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The Big Fat Truth about Low Fat Food

  • 15-02-2011 10:13pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,775 ✭✭✭


    Just watched this on BBC3, and though there was far too much subjective stuff, it was entertaining and enlightening. Zoe Salmon did a month of living on processed low fat food, especially Weight Watchers stuff, and investigating what was in them.

    She found that she was constantly hungry, and just ate mindlessly all the time, and was bloated, constipated and woolly-minded, and she hated the bland taste and texture.

    There were a few interesting experiments, including putting a typical day's worth of low fat food into artificial stomachs, and discovering that they digested/disintergrated far quicker than real food. They also used a filler used in a lot of LF foods to stick wallpaper to a wall. And one very interested experiment involved giving a lot of football players either full sugar or diet drinks, then letting them eat as much as they wanted. The ones who drank the diet drinks ate an average of 142 cals more than the ones who had the regular drinks.

    At the end of the month of low fat food, Zoe had put on three pounds in weight.


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 250 ✭✭lachin


    Interesting! This should be posted in the ww thread so as to enlighten as many as possible. It drives me mad to see people buying into low fat processed rubbish, especially WW products.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 983 ✭✭✭Frogdog


    lachin wrote: »
    Interesting! This should be posted in the ww thread so as to enlighten as many as possible. It drives me mad to see people buying into low fat processed rubbish, especially WW products.

    A huge +1 on this!

    Can we Eileen, pleeeeease??? :D:p :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,062 ✭✭✭Dixie Chick


    Going mad I missed this. I was in weight watchers for so long sometimes i just need to be reminded of why exactly I dont go near low fat stuff now, its so brainwahing. On another point, I wonder how many points are in my Low Carb chocolate.......:D

    30g unsweetened choc
    2 tbsp unsalted butter
    1 tbsp almond butter
    1 tbsp ground walnuts
    1/2 tsp of vanilla
    1 tbsp double cream

    I mean propoints now, not the other ones!:D:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 428 ✭✭ciagr297


    sorry, as someone on a long term low fat diet for medical reasons - weight watchers food are the devils spawn in the vast majority of cases.

    really though, you have to be sensible about these things. look at the ingredients list - even if it says low fat, you have to investigate. to be honest, exercising common sense in the case of any diet is a minimum


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,832 ✭✭✭✭Blatter




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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,531 ✭✭✭kildareash


    Raging I missed that. Sounds like it was interesting.
    It always amazes me the amount of people who buy the WW bars and sweets at the meetings or buys into that whole low fat ideal.
    I am a WW and I've always found their food Left a lot to desire.
    I don't buy into that at all.

    I'm finding the plenty of fresh, home cooked dinners and exercise are making a real difference.

    Might see if I can view that on their iplayer


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,832 ✭✭✭✭Blatter


    Going mad I missed this. I was in weight watchers for so long sometimes i just need to be reminded of why exactly I dont go near low fat stuff now, its so brainwahing. On another point, I wonder how many points are in my Low Carb chocolate.......:D

    30g unsweetened choc
    2 tbsp unsalted butter
    1 tbsp almond butter
    1 tbsp ground walnuts
    1/2 tsp of vanilla
    1 tbsp double cream

    I mean propoints now, not the other ones!:D:D

    Probably equates to 30 slices of low fat white bread with helpings of flora.

    Ha, low fat white bread. I always have a laugh at that one.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 428 ✭✭ciagr297


    Ha, low fat white bread. I always have a laugh at that one.
    i always have a laugh at low fat brown bread:D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,832 ✭✭✭✭Blatter


    lachin wrote: »
    Interesting! This should be posted in the ww thread so as to enlighten as many as possible. It drives me mad to see people buying into low fat processed rubbish, especially WW products.

    I wouldn't, they can be very defensive in there. Most of them don't listen anyway, it's like talking to a brick wall. I'll give WW one thing, they are damn good brainwashers.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,062 ✭✭✭Dixie Chick


    30 Slices of lf white bread and Id be at the fridge an hour later like a mangy dog in a dumpster.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 22,819 ✭✭✭✭g'em


    lachin wrote: »
    Interesting! This should be posted in the ww thread so as to enlighten as many as possible. It drives me mad to see people buying into low fat processed rubbish, especially WW products.

    while I entirely agree that some of the products marketed by WW are dubious as best and in some cases downright unhealthy I don't think it's a particularly good idea to ram the message down the throats of people who are finding the system working for them.

