Have you ever thought about how to lose 5 kilos in two weeks? Or considered what would be better for you: the celebrity-loved ketogenic diet or the new-fad Whole 30 diet?
If so, you may’ve also thought about ditching the double-cream brie and salted, cultured butter in favour of a low-fat diet to reach your weightloss goals.
^^Sigh.
Well, in a scientific revelation that caused us to do a head-jerking double-take, it is being reported that low-fat diets can, in fact, be more harmful for your health than that sixth camembert-slathered cracker you may or may not have just reached for…
According to research conducted by The Lancet, of the 135,000 adults they studied, those who cut back on fats had much shorter lives than those who enjoyed meats, cheese and butter.
Researchers suggest that this is because those who tried eating a low-fat diet would then indulge in carb-heavy foods like bread, rice and pasta, consequentially missing out on other vital nutrients.
Shockingly, as reported by The Telegraph, the study also revealed that those who consumed the highest levels of carbohydrates (this includes sugar-loaded soft drinks and processed foods) were at a 28 per cent higher risk of an early death compared to their cheese-eating counterparts.
Mind. Blown.
Importantly, dietitian Melanie McGrice, who is also the author of The Pregnancy Weight Plan, explains that instead of latching on to a low-fat diet, people should actually be thinking about nutrients over fats when it comes to finding a healthy diet that’s right for them.
“More important than focusing on whether your diet is higher in carbs or fat, is focusing on nutrient-rich foods,” she says.
“As a dietitian working in private practice, I see so many clients who are filling up on processed foods.”
“If you want to have a diet richer in good fats, choose whole foods such as nuts, avocado, extra virgin olive oil or fish instead of just using this research as an excuse to eat high-fat processed foods.”
If you’re thinking of changing your eating plan, take Melanie’s advice, as well we consulting your trusted GP and a dietitian.
