Low Fat
Fallacy
by Jim Foster
I guess we all
know that obesity is at epidemic levels. It's drummed
into us from all angles. Isn't it strange that we have
the biggest range of low-fat foods available but we keep
getting fatter?
Isn't somebody going to stand up and say "It hasn't
worked"?
In the 70's and 80's we were told that fat was the enemy, and
carbohydrates were good. The USDA Healthy Food Pyramid had
carbs as the base (6-11 servings per day).
There was however, little mention
of the quality of these carbohydrates.
Manufacturers were quick to respond, and began bringing out
"Low Fat", "Fat-Free", and "Lite" versions of various food
products. These are generally the biggest selling items, and
have resulted in lot's of clever marketing tactics - in fact
anything to make the consumer feel guilty, and look for the
"Fat-Free" option.
Milk - Is Whole Milk Really That Bad?
Most of our modern milk undergoes the process of
homogenisation. This process forces the fat globules into an
atomiser (i.e. tiny holes) that will form tiny particles. These
particles are then evenly dispersed throughout the milk, giving
the milk a uniform appearance. Most of our low fat, trim,
super-trim milks are created using this process.
However, recent research has shown that structural changes do
occur in the homogenisation process. In unhomogenised milk, an
enzyme called xanthine oxidase would pass throught the
digestive system, and be secreted harmlessly through the bowel.
The homogenisation process allows this enzyme to enter the
bloodstream.
Some researchers are saying the enzyme attacks the issues of
our heart and arteries, encouranging an increase in cholesterol
levels!
Low Fat Hasn't Worked
The evidence of the last twenty years, is showing us that just
choosing a low-fat version of a food is not helping us lose
weight. In fact, we need to question, the processes that go on
to make certain foods "low fat".
Many blame a high amount of refined carbohydrates (white
flours, sugars) as having an impact on our weight problem.
Why Are We So Fat?
More and more evidence is showing that we eat too much, and
exercise too little. Our lifestyles are very sedentary, and
portion size has increased. The US Center for Disease Control
(CDC) has concluded that "we eat a lot – a whole lot more than
we used to, and most of the increase comes from refined
carbohydrates (sugar)."
In the 1970's the average person ate 136 pounds of flour and
cereal products per year and now it's up to 200 pounds. The
increase is almost all from processed, white flour, high sugar
foods. In addition, everything has been super-sized. Example:
1955 McDonald's French fries – 2.4 ounces, 210 calories. 2004
Super size Fries – 7 ounces, 610 calories.
What's The Answer?
Don't get too hung up complex nutrient ratios told to you by
the latest diet book. You need to find what works for you and
your body. It's a process of trial and error. Start with a
diet, then keep working at it until you find what is best for
you and your health.
Try to eat whole unprocessed food where possible, and eat
little and often to regulate your energy levels. Go easy on all
the refined foods - it's hard - because everywhere you go -
most of the food is made from cheap refined flours and base
products.
Also try to get out and stretch your legs more often.
About the Author
www.freedieting.com
is a resource for everything concerning losing weight.
Independent reviews of popular diets, free diet plans, and
articles taking a serious look at the causes and solution of
weight problems.
This article is available for reprint in your ezine or website.
No changes should be made, and all links left in tact. (c) 2004
www.FreeDieting.com.
All Rights Reserved
childhood
obesity and school
childhood obesity and
television
childhood obesity child
abuse
childhood obesity fast
food
childhood obesity health
risks
childhood obesity in
america
childhood obesity in
australia
childhood obesity in
canada
childhood obesity in
india
childhood obesity in nz
|