FitSugar

Researchers Identify the Top Foods That Are Making Us Fat

Leta Shy — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:18:10 PDT

A new report from Harvard researchers has found the top foods that are making us fat, and the findings are not at all surprising.

The extensive study used data for over 120,000 healthy men and women from previous studies to track their diet every four years from 1986 to 2006 to see how their lifestyle and what they ate affected their weight. The researchers found that within each period the average weight gain was a little over three pounds - which added up to a 17-pound total weight gain over the 20-year period.

What caused that weight gain? Topping the list of culprits are meat, sweetened drinks, fried foods, and any form of potatoes. The biggest cause of weight gain was eating french fries; every extra serving of fries eaten in a day was linked to a gain of more than three pounds, while eating an extra serving of potato chips led to 1.69 pounds. Other diet busters included refined grains (like white rice and white bread) and butter.

But the news wasn't all bad; the study also identified the foods that helped prevent weight gain. Read on for the list of foods that cause and prevent weight gain.

Your Desire For French Fries Could Be in Your Genes

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:06:55 PST

Some people (OK, a lot of people) are drawn to fattening foods. They can't resist brownie sundaes, buttery scones, and french fries. Now it seems a lack of willpower may not be the only culprit: New research shows it could be because of your genes.

A specific gene, named FTO, isn't necessarily a gene that causes obesity. But it does give those who have the gene a stronger tendency to eat richer, fattening foods, which in turn can make them overeat. In a study involving 2,700 children, on average the children with the gene variant ate 100 calories more than those without the gene. That translates to gradual weight gain over time and can lead to obesity.

There could turn out to be many genes associated with an increased risk for obesity, so more research needs to be conducted for sure. But someday, people may be blaming their weight gain on their genes. "What? That chocolate cake? My FTO gene made me do it."

Source

Paula Deen Becomes a Hot Topic on the View

YumSugar — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:08:38 PST

In January 2011, Food Network host Paula Deen appeared on The View to promote her new children's cookbook. Those who caught it know that it wasn't pretty to watch. Put the sassy Paula Deen and the straight-laced Barbara Walters together, and you get an uncomfortable dynamic.

As the ladies of The View sit behind a stupendous spread of fried chicken and other Southern comforts, Paula licks strawberry cake off her fingers and pictures of macaroni and cheese grace the background. Walters then forces the queen of Southern cuisine to answer a rather serious question:

This is a cookbook for kids. Obesity is the number one problem for kids today. Everything you have here is enormously fattening. You tell kids to have cheesecake for breakfast . . . Does it bother you that you are adding to it? No? Not at all?

Stunned, Deen bumbles something about moderation - "you know, we don't eat this every day" - to an unconvinced Walters.

UPDATE: With the news that Paula Deen has type 2 diabetes, the women of The View furthered the debate on "hot topics" this week. Watch the video, and weigh in on your thoughts after the jump

Fried Foods Aren't the Only Thing to Blame For Type 2 Diabetes

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:27:25 PST

I keep a stash of Paula Deen's recipes on hand for when I am in the mood for some Southern fare, but I couldn't eat such a decadent diet all the time. And Paula agrees. She told Al Roker on Today,

"I have always encouraged moderation. I share with you all these yummy, fattening recipes, but I tell people, in moderation . . . it's entertainment. People have to be responsible. Like I told Oprah, 'Honey, I'm your cook, not your doctor.' You have to be responsible for yourself."

Although it's easy to assume a high-fat, high-calorie, butter-laden diet is to blame, the truth is, experts aren't exactly sure what causes type 2 diabetes. Age, weight, and activity level are huge factors in a person's risk, but the most important factor is genetics.

The good news is that prevention is in your hands. While foods deep-fried in oil and coated in butter may not specifically cause diabetes, devouring foods like that often can contribute to weight gain, which increases your risk for developing this condition. The best thing you can do is to maintain a healthy weight and to exercise regularly, especially if diabetes runs in your family.

Source: Getty, Flickr User delgaudm, and Flickr User star5112

Nutrition Myths That Can Cause Weight Gain

Shape — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:04:23 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar.

Myth: Going Vegan Will Make You Lose Weight
"While various research shows that vegetarians and vegans, on average, consume fewer calories and less fat than omnivores (a 2009 Oxford study found that vegetarians weigh 3 to 20 percent less than their meat-eating counterparts, and a National Cancer Institute study found that subjects who consumed four ounces or more of red meat weekly were 30 percent more likely to die of any cause than those who ate less), these numbers may be misleading," says Rania Batayneh, MPH, a certified nutritionist and owner of Essential Nutrition for You.

