Sometimes it is incredibly frustrating to see people on the internet and on fitness boards constantly try to defy the law of thermodynamics. 'Calories don't count' is a term I often read 'You'll go into starvation mode' is a phrase I'll often hear when suggesting to cut calories to lose weight or when I suggest one to embark on a IF regimen.
Some are so blinded and myopic that they believe that low-fat is the ONLY way to lose weight or that low-carb is the ONLY way to lose weight. I'm here to tell you it is all about calories.
People who eat a diet low in fat to lose weight (a fad that has thankfully been reduced to a few) are eating less calories because they've cut the macronutrient with the most calories (more than double that of carbs and protein), but they usually 'starve'. Those who embark on a low-carb or low-carb & high-fat diet lose weight because they are EATING FEWER calories. Studies have shown that protein is highly satiating and protein and fat together are even more so.
Now I'm not hear to bash a low-carb lifestyle, because that is generally how I live. In fact, I'm a big supporter of Mark Sisson and The Primal Blueprint. I believe eating primally is the healthiest way to eat. A diet that is full of protein, fat, veggies, and fruit is the healthiest option. It's devoid of overindulgence in processed fats and processed carbohydrates that have lead to the obesity, diabetes, and CV disease epidemic in our country. Eating whole foods is how we were meant to eat.
However, when believing in a way of life becomes so myopic (take notice internet board groupies) that you start to deny that calories don't matter...you've gone too far and you lose credibility. People on the internet suggesting that calories don't matter are WRONG. Do not listen to them or you will stay fat. You'll also never achieve low body fat levels if that is your goal.
Listen to experts like Tom Venuto, Lyle McDonald, and Martin Berkhan. These guys are considered experts in the fitness and fat loss world. Each will tell you that a low-carb diet works beautifully to help rid fat and achieve lower body fat levels. BUT each will tell you that in the end, it's about calories. Listen to a guy like Mark Sisson who will tell you to eat a diet rich in protein, fat, veggies, and fruits and he'll also tell you that if you eat too many calories -- you will not lose weight. Oh and not to mention, ALL of these guys will tell you that you need to get off the couch and exercise.
With all that said, I'm linking below some great articles for you to sink your teeth into. Folks, if you want to lose weight -- you've got to eat few calories. Eat McDonald's for all I care, but you've got to be in a calorie deficit to lose weight. Eat lots of protein, moderate amounts of fat, lots of veggies, and moderate amounts of fruit. Limit processed carbohydrates and completely avoid processed trans fats and oils rich in omega-6's.
AND FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT ARE TRYING TO 'HELP' PEOPLE:
STOP TELLING THEM THAT CALORIES DON'T MATTER BECAUSE THEY DO!
http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/how-we-get-fat.html
http://fitnessblackbook.com/diet-tips/martin-berkhan-scorch-through-your-fat-loss-plateau/
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/the-context-of-calories/
http://www.maxcondition.com/page.php?11
http://burnthefat.com
http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/all-diets-work-the-importance-of-calories.html
Comparing Diets: Part 1
Comparing Diets: Part 2
Comparing Diets: Part 3
Comparing Diets: Part 4
Until next time...
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