Go figure: A healthy eating approach helps people be healthy

This study was not perfect. You could argue, as these authors do, that the fact that participants chose their preferred diet is a good thing, as it could theoretically improve adherence. However, it also resulted in very different-sized groups to start with. The varying adherence and exercise option choices were adjusted for as well as possible. And the study relied heavily on self-reporting, which is always iffy. Healthy eating patterns have benefits beyond weight loss But we can still learn a great deal here. The Mediterranean approach to eating (which can be easily modified to suit any country or cultural food preferences) has mountains of research behind it. This is the dietary approach that is the most well-studied, and it is associated with lower risks for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, dementia, cancer, and other ailments. The lower blood pressures and blood sugars seen in this study further support previous findings. IF is a newer approach that is just now becoming better studied, and the emerging evidence is encouraging. IF makes intuitive and physiologic sense, and is relatively easy (certainly uncomplicated) to incorporate into day-to-day life, with potential positive health effects beyond weight loss. The timing of the fast can be adjusted for individual preferences and schedules. For example, the 16:8 IF protocol calls for completing the last meal by 7 pm and not eating again until at least 11 am the next day. This works well for folks lik...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Cooking and recipes Diet and Weight Loss Healthy Eating Source Type: blogs