Diets

I apologize if this has been posted before, being new, I wouldn't know
that, but I think it offers an important perspective, that may be of use
to some.

YONKERS, New York (CNN) --The best diet may be no diet at all, according
to
a new survey by Consumer Reports magazine.

The study of more than 32,000 dieters found that an overwhelming majority
of "successful losers" took a do-it-yourself approach and credited
exercise
- -- not food deprivation -- as their top strategy.

"Our report overturns the long-held conviction that to lose weight, you
have to enroll in an expensive program, buy special food, or follow the
regimen of a particular diet guru," said Consumer Reports senior editor
Nancy Metcalf.

In fact, very few of those who lost weight and kept it off had tried
commercial diet plans, meal replacement bars and shakes, or dietary
supplements.

Consumer Reports found that nearly a quarter of those questioned had
success with their diets, including 8,000 "successful losers" who lost at
least 10 percent of their starting weight and kept it off for a year, and
4,000 "superlosers" who maintained their weight loss for five years or
more.

"One of our most important findings is that diets that work need to match
an individual's personal needs and preferences," said lead researcher
Donato Vaccaro. "In fact 83 percent of the 'superlosers' said they lost
weight entirely on their own."

Only 14 percent of "superlosers" had ever signed up with Weight Watchers,
Jenny Craig, or another commercial diet program, according to results of
the survey. A mere 6 percent in that category used dietary supplements or
another non-prescription weight loss aid, such as Metabolife or Dexatrim.

The vast majority -- 88 percent -- stayed away from Slim Fast and other
meal replacements.

Consumer Reports found one strategy common to nearly all the success
stories: exercise.

Those who exercised at least three times a week ranked it as the number
one
factor in their weight loss success. Many others credited increasing the
physical activity in their daily routines -- taking the stairs rather
than
the elevator, for example. Lifting weights was also popular among
successful dieters.

Based on its survey, Consumer Reports recommends keeping several things
in
mind when deciding what to eat:

Substitute high-fiber, whole grain carbohydrates for foods with a high
glycemic index, such as white bread, potatoes, sugar and pasta;

Eat sufficient amounts of protein, which helps to keep insulin levels in
check and stave off hunger;

Trick your stomach into feeling full by choosing foods with relatively
few
calories per unit of volume, such as water-filled fruits and vegetables;

Don't eliminate fat altogether; mono- and poly-unsaturated fats found in
nuts, avocados, olives and fish may protect against heart disease;

Be persistent.


Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2002/HEALTH/05/06/diet/index.html


*******
--

- Billy
"For the first time in the history of the world, every human being
is now subjected to contact with dangerous chemicals, from the
moment of conception until death." - Rachel Carson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1Zunx_goz4


http://www.democracynow.org/2009/6/2...ra_hass_on_the