by Krisha McCoy, MS
What is the best diet to help you lose weight and improve heart health in the short-term?
a) a low-carbohydrate (carb), high-protein diet
b) a moderate-carb, high-protein diet
c) a moderate-fat diet
If you chose a, b, or c, you’re right—sort of. The best answer isn’t there. It’s “d”—the reduced-calorie diet that you’ll stick with. Why? Because according to a study presented at the American Heart Association (AMA) Scientific Session that compared four different diets, ranging from low-fat to high-protein, all the diets resulted in the same amount of weight loss after one year. A 2009 study by researchers at Harvard School of Public Health found similar results. The important factor is not the nutrients (like a low-fat or low-carb diet), but the caloric intake.According to these studies, if you reduce the number of calories that you consume, then you will lose weight, irrespective of what form those calories take.
Returning to the multiple-choice question, it says “short-term” because the AMA study also found that heart risk scores—which are based on findings from the Framingham Heart study and include total and LDL cholesterol levels—improved with all the diets. For long-term health, in addition to an eating plan that you can realistically follow on a daily basis, there are several factors that will to help keep your weight within your ideal range and keep all your body systems healthy. These factors include regular exercise, relaxation techniques, not drinking to excess, and above all, not smoking.
The truth is, most diet plans are built on the premise that reducing calorie intake leads to weight loss. That means that the diet that’s right for you is the one that limits the foods you are most likely to overeat, but still allows you to eat foods you enjoy.
To help you choose the eating plan that’s right for you, here is a brief explanation of four popular diet plans.
Click here for the rest http://www.anytimehealth.com/en-us/library/wellness-centers/articles/item/1770/The-Best-Diet-for-You
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