When examining what changes you can make that can have big long-term effects on your health, some times it is the little things that count. A recent study has shown that eating the right combination of foods is more important for long-term weight loss than counting calories. The trick seems to be to avoid high glycemic foods by limiting refined grains, starches, and sugars.
The study findings revealed the following:
- Long-term weight loss occurs best when people eat increasing amounts of yogurt, seafood, skinless chicken, nuts, and vegetables and decrease their intake of low-quality carbohydrates, like breads, potatoes, and sweets.
- Increased intakes of red meat and processed meat were strongly associated with weight gain.
- Eating eggs and dairy products like full-fat cheese, whole milk, and low-fat milk did not significantly affect weight loss or weight gain. Whether someone gained or lost weight while eating these foods depended what other foods they ate. Those eating high glycemic carbohydrates gained weight, while those eating lean proteins, yogurt, nuts and vegetables, lost weight.
This study is part of a growing number of recent research that shows counting calories is not the most important strategy for long-term weight management. It is the combination of foods you eat that make the difference.