When it comes to losing weight, researchers have found the laws
of science -- particularly thermodynamics -- are an important part
of the total equation.
Specifically, solid evidence has emerged that shows people can
eat more than they do now and weigh less, if they eat the right
kinds of foods, one scientist says. In fact, the amount of fat one
eats doesn't affect weight loss very much. Moreover, those who think
they can eat whatever they want and lose pounds are probably consuming
less than before.
But what's the alternative for those who don't want to give up
carbohydrate-rich diets? The key element, according to one scientist,
is the quantity of food one needs each meal to feel sated and stop
eating. (This researcher also believes protein is the one nutrient
that satisfies the human body better than the rest.)
The aspects of food that affect satiety
include:
- The taste and texture in one's mouth
- The look
- How it feels to chew
- Nutrient value
- How packed the calories are
- Amount of food eaten
Where the caloric content of food and one's satiety can go awry:
When people eat "energy dense" foods. Simply put, the
more "dense" a given food is, the more calories are compacted
into a smaller amount of food. And, because people tend to eat the
same weight of food consistently, they'll likely eat more just to
be satisfied.
Moreover, water is the hidden variable on the amount of food people
eat. Why?
Foods with lower moisture content weigh less. So, if people tend
to eat the same weight of food, raisins and grapes may have the
same caloric content, but because grapes contain more water volume,
one becomes sated that much faster by eating them than raisins.
New
York Times October 5, 2004
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