Count Quality Calories, Not Total Calories Says Harvard Study
It’s hard not to let the words, “I told you so” bubble up inside me as I read the latest results from Harvard’s Nurses’ Health Study II.
The findings concur with what we have been trying to get across to our customers for several years: rethink counting calories and look at the kinds of calories you’re eating.
Dr. Mozaffarian, lead author in the study, makes the distinction between good and bad foods, and I want to shout “Hallelujah”.
This follow-up study analyzed weight, exercise and the detailed eating habits of 121,000 health professionals over 12 to 20 years. The results show, using real-life experience, that certain foods contribute to greater weight gain. It is not adequate to just look at the number of carbs, fat or calories. Instead you need to read the list of ingredients.
Compare Ingredients
You may actually be slowing your metabolism down more by eating a 100 calorie serving of potato chips than munching on a 220 calorie fiber and fat-rich Omega Cookie. This is especially true since beta glucan fibers from oatmeal and EPA/DHA omega 3 fatty acids slows the return of hunger, levels off blood sugar spikes and ramps up your mitochondrial energy-burning engine.
As to be expected, french fries lead the list of bad foods, followed by potato chips, sugar-sweetened drinks, red meats and processed meats. Next comes other forms of potatoes; sweets and desserts; refined grains; other fried foods; 100-percent fruit juice and butter.
The only foods that resulted in weight loss or no gain were fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Conclusion: Yes, be concerned about calories, but be more concerned about what kind of calories you are consuming.
Recent Posts
-
Dose, Joint Health, Omega-3Are you one among the 1 in 5 Americans grappling with chronic pain, as reported by the CDC [1]? If the thought of traditional pain medications and their potential side...3 months ago
-
Eye Health, Omega-3
The Startling Link Between Skin Care and Eye Health
Dry eye complaints are on the rise worldwide. Many risk factors – including aging and increased computer use – help explain the increase. But there's another driver few people know...5 months ago -
Heart Health
Does Taking Fish Oil Lower Cholesterol?
Many people believe that incorporating omega-3s into their diet will solve their cholesterol woes. But the truth is much more nuanced; it's not as simple as taking a daily fish...1 year ago -
Immune Health, Sleep
Melatonin & COVID-19: Can This ‘Sleep Hormone’ Help?
It started with a runny nose and a slight cough. But when his 72-year-old wife tested positive for COVID-19, he got concerned. “Is there any research suggesting the supplements we...2 years ago -
Full-Spectrum Fish Oil, Omega-3
Is It Good to Store Fish Oil in the Freezer?
Fish oil is a great source of the omega-3 fatty acids we all need for good health. It’s also highly perishable. Consuming rancid fish oil can have negative health implications....2 years ago -
Omega-3
Our Favorite Omega-3 Fish Oil Benefits
Omega-3 fish oil certainly has a reputation for delivering a plethora of incredible benefits. And it’s true! Omega-3 fatty acids have been studied for a broad range of health conditions....2 years ago