The New England Journal of Medicine is one of the worlds premier journals for publishing medically related scientific research.  Although much of what is called scientific research in the field  of medicine isn’t, what appears in the NEJM probably is very good information.  I will say it is fairly dry information.

In the July 17, 2008 issue,  a study that compared 3 diets over a two year period was published.  The study compared an American Heart Association-type low fat diet to a Mediterranean Diet and a low carbohydrate/high protein diet similar to Adkins.  Unlike Adkins diets, the protein was as much from plant as animal sources and a wide variety of vegetables were consumed.

Two hundred seventy-five people completed the study.  The majority were men.  The group that lost the most weight was the high protein/low carb group.  Those that completed the study lost an average of 5.5 kilograms (multiply by 2.2 to convert to pounds).  The Mediterranean group lost 4.6 Kg and the low fat group 3.3 kg. Women and diabetics fared better on the Mediterranean Diet. They lost more weight and had better results on blood sugar and blood lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides, LDLc, HDLc).  Men seemed to do better on the higher protein/low fat diet.  All participants ate less calories than they did prior to the study.

OK, what does this mean to you?  Should you get a book and start on the Adkins diet?  Remember, calorie reduction over a long period of time equals weight loss.  Add in some aerobic exercise and you get fat loss from the belly, better lipids, a better heart and look better naked too.

There was no fast way to get fat, it took lots of time sitting and eating more than you needed.  Its over now, I hope!  Now start the other way.  Eat a  lower calorie diet, get more exercise, and maybe a bit more unsaturated fat from olive oil, avocados, nuts & similar foods.  Maybe fish once or twice a week and not FRIED fish! A little wine may not hurt if you already drink wine.  If you don’t, drink grape juice.  Its almost as good and drink lots of water.  Eat a bunch of your food raw, especially fruit.

Get together with friends, reward each other with applause and long walks together when you reach special milestones.   Make life style changes, a little at a time.

Join me on Thursday nights this fall to discuss the issues surrounding behavior changes, Weight loss and improving fitness.  Sign up on my blog in the far right column or on my Recipe to Look Better Naked class blog.

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