As we age and our metabolisms
slow, it's easy to pack on a few pounds without realising it. But a new study
has found that making consistent changes to your eating habits can lead to
big weight-loss results over time.
The study, published in
the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, followed the dietary
habits of over 120,000 people for 16 years and found that those who ate foods
that had a high glycemic load (which includes refined grains, starches, and
sugars) gained more weight than those who ate foods with a low glycemic load (foods
such as nuts, dairy, and certain fruits and vegetables).
This isn't surprising or new;
other research has shown that going lower on the glycemic index (GI)
scale will help you lose weight. What is interesting in the new study,
however, is that other key habits can mean the difference between pounds on the
scale. Check out what else the researchers found about weight gain and loss:
·
Those who ate more
yoghurt, seafood, skinless chicken, and nuts lost the most weight; in fact, the
more people ate of these foods, the less weight they gained.
·
The researchers
found, however, no difference in weight gain in those who ate low-fat vs
full-fat dairy.
·
Diets with more
red and processed meat intake were associated with weight gain, especially when
meat was paired with refined grains or starches.
·
Eating meat paired
with low-GI foods, however, (like vegetables) helped reduce weight gain.
·
Eating foods like
eggs and cheese along with high-GI foods was linked to weight gain, while
eating these foods with low-GI foods led to weight loss.
In general, the researchers
found that the best diets for weight loss were high in protein-rich foods like
fish, nuts, and yoghurt, which helped prevent weight gain. Avoiding refined
grains, starches, and sugars further helped, as did replacing red meat
consumption with other protein-rich foods like eggs and cheese. It may seem
like common sense, but taking the time to fill your plate with lean proteins
and vegetables and other low-GI foods will help you lose or maintain weight
throughout the years.
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