YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Why we get fat

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Why we get fat https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:12:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat/page/2#post-1631235 Fri, 18 Mar 2016 12:07:03 +0000 Anonymous 1631235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I decided to order the book.  gradfashionista on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat/page/2#post-1630933 Thu, 17 Mar 2016 19:36:08 +0000 gradfashionista 1630933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Like Lisa, I love reading nutrition as a hobby. I would have studied it, if it didn't involve swallowing so much dogma!  "Good Calories, "Bad Calories" and a few of Taubes' earlier articles were brought up in my methodology class in grad school as a paragon for research methods. Taubes focused on insulin, and probably couldn't devote as much time to leptin, ghrelin, ACP, and other equally important factors in metabolism. He doesn't advocate low carb as a prescription for everybody, but for obese and diabetic populations specifically.  I have done keto/low carb for six months, but am going to wean myself off of it. I seem to be the freak case among LCers who has gained fat--scales are misleading, clothes less so--despite calorie/macro tracking, and working out.  Low carb appealed to me because of its metabolic and dental benefits, but I don't derive much pleasure eating meat regularly.  Pork and most seafood are off-limits, and I'm not a huge fan of soy or legumes.  For once, I'd like to try intuitive eating, but it's hard when your emotions/feelings are mediated by your intellect. I still look at food and immediately think of macros first. Moreover, I'm not even sure if it's possible to eat intuitively, and to gain strength/lean tissue. We shall see. Gail on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat/page/2#post-1630764 Thu, 17 Mar 2016 14:27:46 +0000 Gail 1630764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for the insight texstyle I hadn't thought about that . texstyle on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat/page/2#post-1630759 Thu, 17 Mar 2016 14:17:37 +0000 texstyle 1630759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ There is also a lot of sound research on cravings stemming from your body either having parasites (we all have some, but I mean when they are out of control) or a deficiency in something else. Craving sweets/carbs is usually not a good sign for health and if you eat them often, eliminating most of them (and alcohol) may make you feel worse for a week or so but ultimately should make you feel much better. Craving red meat or chewing ice may mean you are low on iron or minerals, etc. Our bodies seem to be smarter than our minds sometimes. Gail on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat/page/2#post-1630737 Thu, 17 Mar 2016 13:24:27 +0000 Gail 1630737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So interesting to read all the responses. I was always very skinny in fact I was made fun of for being so skinny and for having a huge appetite. I never had to worry about what I weighed but I never really ate a lot of any one thing. I just ate a balanced diet of real food. I was NEVER into soda as it was always too fizzy and made me burp even when I was a little girl. Fast forward to about 3 years ago-  I went though menopause and I now have such food cravings. As long as I am out of the house and busy I am ok but if I am home look out. That bar of chocolate or the nice fresh loaf of bread- I will attack them. I feel terrible I don't sleep, have headaches  and have such congestion when I lie down . It is as though I have an ice berg moving from one side of my head to the other stopping me breathing properly. In the middle of all this I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. I held off on the meds until last year when it was evident  that it was really getting worse. The meds give me nasty reflux even though I am careful.  This winter with my Mother being so sick meant I spent a lot of time home by the phone so I ate my way through it and am miserable with myself. After reading all these responses I can see that I really need to change what I am doing and do some research. I did try to reduce my gluten a lot about 8 months ago but saw no difference. Also reduced dairy and no change. Lucy on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat/page/2#post-1630668 Thu, 17 Mar 2016 09:09:27 +0000 Lucy 1630668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What an interesting thread! Like Deborah, I too stick to a mainly low carb diet. And when I have carbs I try to do the healthier ones e.g. sweet potato. I find it so much easier than the old low fat stuff I used to do! I think about food a lot less, and I am rarely hungry. I eat a small bit of sugar, mainly in yoghurt, but largely I have cut it out - and when I have it I crave it more! I'm happy to put many things aside, or limit them, but I must say I'm not giving up my red wine.  I have quite a few paleo books - I'm coeliac, so they are great to cook from. But I'm allergic to nuts and seeds, and I do like a bit of dairy, so I don't think I will go full paleo, though there seem to be an awful lot of benefits.  