The struggle with weight loss is nothing new. People have been tackling the issue for decades, every few years coming up with a new fad diet that guarantees success but leaves you heavier and more frustrated than when you started. Most of these diets take one effective part of the weight loss equation and distort it or over-exaggerate it. For example, protein is an important part of a healthy diet and can aid in weight loss, but should you really eat protein exclusively?
One of the more popular diet trends out there today is the idea that to lose weight you simply have to count calories. Less calories equals weight loss. It’s easy to understand why this way of thinking has gained popularity. It makes sense and it’s startlingly simple. And yet, when put into practice, people still struggle and fail.
So here’s the part of the equation that is left out of the “a calorie is a calorie” methodology; not all calories are created equal. The source of calories does matter. The fact is that different foods can have vastly different effects on our bodies and go through different metabolic pathways before they’re turned into energy. Calories from refined foods with added sugar actually promote the storage of fat and leave people feeling hungry and craving food shortly after eating, while calories that come from protein and complex carbohydrates fill you.
Two recent studies prove this point. A study published in the academic journal Nutrition says that the single most effective way to counter obesity is to restrict the intake of simple carbohydrates. Additionally, a study conducted by nutritionists at Harvard University concluded that certain foods were more strongly related to weight gain than others. Among the biggest contributors to weight gain were potato chips, potatoes, sugar-sweetened drinks and both unprocessed and processed meats. On the other hand, vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts and yogurt were inversely related to weight gain.
It seems so easy, doesn’t it? Eat healthy, nutrient rich foods and lose weight. And yet, this too, is over simplifying. Losing weight is both physiological and psychological. At Blue Sky MD, we understand that many times people need to be re-taught how to eat properly and they need support to change their lifestyle. That’s where we come in. Our physician assisted weight loss program helps our clients create a diet full of nutrient dense calories while offering the support and encouragement needed to make a change. If you’re struggling with weight loss, give us a call. We’re here to help you on your journey.