    Not everyone who eats WW is living on their products, and indeed not everyone on WW is eating low fat. Staying motivated whilst trying to lose weight is hard enough as it is, a gentle nudge in the right direction will more likely meet with a much more positive reaction than ridiculing the very plan that's holding people's succesful journey together :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 734 ✭✭✭astra2000


    g'em wrote: »
    while I entirely agree that some of the products marketed by WW are dubious as best and in some cases downright unhealthy I don't think it's a particularly good idea to ram the message down the throats of people who are finding the system working for them.

    Not everyone who eats WW is living on their products, and indeed not everyone on WW is eating low fat. Staying motivated whilst trying to lose weight is hard enough as it is, a gentle nudge in the right direction will more likely meet with a much more positive reaction than ridiculing the very plan that's holding people's succesful journey together :)

    Thats exactly it gem, I follow ww propoints, but I dont eat their products, ww is just another moneymaking large coporation. I cook healthy meals the majority of the time, tbh the reason for my weight problem has always came from unhealthy snacking rather than meals. I personally need the boundaries that following propoints gives me, but I have not been brain washed into eating lowfat products.
    I am genuinely curious to know if many of you who post in nutrition have had weight problems and been able to overcome them longterm, I read a post by metamorphis where he has mentioned losing and maintaining a large weight loss, it would be great to hear of others who have managed it too:).


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,832 ✭✭✭✭Blatter


    g'em wrote: »
    while I entirely agree that some of the products marketed by WW are dubious as best and in some cases downright unhealthy I don't think it's a particularly good idea to ram the message down the throats of people who are finding the system working for them.

    The problem is, the system clearly dosen't work.

    g'em wrote: »
    Not everyone who eats WW is living on their products, and indeed not everyone on WW is eating low fat. Staying motivated whilst trying to lose weight is hard enough as it is, a gentle nudge in the right direction will more likely meet with a much more positive reaction than ridiculing the very plan that's holding people's succesful journey together :)


    Again, it's ultimately a journey to failure, hearthache and probably extra weight gain. There's no real easy way of saying it. I've seen people waste countless years following the programme.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,829 ✭✭✭TommyKnocker


    astra2000 wrote: »
    Thats exactly it gem, I follow ww propoints, but I dont eat their products, ww is just another moneymaking large coporation. I cook healthy meals the majority of the time, tbh the reason for my weight problem has always came from unhealthy snacking rather than meals. I personally need the boundaries that following propoints gives me, but I have not been brain washed into eating lowfat products.
    I am genuinely curious to know if many of you who post in nutrition have had weight problems and been able to overcome them longterm, I read a post by metamorphis where he has mentioned losing and maintaining a large weight loss, it would be great to hear of others who have managed it too:).

    But it should not be just about weight.

    I am male, 48 yrs old, 5' 6", 12.5 st @ around 13% body fat, waist 31", Resting Heart Rate 44 BPM

    10 years ago, at the age of 38 I was 13st, with a 38" waist and I am guessing a BF % in the mid to high 20's, possibly higher. Could not run for a bus or go up a couple of flights of stairs without being breathless. I decided on a lifesyle change as I didn't want to go through middle and old age over weight and out of shape with all the possible health issues which that lifestyle could incur.

    So I changed my diet and started taking regular exercise. In those 10 years there is only a 7lb difference in my weight, but I look much better (IMO) and am definately much fitter and in better shape then I was in my 20's. I am actually seeking to put on some more muscle, so I could be back to 13st or even a little more by the end of the year. But I would aim to keep my BF % in the low double figures and keep my waist at 31" . So hopefully I will still look in good shape for my age. However my BMI will show me as obese adn I will be 2.5 st over what is purported to be an ideal weight for a male my age.

    TL;DR There is more to being in good physical shape the some arbitrary number on a device you stand on.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 734 ✭✭✭astra2000


    But it should not be just about weight.

    I am male, 48 yrs old, 5' 6", 12.5 st @ around 13% body fat, waist 31", Resting Heart Rate 44 BPM

    10 years ago, at the age of 38 I was 13st, with a 38" waist and I am guessing a BF % in the mid to high 20's, possibly higher. Could not run for a bus or go up a couple of flights of stairs without being breathless. I decided on a lifesyle change as I didn't want to go through middle and old age over weight and out of shape with all the possible health issues which that lifestyle could incur.