Deborah on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat/page/2#post-1630647 Thu, 17 Mar 2016 06:23:30 +0000 Deborah 1630647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I haven't quite gotten through all the responses but great thread. I eat a high protein, low carb diet and have never felt so good! My diet sounds very similar to that of Caro. I eat loads of veggies, lean meats, legumes, and fish. I don't eat gluten as I have an intolerance and it can make me quite sick. I started to eat this way in January last year for two reasons. I was putting on too much weight and I wasn't feeling my best I terms of health. Since doing this, I dropped 9kg (I think that about 20 pounds) and have maintained it easily. I feel the best I have for a long time and find I crave the so called good foods now and have almost no desire for sweet things. Every now and again I have some "junk" but most of the time it's just not that exciting to me. So, I haven't read the book you mention but it sounds similar to what I read that led me to this way of eating xxx anne on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat/page/2#post-1630626 Thu, 17 Mar 2016 05:06:53 +0000 anne 1630626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/  A very interesting thread Sarah. I have read Taubes book, and it and similar teaching has probably influenced my diet over the years but I haven't really taken it on in full and don't really plan to. I certainly eat less carbs than I used to but still 1-3 serves a day, (mostly wholegrain) I switched back to full cream milk, and eat more protein than I used to There are certainly so many individual variations and so hard to generalise - it is even hard to compare what "I used to eat whatever I wanted" actually means in practise! I have never been overweight as such (though of course wouldn't mind being a bit thinner) which in itself helps with weight control I think - as in less fat cells to shrink. I attribute it to heredity, an active youth that probably built up my muscles, not liking savory snacks like chips, BBQ sauce  or being very fond of soft drinks, frugality, in that I rarely buy food for myself when out, not being a big drinker who had huge nights out and who knows how long I had coeliac disease may have affected my food absorption. (I am finding it harder to maintain now, though being in my 40's could be a contributory factor) I am dealing with higher body fat than I'd like (despite a BMI of around 21) but I'm fairly convinced the answer for me lies, like you have already discussed, in weight training. I'm still mostly working on my form after some injury, but that, plus getting back to intervals once i recover, is where I'm planning to head. Also, I find when lowering carbs I'm definitely wanting to eat more fat, and I do find overeating that is pretty easy to do, with accompanying no loss of weight. Anonymous on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat/page/2#post-1630578 Thu, 17 Mar 2016 03:24:59 +0000 Anonymous 1630578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Every person's sensitivities are different. I am a Type 2 diabetic. Rice is something that I cannot eat at all without my blood sugar going haywire. I know because I have done years of post meal tests. I can eat a little of potatoes or bread. Others can eat a little rice or pasta but can't eat potatoes. Like Alaska Girl, I was always slim and could eat anything I wanted but would also like to go back and slap my younger self. As far as eating carbs, you need a few for energy. Drinking carbs in sodas, beer, smoothies and fruit juices is the worst for you because it goes quickly to your blood. Eating fats, fiber, protein, and some other things slows it down. Eating food with a carbonated beverage is bad. If I want to "sweeten" something like coffee, I add cinnamon. You do not want your blood sugar to get too high or low. Fruit...be careful not to eat much. For some reason, melons like watermelon are the worst. Berries are the best. Green bananas are better than ripe ones because they have less sugar. I can't eat grapes without a blood sugar spike. Meow on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat/page/2#post-1630530 Thu, 17 Mar 2016 02:29:49 +0000 Meow 1630530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Weight aside, if I can get results like Carter and Lucinda, I would be VERY happy!  I see my parents struggling with Metabolic disease.  It's scary stuff.  Alaskagirl is right - genes do play a factor.  Therefore, I know my parents history so I MUST take action.  Kiwigal, I so relate to the 80/20 rule.  I live by that in every other part of my life - with a fair bit of success - so it should work for diet - right!?!  Being blind sighted by a nutrition event like Aziraphale with a child with Celiac disease just opens your eyes -doesn't it?  My mother was just diagnosed with low vitamin B12 which is a huge factor in memory.  I'm hoping supplements will restore her memory.  We'll see - I've been researching that and it's so prevalent and yet little understood and diagnosed.  Nutrition is huge.  Why or why is there not more science!  I did just learn that Gary Taubs is putting his own money into researching nutritional studies with the proceeds from his book.  Also, his book is not a diet book - just a journalist report.  Geez...really, i'm not getting paid by Gary Taubs.  Although I probably should be.  Aziraphale on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat/page/2#post-1630504 Thu, 17 Mar 2016 01:56:13 +0000 Aziraphale 1630504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow! This is a hot topic. I'm starting to think that no one approach works for everyone. With my kid recently being diagnosed with celiac -- and we had no suspicion! -- I am re-evaluating what I thought I knew about food and weight. I think some people can eat all the bread they want and it doesn't mess with their insulin production, and others can't. That must be why cutting carbs works for certain people. I personally have no trouble maintaining my weight. I am underweight (according to the doctor's charts), but not alarmingly so, and despite this I will never have a flat stomach. I'm probably doing a few things right: I eat when I'm hungry, I try not to eat when I'm not hungry, I try not to eat too much in one sitting, and I try not to eat too much processed food or junk food. I try to get enough sleep, which for me is eight hours, and I go for vigorous hikes two or three times a week. I'm not perfect at all these things, but every effort helps, right? Turns out that all those things help with weight maintenance. I developed this common-sense approach in my early twenties, after getting counselling for an eating disorder -- but I don't think what works for me is necessarily going to work for the next person. I think it's more due to how I metabolize food.  