Diet experts

[AmandaJR]

Calorie controlled diets dont work as they are not sustainable in the long term. Also calories are not the most important focus in weight control, a thousand calories of sugar is not the same for your body as a thousand calories of protein. Controlling blood sugar levels and insulin are factors that have a large effect on how body fat is created and stored.

I beg to differ but let the OP do his own research and make an informed decision.

 

[Ethan]

Dont eat sugars either refined or unrefined. Eat a more of a primeval diet, it's what your body has evolved to expect. Sugars in the form of carbohydrates (wheat, pasta, rice, root vegetables) biscuits, fruit drinks etc need to be avoided at all costs.

Eat:
Meat
Eggs
Non-root vegetables
Salads
Nuts
Dairy in moderation
Pasta only if it has been cooked then reheated.

Look for books by Dr John Briffa, a good one is 'Waist Desposal'

Ah, the Paleo diet.

Your body has evolved a great deal further than the limited diet our ancestors were restricted to on the basis of not having a Waitrose nearby.

Briffa has taken many pounds off his readers, but mostly the art he has put in his bank account.

The life expectancy of humanity is rising inexorably. Suggesting that the basic elements of most worldwide diets (carbs) need to be avoided at all costs is just silly, unscientific and recklessly alarmist.

The sensible way to live is to eat reasonable portions of most elements of a mixed diet, some carbs, some protein, some fat, and to move around as much as possible, with occasional periods of exercise which makes you sweat (i.e. raises your heart rate).

 

[Fish]

I beg to differ but let the OP do his own research and make an informed decision.

I'm with you on this Amanda, MyFitnessPal certainly worked for me, wifey ended up buying me specific low calorie, low fat, no sugar products and I lost my 1st stone very quickly and easily. With inputting everything I was consuming it gave me an in-depth, hands-on insight into what I was eating and at what times of the day, I soon changed my habits because of becoming aware and the weight started to drop off..

Unfortunately due to my injury I've put a few pounds back on with not playing or exercising in conjunction with using MFP.

 

[SocketRocket]

Ah, the Paleo diet.

Your body has evolved a great deal further than the limited diet our ancestors were restricted to on the basis of not having a Waitrose nearby.

Briffa has taken many pounds off his readers, but mostly the art he has put in his bank account.

The life expectancy of humanity is rising inexorably. Suggesting that the basic elements of most worldwide diets (carbs) need to be avoided at all costs is just silly, unscientific and recklessly alarmist.

The sensible way to live is to eat reasonable portions of most elements of a mixed diet, some carbs, some protein, some fat, and to move around as much as possible, with occasional periods of exercise which makes you sweat (i.e. raises your heart rate).

Please explain (Preferably with some evidence) how our bodies have evolved in the last few thousand years such that eating foods that have a high sugar content are not harmful. I put it to you that the current levels of obesity and diabetes are due to the acceleration of sugar intake in our diets. The medical world is waking up at last after years of misinformation regarding how fats damage our bodies and how many foods (including many fruits) are in fact more harm to us.

Regarding Dr Briffa lining his pockets. Whats wrong with that if he is helping people to manage their weight and understand better ways of controlling diet. Actually your comment is rather hypocritical as companies like the one you work for do exactly that.

Increases in life expectancy is due to more than diet change but rather the way medicines and technology can maintain life even if the patent does not take good care of themselves.

I eat the diet he recommends, I am 67 do not have diabetes, cholesterol at 4.1, am not overweight, and have a healthy heart. Seems fine to me.

 

[Ethan]

Please explain (Preferably with some evidence) how our bodies have evolved in the last few thousand years such that eating foods that have a high sugar content are not harmful. I put it to you that the current levels of obesity and diabetes are due to the acceleration of sugar intake in our diets. The medical world is waking up at last after years of misinformation regarding how fats damage our bodies and how many foods (including many fruits) are in fact more harm to us.

Regarding Dr Briffa lining his pockets. Whats wrong with that if he is helping people to manage their weight and understand better ways of controlling diet. Actually your comment is rather hypocritical as companies like the one you work for do exactly that.

Increases in life expectancy is due to more than diet change but rather the way medicines and technology can maintain life even if the patent does not take good care of themselves.

I eat the diet he recommends, I am 67 do not have diabetes, cholesterol at 4.1, am not overweight, and have a healthy heart. Seems fine to me.

Your post illustrates why gullible people buy these books.

So you are 67 etc etc. Good for you. That is what we call an anecdote. I know people in their late 80s who smoked 60 and drank half a bottle of vodka a day. That doesn't mean either example provides a sensible lesson for others.

Briffa can publish any old crap he likes, with whatever evidence he chooses, absent of any review, regulation or fact-checking. Companies like the one I work for are tightly regulated and reviewed at every turn and can't produce a medicine without rigorous clinical trials over years. I am working on new medicines right now expected to be launched in 2026. So not hypocritical at all, but thank you for the nice demonstration of how little you know about the difference between fiction and science.

Plenty of Italians and people on mediterranean diets involving lots of pasta, bread and stuff which you think is fatal have among the longest life expectancies in the world. That is evidence.

