So here’s an interesting study:
http://bit.ly/d0guzy
“In the long-running debate over diets—low-fat or low-carb—Stanford University researchers reported Wednesday that a genetic test can help people choose which one works best for them.
In a study involving 133 overweight women, those with a genetic predisposition to benefit from a low-carbohydrate diet lost 2 1/2 times as much weight as those on the same diet without the predisposition. Similarly, women with a genetic makeup that favored a low-fat diet lost substantially more weight than women who curbed fat calories without low-fat genes. The women were followed for a year.”
So here’s the thing: this study proves that we are all biochemically different, and we all require different ratios of carbs, protein, and fat. This is metabolic or nutritional typing, a practice I use with my clients. Read more about it here. No genetic testing required! I don’t advocate “low fat” or “low carb” diets per se, but sure, some folks need more carbs to thrive than others. By doing metabolic typing testing with my clients, I know if they are protein types (the kinds that LOVE to eat, are always thinking about food, and could “eat like a horse”); carb types (would rather not have to even think about food, eat sporadically, can go long periods without eating); or mixed types (somewhere between the two). That way, I design meal plans for them that contain the proper ratios of proteins, carbs, and fats, and teach them to do the same. Read more about the science behind this philosophy in the book The Metabolic Typing Diet, by researcher William Wolcott.
Am I eating too many carbs?
The larger point here is that “diets” don’t work, folks. Sure, you could probably drop some pounds doing South Beach, eating in “The Zone,” Atkins, or even Weight Watchers, but until you get a grip on how to properly feed yourself, you’ll gain the weight back, feel dissatisfied, tired, cranky, moody, whatever. It’s not about counting calories or complicated ratios; it’s about a lifestyle change. This isn’t a diet: it’s a plan you use for life to nourish yourself. That’s an important distinction: diets aren’t something you go on or off; your diet should be right for your physiology, and once your discover that, you won’t have cravings, energy dips, or problems with weight gain. Everything will magically fall into place with sunshine, rainbows, and gold. Seriously though, if you struggle with cravings, constant hunger, or yo-yo dieting, you’re not eating according to your metabolic typing. Eat for health and make it a lifestyle change!
Mary Vance is a Certified Nutrition Consultant and author specializing in digestive health. She combines a science-based approach with natural therapies to rebalance the body. In addition to her 1:1 coaching, she offers courses to help you heal your gut and improve your health. Mary lives in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe in Northern California. Read more about her coaching practice here and her background here.