Going vegan solely for weight loss can backfire, big time. If you aren’t vigilant with a vegan diet, it’s easy to lack in vital nutrients, vitamins, and proteins, which give you energy and help keep your metabolism stoked. Many first-time vegans may also find themselves reaching for more processed foods like vegan cookies, chips, or even ‘ice cream’ more often with such a restricted diet, and many end up packing on the pounds instead.

If you do decide to adopt a vegan diet, be sure to keep the ‘treats’ to a minimum and plan balanced meals (we love ‘Domestic Vegan’ Diva Jessica Olson’s tips for "going veg"). "Aim to get about 10 to 20 percent of your calories from protein (or about 1 gram per kilogram of body weight), replacing animal protein with healthy plant proteins, like those found in beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy products," Batayneh says. "And, whether you are vegan or not, eating more green, leafy vegetables is great for your health and your waistline."

See which other diet habits may also being causing weight gain after the break!

Link Time: Beaujolais Nouveau Takes to the Streets

Susannah Chen — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:08:48 PST

2011's Beaujolais Nouveau takes to the streets. - The Daily Meal
Must make: quince pancakes. - Saveur
Burning question: why does Jell-O jiggle? - Food Republic
Why you should never use pop-up turkey timers. - Kitchen Daily
Yelp has filed to raise $100 million for an IPO. - Eater
Yikes! The 25 most fattening pies. - The Daily Beast
Vegan restaurants are finding success in downplaying the v-word. - SF Chronicle

Foodie Friday Link Time: Healthier Risotto Made With Wheat Berries

FitSugar — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:35:35 PDT

Rocking mock risotto made with nutritious wheat berries - Peanut Butter Fingers
Apple pie choices for a little guilt-free indulgence - Self
Get cooking with Fall produce! Here's a bushel of healthy recipes - DailySpark
Six of the most fattening apps to leave off your plate - Prevention
Eat power foods throughout your day, just like Dr. Oz - Shape
Junk food in sheep's clothing can now be found in health food aisle - Blisstree
Good for the wallet, bad for the waistline: skip these unhealthy foods - SavvySugar
Blend up a protein-packed, post-workout pumpkin smoothie - Lululemon

Lazy Boyfriend? How to Stay Healthy When He's Not

Michele Foley — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 03:06:39 PDT

Being in love is a fun way to pass the time. Dates, kisses, and cuddles - who doesn't like that kind of stuff? But what if your boyfriend is more into Cheetos than crunches? Before picking up his habits, follow these tips so you'll stay healthy even when he's not.

He's a Cuddle Monster
There's absolutely nothing wrong with time spent under the covers, as long as you remember to come up for air! The more time you're spending cuddling on the couch watching TV and movies probably means you have less time for yourself. Often the first thing that goes when you're in a relationship are your daily visits to the gym, Sunday morning yoga classes, or Saturday evening runs. Instead of sacrificing your entire fitness regimen, schedule it into your life the same way you treat your time together. Fit in a yoga class before you meet for dinner or use these tips to squeeze in a workout during a lunch break. Wake up a little early to hit the trail for a run, or let your partner know that you're dedicating a few hours of each week to your fitness regimen.

More tips on dealing with his junk food habit and those fun, fattening dates after the break!

How to Eat Healthy When on the Go

Leta Shy — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 02:42:01 PDT

Eating on the go may not be the best option, but sometimes it's unavoidable. Sick of highly processed foods or other fattening options? Here are some suggestions for eating healthy on the go.

Don't be caught empty-handed: Make a habit of stashing your own snacks in your bag when you know you're going to be out for a long time. This way, you can control the portions and know exactly what you are eating. Make your own trail mix, stock up on protein bars, or grab a piece of fruit before you head out the door.

The Best Time to Exercise, Eat Your Meals, and More

Heather Dale — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 03:06:39 PDT

Between work, friends, family, and social commitments, we're lucky if we can manage to get enough sleep, eat balanced meals, and squeeze in enough time for exercise. But did you know that there's a right time to do some of these things? And by right, I mean that there's actually an optimal time to eat, exercise, go grocery shopping, and more to benefit our overall well-being? Get your pencils and pads of paper ready because you may be shocked at some of these results!

The best time to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner: You should always eat breakfast within an hour of waking up. About 4.5 hours after that, you should have lunch, and a couple hours after that, dinner. If you delay these times, you're going to be hungry, and the hungrier you are, the more likely you are going to cheat and eat fatty junk food. According to Dr. Oz, the big rule of thumb is that you need to have dinner more than three hours before you go to bed, so that you aren't going to bed with a full stomach.

To find out best times for other daily duties, keep reading