Christmas is over and January is here which means that many people will be starting the annual detox (more exercise and less food).
But it seems that there is a common misconception when it comes to diets: that eating low-calorie and low-fat foods is better for you.
Health expert Dr David Ludwig, from Harvard University, told The Mail on Sunday that diets are too strict and people need to stop avoiding fats.
In fact, he claims that when fats are replaced with carbohydrates and sugars, this leads to hunger and can force the body into starvation mode which in turn makes it put kilos back on.
He told the publication that low-fat diets “not only fuelled the obesity epidemic but also contributed to cardiovascular disease” and that with them “you are destined to fail.”
His book Always Hungry? discusses this issue further, citing a recent study which found that those on moderate or high-fat diets burned more calories than those on low-fat ones.
It also provides recipes including Steak Salad, Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Topping and a homemade chocolate sauce (for pouring over desserts with no added sugar).
Dr Ludwig’s approach is based on the theory that such “luscious” foods keep hunger at bay for longer. He does however recommend avoiding sugar and refined carbohydrates.
While we do like the sound of a diet that incorporates steak and chocolate, we like to live (or should we say eat) by the phrase “everything in moderation.”
Top image: Luis Vallecillo – Flickr