Anyway, you (and Dr Briffa) are the ones making the assertions which require evidence. I am the one pointing out that there isn't any. The Palaeolithic period started over 2 million years ago, and ended about 10,000 BC. There was plenty of evolution during that period, and in any case it would be very foolish to think that humans were only capable of eating the stuff which was available around them. I am sure they didn't order many delivery pizzas, but so what? It is not even evolution to be able to adapt to other foods. What form of exercise do you recommend - being chased by sabre toothed tigers?

The Paleo diet is simply an affectation and a brand. Why not stick to The Bible diet? You can eat anything mentioned in the Blble. Fatted calf, manna, loaves and fishes, and for extra health benefits make sure you burn an extra 666 calories a day.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-paleo-diet-half-baked-how-hunter-gatherer-really-eat/

 

[Pin-seeker]

I've lost 7.5stone over the last 6 years, started at 21st 13lbs back in March 2009, and got down to 14st 6lb at the start of this year, put a bit back on (7lb) but I'm not going to beat myself up about it.

Looking at what you've said 9pm is far too late for eating your tea, I never ate anything after 7pm, gives the body time to digest your meal before bed.

2 litres of water every day, without fail. You p1ss like a racehorse but it'll do wonders for your appetite.

Not sure on your spice tolerance but green chillis help speed your metabolism, add some to your diet if possible

Keep snacks around the house, stuff you can grab when you're between meals that won't be loaded with calories, jelly pots are my go to snack at the moment, 10 calories a pot.

Don't starve yourself, if you're ravenous at dinner time, you'll eat the plate too.

Good luck

Kudos to you sir.
That's some serious weight loss.
I use to be able to eat anything & not put any weight on,seemed to put a bit on when I turned 30.
Maybe it's because I'm a bit lazy now.
Still only weigh 11st 6lb tho.
Everything in moderation for me.

 

[bozza]

No magic formula or diet, eat/drink what you like within moderation and be prepared to do extra exercise if you eat more than your body needs.

I don't eat healthy at all, drink every weekend and during the week at times but I wouldn't say I'm overweight, could maybe loose a couple of pounds but I have a very physically demanding job so I burn off most the "unhealthy" stuff I eat/drink.

 

[SocketRocket]

Your post illustrates why gullible people buy these books.

So you are 67 etc etc. Good for you. That is what we call an anecdote. I know people in their late 80s who smoked 60 and drank half a bottle of vodka a day. That doesn't mean either example provides a sensible lesson for others.

Briffa can publish any old crap he likes, with whatever evidence he chooses, absent of any review, regulation or fact-checking. Companies like the one I work for are tightly regulated and reviewed at every turn and can't produce a medicine without rigorous clinical trials over years. I am working on new medicines right now expected to be launched in 2026. So not hypocritical at all, but thank you for the nice demonstration of how little you know about the difference between fiction and science.

Plenty of Italians and people on mediterranean diets involving lots of pasta, bread and stuff which you think is fatal have among the longest life expectancies in the world. That is evidence.

Anyway, you (and Dr Briffa) are the ones making the assertions which require evidence. I am the one pointing out that there isn't any. The Palaeolithic period started over 2 million years ago, and ended about 10,000 BC. There was plenty of evolution during that period, and in any case it would be very foolish to think that humans were only capable of eating the stuff which was available around them. I am sure they didn't order many delivery pizzas, but so what? It is not even evolution to be able to adapt to other foods. What form of exercise do you recommend - being chased by sabre toothed tigers?

The Paleo diet is simply an affectation and a brand. Why not stick to The Bible diet? You can eat anything mentioned in the Blble. Fatted calf, manna, loaves and fishes, and for extra health benefits make sure you burn an extra 666 calories a day.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-paleo-diet-half-baked-how-hunter-gatherer-really-eat/

It's not a Paleo diet, rather a low sugar high protein diet. Thinking more 'Primevil' in our diet is not such a bad thing though.

You accuse Dr Briffa of publishing 'crap' but you don't explain exactly what crap it is! Please tell me what's wrong with his publications to put this crude label on them, have you actually read any of them? I suspect not!

I and many others have lost weight, managed to control our weight and improved our overall health by following his dietary and lifestyle guides. Are you suggesting we are all gullible and imagining these improvements? Briffa explains the way different foods are processed by our body and how this affects our health.. Can you explain why he is wrong medically rather than throwing immature insults around. For a Medical Doctor you have a very bigoted outlook indeed.

 

[c1973]

Your post illustrates why gullible people buy these books.

So you are 67 etc etc. Good for you. That is what we call an anecdote. I know people in their late 80s who smoked 60 and drank half a bottle of vodka a day. That doesn't mean either example provides a sensible lesson for others.

Briffa can publish any old crap he likes, with whatever evidence he chooses, absent of any review, regulation or fact-checking. Companies like the one I work for are tightly regulated and reviewed at every turn and can't produce a medicine without rigorous clinical trials over years. I am working on new medicines right now expected to be launched in 2026. So not hypocritical at all, but thank you for the nice demonstration of how little you know about the difference between fiction and science.

