Low fat and low sugar does not aid weight loss

One of the most frustrating things I regularly see is overweight people eating low fat, no fat and low / no sugar foods. Especially so called 'healthy' versions of junk foods. Think 'low fat' ice cream or chips and no sugar chocolate bars and you are on the right track.

Let me say this clearly so there is no doubt: 'EATING LOW FAT / SUGAR VERSIONS OF JUNK FOODS WILL NOT HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT'.

But there is more; 'IF YOU ADOPT AN INTUITIVE APPROACH TO EATING, THEN NOR IS IT NECESSARY.' You can eat the full fat, full sugar unadulterated version and still look and feel your best.

I have never actually seen a very good explanation for why the above is so true and so important on your journey to optimum health, so let me explain.

Although the primary reason people buy low fat / low sugar versions of foods, is to consume less calories (and therefore to lose weight), the reality is that almost everyone ends up simply eating MORE of the product - significantly more. I am talking 2, 3, 4 times more (if you have ever sat down with a tub of 'low fat' ice cream and ended up eating a liter, then you know what I am talking about). The reality is, that low fat / low sugar versions of junk foods generally don't have that much less calories than the original version. So you actually end up having more calories. And, as I'm sure most people understand, it's ultimately your consumption of kilojoules - or energy - that determines whether you put on or lose weight.

Further, even where the low fat / sugar version does have significantly less kilojoules, the reality is that most people end up eating an amount of kilojoules AT LEAST EQUAL- if not more- than the full fat / sugar version. Or if not immediately,then you make it up by eating something additional later in the day or the following day. It is like our head does a calculation of how much we would ORDINARILY eat (in kilojoules) and then matches it by eating more of the lighter version.

There are 4 problems with this approach. Firstly, the very reason you brought the 'light' food was to try to eat less kilojoules but your overall tally is equal to or exceeds what you set out to achieve. Secondly, because you have been eating a 'light' food, you don't actually acknowledge that you have been eating junk food. You actually think you have been healthy / good today - leaving you anticipating your 'unhealthy / junk reward' when in reality you should be cutting back in the days to come. Thirdly, and most significantly, you are UNSATISFIED and left craving the real thing. Finally, you have actually accustomed your brain (and your stomach) to eating larger quantities of food than it would otherwise consider normal. What this means, is that when you do eventually cave in an eat the 'forbidden' junk food you eat A LOT - completely blowing your weight loss objectives. The guilt kicks in, and so beings the vicious cycle once again.

Oats for breakfast

If you want to begin your journey towards intuitive eating, resulting health benefits and weight loss then there is a very simple way to start.

Commence each day with a bowl of oats. As much as you want. Cook it or have it raw. Add milk, yoghurt, fruit, honey, nuts, whatever you want. Most of your bowl should always be the oats though.

Have it every morning without fail. If you wake up in the morning and you are not hungry, it means you ate too much last night. Stick to your bowl of oats, but maybe have a smaller bowl or add a few less bits and pieces to it.

What is the point of this? Eating oats is a wonderful nutritious way to reconnect with your true hunger. You probably won't overeat it (but don't even think about how much you are having - your body will work out what is right over time). And you will be astonished how after just a few days, you will feel even tempered, experience even energy throughout the morning, have regular easy bowel movements AND not crave junk food all morning after a good breakfast of oats. A true wonder food.

If you do get hungry before lunch. No problem! Have a healthy snack..or an unhealthy one if you wish to. The point of this approach to eating is not to get quick results or to deprive yourself or strarve yourself. The point is rather to teach you a relationship with food which will leave you in perfect shape and will last for the rest of your life and which still lets you eat for pleasure.