Diet research brings big bucks to universities around the world and the research conducted is continually shedding new light on the obesity epidemic.
While many studies just confirm what the fit and healthy have already figured out, a few recent studies conducted further prove that a moderate diet rich in natural, whole foods is the best for long term health and weight loss.
Here are 6 lessons to be gleaned from the latest research.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine concluded that eating too many potato products was the number one cause of weight gain.
Lesson learned: Eat potatoes in moderation and especially potatoes cooked in fat.
The same study found that there was no significant weight gain or weight loss among people who consumed different milk fat percentages.
Lesson Learned: Whole milk is only 3% milk fat so whichever milk you like, consume it in moderation. It doesn't make a significant difference so you don't have to drink milky water if you don't like it.
Researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio found that participants who regularly consumed diet soda had a 70% greater waist circumference than those who didn't drink diet soda.
Lesson Learned: Drink water as your standard beverage and just have a soda, either diet or regular, as an ocasional treat.
A recent study from Purdue University showed that rats given a diet containing the fake fat Olestra consumed more calories than rats given the same food made with real fat.
Lesson learned: Consume foods that contain healthy, natural fats. Fat-free doesn't mean better.
A study conducted at The University of Otago in New Zealand showed that with their diabetic test group, it was calorie reduction that produced weight loss. There was no long term difference in weight loss among those on a low carb, low fat, or high carb diet.
Lesson Learned: Choose whichever eating style is best suited for your body and lifestyle. The most important thing is learning how to eat less.
Researchers at The University of Bordeaux in France found that older people who had regularly consumed olive oil throughout their lives were 41% less likely to have a stroke than those that rarely used olive oil.
Lesson learned: Use more olive oil in your diet by replacing other fats with it, especially unnatural fats.
If you're trying to lose weight or just eat healthier then focus on whole, natural foods and portion size. In the end, you'll most likely be lighter, healthier, and even wealthier.
