Harvard scientists have recently completed a study that shows if you want to shed some weight, it’s much better to ditch carbs than to have a low-fat diet.
The analysis was based on 67,000 dieters, and those who cut out carbs ended up being, on average, 2 ½ pounds lighter than those on low fat diets. Low fat diets were all the rage back in the 1970s, but now you can grab yourself a chunk of cheeseand whack on some chutney (otherwise what’s the point?) safe in the knowledge that science buffs have recommended a low-carb diet instead.
Dr Deidrdre Tobias at Brigham’s Division of Preventative Medicine (where the study took place) argued that, "despite the pervasive dogma that one needs to cut fat from their diet in order to lose weight, the existing scientific evidence does not support low-fat diets over other dietary interventions for long-term weight loss". In fact, it’s limiting carbs in your diet that is the most successful way to lose poundage, if you want to.
But before we hark back to the days of Atkins, the experts also added that "we need to look beyond ratios of calories from fat, carbs, and protein to a discussion of healthy eating patterns, whole foods and portion sizes".
So it’s not all doom and gloom about what you’ve been eating - because a life without carbs is a life without joy, surely. If you’re looking for a bit of a guide, we’ve put together some secretly healthy foods, as well as some superfood red herrings.
In the meantime, please can we have a moment of silence for our fallen comrade, bread.
*Words by Milly Putt *