    So I changed my diet and started taking regular exercise. In those 10 years there is only a 7lb difference in my weight, but I look much better (IMO) and am definately much fitter and in better shape then I was in my 20's. I am actually seeking to put on some more muscle, so I could be back to 13st or even a little more by the end of the year. But I would aim to keep my BF % in the low double figures and keep my waist at 31" . So hopefully I will still look in good shape for my age. However my BMI will show me as obese adn I will be 2.5 st over what is purported to be an ideal weight for a male my age.

    TL;DR There is more to being in good physical shape the some arbitrary number on a device you stand on.

    I think you have missed the point, it is about the weight for me as I am very overweight, I am not worried about numbers on scales but how I feel and how I look. The number on the scales that suits me still has me just out of reach of a healthy bmi but I know what suits me and am not going to chase the unobtainable. I have had a weight problem for a long time but I always controlled it to a large degree apart from each time I was pregnant. I was able to control my diet with exercise and healthy diet. Unfortunatly I developed rheumatoid arthritis 6 years ago and since then my exerciseing ability has been hampered, and obviously even more hampered by having extra weight on me.
    There are some people who struggle for life to control their weight, I would really love to hear any stories from people who had a longterm struggle with their weight and overcame it longterm.
    Tbh there really is no comparrisment between you and I tommy, it will take a lot more unfortunatly than a half stone for me to look good:o.
    The only thing I can say that is different to my weight loss mission this time is that I have finally realised that this is a permanent change in diet for me I cant go back to unhealthy snacking when the goal weight has been achieved or I will end up back here again!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,062 ✭✭✭Dixie Chick


    Well Astra is essence what you are doing now by following the ww plan but not using their products or eat low fat foods is basically calorie counting. Thats the oldest tool for weight loss really and weight watchers took this, grouped it together with what was the fashionable baddie at the time (sat fat) and made up a points plan. Alls good so far. I mean I have to say, i went to weight watchers for years and there were some really good leaders who concentrated on healthy eating but sure the last 10mins of each class was basically people asking the points of different sweets, bars and crisps. Weight watchers then obviously capitalised on this by bringing out their own ranges of stuff and i think this is where they really fall down.

    Anyway, for me, i lost weight last year 2.5-3stone and have maintained in and around the mark for about 6 months now. I really think the key for me was educating myself about food and then applying it to a reasonable calorie diet. I never had the 500 calorie defecit a day approach and my weight came off slowly and sometimes quickly. I hated gyms so I worked out at home and it worked for me. I almost feel like screaming when i hear someone say the advice "eat less and move more" I find it so condescending and unhelpful.
    Im sure other posters will tell how they control their weight but thats how i control mine, and hope to be able to maintain long term as well.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 192 ✭✭boxercreations


    astra2000 wrote: »
    I think you have missed the point, it is about the weight for me as I am very overweight, I am not worried about numbers on scales but how I feel and how I look. The number on the scales that suits me still has me just out of reach of a healthy bmi but I know what suits me and am not going to chase the unobtainable. I have had a weight problem for a long time but I always controlled it to a large degree apart from each time I was pregnant. I was able to control my diet with exercise and healthy diet. Unfortunatly I developed rheumatoid arthritis 6 years ago and since then my exerciseing ability has been hampered, and obviously even more hampered by having extra weight on me.
    There are some people who struggle for life to control their weight, I would really love to hear any stories from people who had a longterm struggle with their weight and overcame it longterm.
    Tbh there really is no comparrisment between you and I tommy, it will take a lot more unfortunatly than a half stone for me to look good:o.
    The only thing I can say that is different to my weight loss mission this time is that I have finally realised that this is a permanent change in diet for me I cant go back to unhealthy snacking when the goal weight has been achieved or I will end up back here again!
    I am very overweight.At the end of September I weighed close to 19 stone, I started walking - I'm a single mum of 2 young children with little support, so gym membership or getting out in the evening is not really possible. So I bought a treadmill and a vibraplate - expensive, yes but put them on 0% interest credit card and for Xmas and birthday asked for cash, I'm paying them off as much as I can - besides this an investment in my health and my children's future. I am now at 15 and a half stone. Up until now I have done little to my diet, bar general cutting back but as I'm finding it harder to drop the weight (but I'm still seeing improvements in my shape) I have decided to seek not so much a diet plan as a lifestyle plan. I hate Weightwatchers and I've been looking at the whole low fat / high sugar science thing and so have decided to try a much traditional non processed, organic were possible, good fats, reduced carbs and whole dairy to see if it does make a difference - making a 2 week meal plan,(allowing 2 off days) will measure and weigh before hand and compare 2 weeks down the line. My friend swears by weightwatchers (but has never reached her goal weight or kept weight off in 12 years - how this defines success I don't know!) and is going to do their plan for 2 weeks. 5 evenings of one hour of exercise as well.
    I was talking to a guy who is back training after a few years off and like he explained - the steps needed to loose the weight are not the life you have to live forever - if you replace the fat with lean muscle then your metabolism goes up, you can eat more and so if you have pizza, you work it off rather than wear it ... I have made such progress there is no way I am going back - OK I have odd days when I go off the rails but I get back on it again. There is no magic solution but it can be done ... good luck .... ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,991 ✭✭✭metamorphosis


