http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/08/twinkie.diet.professor/index.html
"His premise: That in weight loss, pure calorie counting is what matters most -- not the nutritional value of the food."
Does that statement sound right? Is this even possible? Apparently so. But, whats your take on a lifestyle filled with the majority of your meals consisting of processed products serving no nutritional value whatsoever, or do they?
Do you think cutting calories outweighs the nutritional value of our food when it comes to "losing weight"? Essentially eating a Hostess product every 3 hours of the day is destined to cut calories thus lead to weight loss in a days time, but is that really the best way to lose "fat" and continue towards our ultimate goal of optimum health and nutrition? What's your take?
Final thought: What's more important to you, losing weight or overall health? Is it possible to achieve both?
*Post your thoughts to comments*
Wow... Interesting stuff there. I would've liked to maybe see some before and after pictures or hear a little more about how he felt while on his sugar binge. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say he didn't feel as good as he would on a 100% paleo diet.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, about a year ago my daily caloric intake was no where near what it is today and I was eating grains, cheese, and other dairy products and I felt great. I was crushing workouts and my recovery was awesome but I was no where near as strong as I am now. I was eating more often but my meals were tiny and snacks were too. It was basically a loose zone diet, and I think the key was controlling my insulin levels so I never felt the need to go crazy on sugary food- a temptation I often fight now trying to eat perfect paleo without eating as many meals per day. So to me, the verdict's still out on reduced calories vs quality, but as with most things I would guess paying attention to both wouldn't hurt.
As for health vs weight, I definitely think health is more important and it is definitely possible. See Chris Spealler.
I saw this article yesterday- brought to my attention by one of my Biggest Loser participants at my work. His friend had done a similar experiment a couple of years back when his wife had started the Weight Watchers program, which emphasizes only calories and "points." He wanted to show her the difference between gaining lean body mass, feeling better for workouts, sleep patterns, etc when focused on a clorie restrictive diet. He ate only M&Ms for an entire month.... following his allotted "points" given to him by WW, and also taking a multi vitamin and I believe a protein shake.
ReplyDeleteHe lost 12 lbs. in one month. On the M&M diet.
However- his sleep was completely affected. He couldn't sleep through the night and woke up tired every morning. He said he could barely get through a run without cramps. His old injuries flared up again, and by the end of the month his stomach had "gone soft" and he was not as lean as he used to be, although he actually lost inches in his waist that month.
The point is- I'm with Ryan. I'd like to hear more of this guy's feedback on how he felt after such a sugar binge. To me, it's not about weight loss or even just my body composition. It's more important to keep an optimal level of health and WELLNESS in all aspects of my life, not just 'looking good naked.' The paleo diet I've adopted now for almost a year has helped me to achieve my best possible level of wellness thus far.
In terms of weight loss, this guy's principles are sound: burn more calories than you consume & you'll lose weight. The experiment itself? Pure Genius. Who wouldn't want to live on twinkies & cakes for 2 straight months? This is like a more fun version of "Supersize Me"
ReplyDeleteHonestly, the terms of "health" are brought into question here: with his bad cholesterol dropping 20%, good cholesterol increasing by 20%, LDLs dropping by 39%, and total body fat decreasing 10%, I'd say this was a pretty healthy diet.
This is most perplexing as those numbers go against conventional wisdom. This is also the most frustrating to me as I've been trying to control my cholesterol for years by avoiding such sweets and here they were the answer all along!
Ryan makes an excellent point that this guy probably survived a roller coaster of sugar highs & crashes throughout the day, or at least timed his meals such that he rode the sugar high throughout. Either way he couldn't have felt good.
I've altered my diet a number of times over the years trying to control my cholesterol, digestive health, and weight with little success achieving all three. Strict paleo, and even the pseudo-paleo diet that I've been on, has done wonders in all three aspects. That's not to mention the improved energy that I've had throughout the day.
Ultimately it's about how you feel: you could have the healthiest diet ever but if you aren't enjoying yourself, what's the point? While this guy's diet may have been delicious, I'm going to stick with the Paleo because it has really helped me to feel great.
Of course cutting calories will cut weight, that is the old calories burned
ReplyDeletevs calories consumed proposal but by no means is this man healthier than
when he is eating real food.
Cut him open and tell me what kind of whack ass crap is accumulating within
his organs and tissue. He is headed down a road of some serious health
problems. He may lose weight, but that weight is water weight, muscle mass,
lean body tissue, etc. essentially all the things people would usually want
to keep to "look good naked" and be "healthy".
I was telling Aryan, its funny how he (this professor) strongly recommends
no one "try" this diet and the dietician within the article is saying the
exact same thing. Processed foods have serious health effects on the body
and they know it. He proved what he wanted to prove, but that is just
stating the obvious. Calories burned > calories consumed = weight loss. Over
time these types of food will certainly bring unwanted fat everywhere and
give you a one-way ticket to hyperinsulinemia. Not only can eating real food
benefit you in the department of losing weight, but it will also make you
incredibly healthier. So, what would you rather do, lose weight by eating
yummy space food (because god knows what is contained in Hostess products
and processed foods alike) or eat real food and lose BODY FAT, feel great
and more satiated at every meal and most of all become healthier. I think
the latter is the most bang for your buck.
I would like to see this guy live on this diet for 3-5 years and then show us the effects.
ReplyDeleteI bet he wouldn't be willing to make that sacrifice because he knows it would have adverse effects to his long term health!