Plenty of Italians and people on mediterranean diets involving lots of pasta, bread and stuff which you think is fatal have among the longest life expectancies in the world. That is evidence.

Anyway, you (and Dr Briffa) are the ones making the assertions which require evidence. I am the one pointing out that there isn't any. The Palaeolithic period started over 2 million years ago, and ended about 10,000 BC. There was plenty of evolution during that period, and in any case it would be very foolish to think that humans were only capable of eating the stuff which was available around them. I am sure they didn't order many delivery pizzas, but so what? It is not even evolution to be able to adapt to other foods. What form of exercise do you recommend - being chased by sabre toothed tigers?

The Paleo diet is simply an affectation and a brand. Why not stick to The Bible diet? You can eat anything mentioned in the Blble. Fatted calf, manna, loaves and fishes, and for extra health benefits make sure you burn an extra 666 calories a day.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-paleo-diet-half-baked-how-hunter-gatherer-really-eat/

Highlighted part made me chuckle.

 

[Ethan]

It's not a Paleo diet, rather a low sugar high protein diet. Thinking more 'Primevil' in our diet is not such a bad thing though.

You accuse Dr Briffa of publishing 'crap' but you don't explain exactly what crap it is! Please tell me what's wrong with his publications to put this crude label on them, have you actually read any of them? I suspect not!

I and many others have lost weight, managed to control our weight and improved our overall health by following his dietary and lifestyle guides. Are you suggesting we are all gullible and imagining these improvements? Briffa explains the way different foods are processed by our body and how this affects our health.. Can you explain why he is wrong medically rather than throwing immature insults around. For a Medical Doctor you have a very bigoted outlook indeed.

Crap is stuff based on anecdote, lacking in scientific validity published in lay books or newspapers (rather than peer reviewed scientific journals) and intended to make a catchy and saleable book. Note that I didn't specifically accuse him of publishing crap, rather I said that he can publish any old crap he likes because he is publishing in the lay press, and is thus not constrained by what we call science and reason.

A diet based on some presumed notion of the evolutionary capability of people from the paleolithic period is by definition a paleo diet of some sort, even though there are many versions, most of which are nonsense and non-authentic anyway.

You seem to confuse 'bigoted' with 'rational'. Show me some good science and I will be easily persuaded. Show me a headline in the Daily Mail and I won't.

I get quite cross about this stuff because it is exploiting the feckless and the gullible. You may have lost weight, and you clearly attribute it to the magic of Briffa, but there are other explanations available. Most of these crank diets that work also reduce overall consumption, either by directly limiting quantity or by feeding you with stuff that fills up up faster. You can achieve the same results with ready meals (Fuller Longer, or something like that) from Marks and Spencers. I am happy for you if you are happy with the results, but I am unhappy with evangelists for one particular way that worked for them, because they don't really know what aspect of it worked (simple calorie reduction?) and/or of it is suitable for anyone else.

 

[Rooter]

An update 1 week in to a lifestyle change i will call it. Reduced (no removed!) all the crap i ate, and i mean all of it (bar booze!) at least 3 if not 4 smaller meals a day, mostly fresh veg and salads with either chicken or fish. Been out on the bike a couple of times (only about 12 miles in total, off road MTB), doing some daily exercises at home (squats, cruches, sit ups, planks, leg raises etc) and have gone from 12st 4 to 11st 10 in a week.

 

[Jimaroid]

gone from 12st 4 to 11st 10 in a week.

Well done! Just be aware that most of that initial loss will be water, the rate of loss will slow down in the next week but don't let it put you off. It's difficult getting past that first plateau if you're not expecting it.

 

[Rooter]

Well done! Just be aware that most of that initial loss will be water, the rate of loss will slow down in the next week but don't let it put you off. It's difficult getting past that first plateau if you're not expecting it.

Yeh knew that, but as from post one, aim was not to lose weight, so was quite surprised!

 

[woody69]

An update 1 week in to a lifestyle change i will call it. Reduced (no removed!) all the crap i ate, and i mean all of it (bar booze!) at least 3 if not 4 smaller meals a day, mostly fresh veg and salads with either chicken or fish. Been out on the bike a couple of times (only about 12 miles in total, off road MTB), doing some daily exercises at home (squats, cruches, sit ups, planks, leg raises etc) and have gone from 12st 4 to 11st 10 in a week.

You weigh 11st 10 and you think you need to lose weight? Are you only 5ft or something?

 

[Deleted member 16999]

An update 1 week in to a lifestyle change i will call it. Reduced (no removed!) all the crap i ate, and i mean all of it (bar booze!) at least 3 if not 4 smaller meals a day, mostly fresh veg and salads with either chicken or fish. Been out on the bike a couple of times (only about 12 miles in total, off road MTB), doing some daily exercises at home (squats, cruches, sit ups, planks, leg raises etc) and have gone from 12st 4 to 11st 10 in a week.

Well done mate, good start

 

[Rooter]

You weigh 11st 10 and you think you need to lose weight? Are you only 5ft or something?

5'10" and read post #1...