    Nice post. Thanks for that and mega congrats on the loss so far. Your seem very clued into it all. You sound like you have savage determination to reach your goal.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 11,613 ✭✭✭✭Clare Bear


    I saw that programme too. God love her, she looked miserable on that diet. And the food looked awful. The woman on the Special K diet was really sad, she couldn't even eat out one night as a treat or eat food in front of her partner :(


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 734 ✭✭✭astra2000


    I am very overweight.At the end of September I weighed close to 19 stone, I started walking - I'm a single mum of 2 young children with little support, so gym membership or getting out in the evening is not really possible. So I bought a treadmill and a vibraplate - expensive, yes but put them on 0% interest credit card and for Xmas and birthday asked for cash, I'm paying them off as much as I can - besides this an investment in my health and my children's future. I am now at 15 and a half stone. Up until now I have done little to my diet, bar general cutting back but as I'm finding it harder to drop the weight (but I'm still seeing improvements in my shape) I have decided to seek not so much a diet plan as a lifestyle plan. I hate Weightwatchers and I've been looking at the whole low fat / high sugar science thing and so have decided to try a much traditional non processed, organic were possible, good fats, reduced carbs and whole dairy to see if it does make a difference - making a 2 week meal plan,(allowing 2 off days) will measure and weigh before hand and compare 2 weeks down the line. My friend swears by weightwatchers (but has never reached her goal weight or kept weight off in 12 years - how this defines success I don't know!) and is going to do their plan for 2 weeks. 5 evenings of one hour of exercise as well.
    I was talking to a guy who is back training after a few years off and like he explained - the steps needed to loose the weight are not the life you have to live forever - if you replace the fat with lean muscle then your metabolism goes up, you can eat more and so if you have pizza, you work it off rather than wear it ... I have made such progress there is no way I am going back - OK I have odd days when I go off the rails but I get back on it again. There is no magic solution but it can be done ... good luck .... ;)
    Well done your doing fab its great to hear of someone losing weight and not following a fad diet.
    I have recently bought a treadmill, unfortunatly due to flareups I have only been able to do max 10/15 min a day on it, not a lot but better than nothing. However I know as the weather becomes less cold and as I lose weight my joints will ease up so fingers crossed I will be able to work up to my 5k daily walks again. I do find I need rules though so the propoints system suits me in that way. However I mainly try and stay clear of crap carbs procedded food and have introduced more fat and protein in my diet. I like your idea of the two week plan with two days off in that time. I am going to start that from next week.
    Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and for your ideas, best of luck getting to a weight that you are happy with.:)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,014 ✭✭✭Monife


    The problem is, the system clearly dosen't work.

    Again, it's ultimately a journey to failure, hearthache and probably extra weight gain. There's no real easy way of saying it. I've seen people waste countless years following the programme.

    It must work for some people, otherwise how would they lose so much weight and be able to keep it off (like the leaders). I have been WW since November and have lost 32lbs so far. Havent gained one week. Have to say dont eat much of the WW products as there are better, cheaper alternatives out there and much prefer a tasty, freshly cooked meal. I agree that fresh food is best when it comes to meals, but surely for a naughty snack of crisps or chocolate, it is better to go for the low fat version than full fat?


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