A diet rich in processed carbohydrates could be behind weight gain, according to a new study published in the journal Nutrition Research. Researchers asked 50 overweight and obese adults to follow three different diets that were all low in calories, but varied in their macronutrient breakdowns. The first diet was very low in carbs (just 9% of daily calories), the second diet was moderate in carbs (33%), and the third diet was high in carbs (60%). Participants followed each diet for three weeks at a time, but were allowed to choose their own menu options as long as they stayed within their given macronutrient requirements.
A calorie isn’t always a calorie
The quality of the calories you consume may be more important than the quantity when it comes to weight gain. A new study suggests that people who eat a diet high in refined carbohydrates and animal fats are more likely to gain weight than those who eat a diet high in whole grains and plant-based fats.
Sugar isn’t your only concern
While sugar is definitely a problem when it comes to weight gain, it’s not the only dietary issue that can contribute to packing on the pounds. In fact, research suggests that it may not even be the most important factor. The glycemic index of foods—a measure of how much they raise blood sugar levels—may play a larger role in weight gain than their calorie content, reports a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. That means swapping out high-glycemic foods like white bread and potatoes with low-glycemic ones like whole grains and vegetables may help curb your appetite and control your cravings for sweets.
Calorie dense foods are cheap but unhealthy
A new study suggests that it’s not just how much you eat that contributes to weight gain, but also the quality of your diet. calorie-dense foods are often cheaper and more convenient than healthier options, but they can lead to weight gain over time. The study found that people who ate a diet high in processed foods and refined grains were more likely to gain weight than those who ate a healthier diet. If you’re trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, focus on eating healthy foods rather than cutting calories.
Mindlessly eating unhealthier food leads to bigger portions
You may not be eating more food than you were before, but you are eating unhealthier foods. This can lead to weight gain because unhealthy foods are often high in calories and low in nutrients. When you eat these foods, your body is getting more calories than it needs and starts to store them as fat.
Eliminating refined sugar improves health in multiple ways
Consuming large amounts of refined sugar can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. It can also cause inflammation, which has been linked to heart disease. Plus, sugar can damage the liver and cause kidney stones. Cutting out sugar can improve your health in all of these ways.
Tracking calories isn’t accurate
You might think that tracking how many calories you eat is the key to weight loss, but new research suggests that it might not be as simple as that. A study published in the journal Cell found that what you eat, not how much you eat, may be behind weight gain. The study found that when mice were fed a high-fat diet, they gained more weight than mice who were fed a low-fat diet, even though both groups ate the same number of calories.
Calories aren’t always reliable estimates of food energy
A new study published in the journal Cell Metabolism found that when it comes to weight gain, it’s not just how many calories you eat, but also the quality of those calories that matters. The study found that a diet high in refined carbohydrates and low in fiber was linked to weight gain, even when participants didn’t eat more calories overall.