Nutrition Basics 101Healthy Eating GuidelinesSuper FoodsHealth and NutritionWomen's NutritionWeightloss DietNutrition Newsletter

A High Carb Diet does not make you fat

Written by Gloria Tsang, RD
last updated: January 2006

high carb diets weight gainAnother Study affirmed that a Low-Fat High-Carb diet does not cause Weight Gain

Researchers found women following a diet low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables and grains actually lost weight, not gained weight. Published in the Journal of American Medical Association in January 2006, the Women's Health Initiative Dietary Modification Trial followed close to 50,000 post-menopausal women for more than 7 years. Results showed that, in the first year, the women trained to eat a healthy low-fat diet lost about 5 pounds. After 7 1/2 years, they still maintained a modest weight loss compared to the women who did not receive education on healthy eating.

high carb diet weight gainEditor's Note - Finally: hooray for a low-fat high-carb diet!

Many diet books blamed high-carb diets as the reason for the obesity epidemics. Healthcare professionals, for years, have been explaining to the public that it's not the carbs - it's actually the total calories that contributes to weight gain. This long-term randomized trial with a large population is a perfect study to prove these diet books wrong. Indeed, it is important to note about this study - these women actually lost weight despite the fact that they were not intending to lose weight at all. Weight loss results would be even more dramatic if they were trying to do so. As the author Dr. Howard noted, the results of this study demonstrated that "long-term recommendations to achieve a diet lower in total and saturated fat with increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and without focus on weight loss, do not cause weight gain."

high carb diet weight gainCarb 101: Carbohydrates are found in fruits and vegetables. Emphasize on choosing a variety of fruits and dark green leafy as well as bright-colored vegetables which are loaded with antioxidants and fiber. In addition, carbohydrates are also found in grain products. The American Dietary Guidelines recommend eating at least half the grains as whole grains - that's at least 3 servings of whole grains a day. For more information about whole grains, refer to our Whole Grains Guide.

high carb diet weight gainTo cut fat in your diet

  • remove skin and visible fats from meats
  • choose leaner cuts of meat such as skinless breast from poultry. For beef, choose eye of round, top round roast, top sirloin and flank; for pork, choose tenderloin and loin chops.
  • occasionally substitute meat products with fish and seafood (high in omega-3 fatty acids), soy products (high in heart-friendly soy protein) and nuts (high in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber)
  • use lower-fat versions if available of salad dressings, spreads, dairy products and cooking sauces etc

high carb diet weight gain Further Reading:

Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape




| Print Page | | nutrition tips |

Want to discuss nutrition topics? Use our Discussion Forum



Advertisement

FAQ Editor's Picks

If you want a bigger, better relationship with a slimmer partner, learn how to stop criticizing and start caring.

Food & Nutrition

Diet Guidelines
Nutrition Basics
Grocery Aisle
Healthy Dine-out
Super Foods
Nutrition Books
Nutrition Articles

Nutrition & Health

Heart Smart Diet
Cancer Diet
Gout Diet
Acid Reflux
High Cholesterol
Diabetes Diet
Diverticulitis Diet
Lactose Intolerance
IBD Diet
ADHD Diet

Women's Nutrition

Menopause Diet
Osteoporosis
Anemia
Breast Cancer Diet
Pregnancy Nutrition

Weight Loss Nutrition

Am I Overweight?
Free Diet Profile
BMI Calculator
Waist-to-Hip Ratio






  
  
HONcode accreditation seal.
Categories:
Nutrition 101 | Healthy Eating | Super Foods | Podcast | Women's Nutrition | Food & Nutrition | Nutrition & Health | Weight & Diet
Member Area:
Login | SignUp | Free Nutrition Newsletter | Forum | Search | healthcastle nutrition
Media:
Press Room | Gloria Tsang, RD | In the News | News Release | White Paper | Logo | Recommended By | Event Photos
Corporate:

About Us | Advertise with Us | Legal | Career | Syndicate | Privacy Policy | Site Map | Contact Us

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or dietitian. Information and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Copyright© 1997-2008 Healthcastle Nutrition Inc. All rights reserved.