It’s always nice when studies can backup what many of us already know to be true from years in the trenches of real world work.
Over the years there have been several smaller similar studies, but this is the largest and longest term study of its kind to date. The test subjects were split into 3 diet groups, a low fat diet, a low carb diet and a Mediterranean diet.
The Wall Street Journal sums it up quite nicely:
The study, which tracked 322 Israelis for two years, surprisingly found that a low-carb diet, often associated in the U.S. with high levels of meat consumption — was better than a low-fat diet in boosting blood levels of "good" cholesterol, or high-density lipoproteins associated with cardiovascular health benefits.
The only word I take issue with is "surprisingly". I think those who were surprised have either not read or completely ignored research that has come to similar conclusions in the past.
Was it the fact the fat loss was greater or was it the drastic improvement in blood markers with the low carb dieters?
This guy used low carb to get ultra-ripped
In any event the winner is clear. Low carb dieters lost an average of 12.3 lbs, the Mediterranean dieters lost 10.2, and the low fat dieters lost 7.7 lbs.
I will concede that these numbers are not mind blowing by any means. But what is important is that it was an even playing field (and low fat got it’s ass kicked.)
You can read the full Wall Street Journal Article on the study Here.
If you are so inclined the full study (yawn) from the New England Journal of Medicine can be found HERE.
Plus, if Katie Couric says it, it must be true:
Let me give some free advice that will get you well on your way to better nutrition and accelerated fat loss. Here are the top 2 things you can do starting TODAY to get it done:
#1 Drop the Carbs
The study above is just the latest proof. So what are you waiting for? Step away from the pasta…
#2 Write it Down
I spoke to this point in a previous post: "Log of Food". When dieters write down what they eat they lose more weight. How much more? Twice as much. No joke.
So let me break it down for you: Nutrition is not rocket science, and one diet does not "fit" all (get it? that was a pun). But in most instances intelligent low carb nutrition will help people lose fat and improve health factors faster, and with better compliance.
And one last thing- nothing is written in stone.
Joshua Carter
http://carterfitness.com
Want to know the latest tips and tricks to take your fat loss to the next level? Do not hesitate to Contact Me.
I can wholeheartedly attest to this…..Since I’ve been writing my intake down, it seems to make me more aware of what I can/cannot have….too bad everything that tastes good is bad for you…..