mon Jul 13, 2009 11:22am PDT

    That's not what the pediatrician told my 15 year old who needs to lose 30 pounds. Doc said don't eat potatoes, white rice, or noodles. Eat lots of veggies and some fruit (beacause of the natural sugar eating too much fruit can be highly caloric), lean protein and only whole grains like oatmeal, bulgur, quinoa, cous cous. The reality is there is lots of misleading info out their on diet and nutrition. Talk to your doc about what is right for YOU.

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  • Susan's Avatar
    Posted by Susan Mon Jul 13, 2009 12:35pm PDT

    Hey, I'm very thin and healthy, I wear a size 2, and I eat a high-fiber diet consisting of mostly carbs, plus a small amount of protein in the form of legumes, and some fruits and veggies. I do need to eat more dark veggies though. When I ate meat I was heavier.

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  • Sensi's Avatar
    Posted by Sensi Wed Jul 15, 2009 7:16am PDT

    I'm so sick of all these studies that say "you should eat this" and "you should eat this way". The truth is no two people are the same and no one way of eating is going to be the right one for everyone. I happen to be very carb-sensitive and do best on an Atkins-type no white flour, little sugar, no white rice eating plan. I do best on an eating plan that is 50% protien, 25% fat, 25% carbs. I lose weight, I have tons of energy, my cholestorol returns to normal levels and I feel healthier than I ever have.

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  • Christina's Avatar
    Posted by Christina Sun Jul 19, 2009 4:37pm PDT

    no one should have to go on the Atkins diet! too much protein from animal meats take a toll on your heart and increase cancer risks! its better to get your protein from nuts, tofu, legumes, etc.

    i think you should eat ALOT of carbs (fruits, vegetables) and moderate portions of other kinds of carbs (whole grain bread/pasta, etc.)

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