EAT WELL, LOOK GOOD

On September 23, 2011 by constance

In the weight-gain stakes, it is interesting to note, that the average adult gains one pound per year. This steady age related weight gives me food for thought …

Studies show that this may be directly related to what we eat, not just how much we eat.

Analyzed data collected over 20 years from more than 120,000 U.S. men and women who were not obese and were free of chronic diseases, identified a number of specific foods linked to weight gain — and to weight loss also.

The findings further fuel the theory that little diet tweaks can have a big impact on weight and overall health. This suggests that the path to eating fewer calories is not simply to count calories down, but to focus on consuming a more healthy diet in general.

Rounding out a healthy diet with smart lifestyle choices is also important. The study found that weight gain also occurred among those who slept less than 6 or more than 8 hours, who watched the most TV, and who drank the most alcohol.

So are your daily favourite foods padding or slimming your waistline?

F R U I T S

Participants lost 0.49 pounds over a four-year period by adding fruit to their daily diet. We recommend that you should be eating fruits and veggies at every meal.

V E G T A B L E S

Adding more veggies, with their high fiber and water content, can help you fill up and slim down. According to this major diet study, eating vegetables every day led to a loss of 0.22 pounds.

N U T S

Nuts may be high in fat, but it’s the slimming monounsaturated kind that experts say we need to eat more. not surprisingly, they were among the foods that helped prevent weight gain. Participants who ate these nutrient- and fiber-rich treats lost 0.57 pounds.

Food Fact: ½ cup of almonds = 265 calories

D A I R Y

You’re better off sticking with skimmed or low-fat dairy. Participants who ate whole-fat dairy (butter, cheese, and whole-fat milk) gained 0.10 pounds.

Food Fact: 8 fluid ounces of Full Fat Milk = 149 calories; the same amount of Skimmed Milk = 83 calorieS

Yoghurt may be the ultimate slimming food. Those who ate it regularly lost an average of 0.82 pounds.

C R I S P S

Among the worst offenders in the study were potato chips. People who ate them gained an average of 1.69 pounds.

Food Fact: 1 oz crisps = 150 calories

P O T A T O E S

We all know that French fries can make us fat — they led to a 3.35-pound gain — but it’s not only the fried variety. Whether boiled, baked, or mashed, all kinds of spuds spurred weight gain in the study.

Food Fact: A Medium Baked Potato = 161 calories

W H O L E G R A I N S

Researchers have long touted the benefits of whole grains. They are great for digestion, cholesterol — and weight loss, too. Participants who ate them lost 0.37 pounds.

Food Fact: 2 slices of whole grain bread = 180 calories

G R A I N S

Refined Grains such as white rice, white bread, white pasta, and all-purpose flour) lack fiber and key nutrients — and they also triggered a 0.39-pound weight gain.

Food Fact: ¼ cup white rice= 145 calories

S O F T – D R I N K S

Soft drinks of the soda pop varieties continues to be linked to rising rates of obesity, and this study further strengthens the connection. Participants who consumed sugar-sweetened beverages gained one pound.

Food Fact: 8 oz Cola = 91 calories

Close to 60% of Americans drink diet soda regularly — and many of them believe it can help with weight loss. The news from this research is that diet soda fans lost 0.11 pounds but well evidenced other research shows that the artificial sweeteners are bad for your health

Food Fact: 8 oz1 calories; 28 mg sodium

F R U I T – J U I C E

The research showed that drinking 100 percent fruit juice is simply not as good for your weight as eating whole fruits. It led to a 0.31-pound gain.

Food Fact: 8 oz orange juice- 112 calories

P U D D I N G S

Treats are among a dieter’s worst enemies. Yet according to this study, they’re not as bad for you as, say, a baked potato! Still, participants with a sweet tooth saw a 0.41-pound weight increase.

P R O C E S S E D – M E A T S

Processed meats like hot dogs, bacon, and deli meat can increase your risk of heart disease and certain cancers. In this study, they led to a 0.93-pound weight gain.

Food Fact: 1 slice processed turkey = 35 calories

R E D – M E A T

A diet full of fatty red meat can set the stage for a host of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, even cancer. Participants gained 0.95 pounds by adding red meat to their diets.

Food Fact: 8-ounce steak = 318 calories

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