Incidentally, I drink a glass of wine nearly every evening. Did you know that regular wine-drinkers tend to have fewer weight problems than non-wine-drinkers? They think it has something to do with the wine suppressing your desire to raid the junk food cupboard. catgirl on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat/page/2#post-1630454 Thu, 17 Mar 2016 00:08:35 +0000 catgirl 1630454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just want to add that genes and luck do play a factor here as well, and we as women often beat ourselves up for things we can't change.  I mean, I've been ignoring a health issue for a year now and kind of starving myself, believing that I just needed to lose 5 pounds - turns out that it's 5 pounds of fibroids that can only be removed surgically.   This is the dysmorphia that constant focus on weight and size can create. I used to be one of those people like Angie who was "naturally skinny" and would blithely eat whatever I wanted and tease friends who ate nothing but salad.  Chicken fried steak was one of my favorite breakfasts.  Now I kind of want to go back in time and slap the younger me in the face for not appreciating my youth and metabolism at the time.  Meanwhile, I have friends who will never be under a certain size but are as fit and active as the rest of our group.  These days, I'm not as interested in losing pounds as I am in maintaining a size and fitness level that keeps me healthy and active.  I have yet to find any particular diet that alters my size enough to bother with it.  The "Eat To Live" book did work for me but I found it unsustainable given that my boys refused to eat what I was eating. Sal on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat/page/2#post-1630395 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 21:44:16 +0000 Sal 1630395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done Carter, it is great to be on top of your health.  Such a good feeling. I have not read this book but have read "Accidentally Overweight" by Dr Libby Weaver, a NZ nutrition expert/doctor.  And the message sounds similar. I am motivated to do things for good health, but not so much to be a size smaller.  If being a size smaller means I am healthier and happier then yes, but I am not convinced that is always the case.   I am an 80/20 person, eat healthy options 80% of the time.  I sometimes sway too far to the unhealthy and have to address it, and am not a model size, but I love cooking, entertaining, coffee and sharing wine with friends. I think while there are some universal principles that apply for good health and optimum weight, we do have differences in culture, lifestyle, body shape and body tolerances and intolerance's.  That is before we add to the mix in our own willpower, insecurities and personality.    There is a lot of money to be made in this industry that is for sure... Anonymous on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat#post-1630375 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 21:04:32 +0000 Anonymous 1630375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carter - your results are astounding, especially with regards to your cholesterol levels. I have toyed with the paleo way of eating, and keep bumping up against the meat issue. I can be persuaded to go back to it if I can find a reliable resource for organic and free-range/grass fed meat because I'm not tolerating legumes/beans/chick peas/lentils AT ALL.  Nor can I tolerate dairy.  The continual monitoring of what one eats to get the best results is exhausting and probably the thing I have to spend the most time and brain power on.  I have a couple of Paleo books and cookbooks in my stash, and am going to pull them out to review again tonight. I'd be interesting in having a chat with you in a private message if you're open to it. carter on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat#post-1630361 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 20:34:28 +0000 carter 1630361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ditto what Laurinda said. My cholesterol results are below. In 2014 I was "watching my carbs" but not being too diligent. The 2016 column is after 60 days full Paleo. To answer your question above, Paleo isn't a low carb diet. In fact, it isn't a weight loss diet at all. It is a way of eating that optimizes health for many people. Every *body* is different. My body happens to function best on a Paleo way of eating. I eat far fewer carbs than the Standard American Diet because I eat no grains, legumes, sugar, alcohol or processed foods. I DO eat carb-heavy veggies like sweet potatoes, white potatoes, plantains, winter squashes and plenty of fruits. I also eat a ton of green veggies, avocados, coconut oil, coconut cream, and plenty of grass-fed/pastured meat and wild-caught seafood. I don't count carbs or calories. Although I was frustrated with my weight creep before, my decision to go Paleo was purely based on health reasons. My parents died at 70 and 72 from diseases stemming from inflammation. I'm 52. Having 18-20 years left was just not acceptable. Every one of my test results came back excellent in February (several of which were not good in 2014). Since Dec 1, 2015 I've lost a couple sizes and gained significant muscle...all in the midst of menopause:-) Back to what I said above...everyone is different. This is the way I choose to eat because it keeps me healthy. What works for you or anyone else may be totally different. Anonymous on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat#post-1630348 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 20:09:55 +0000 Anonymous 1630348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Angie, I think we're pretty much on the same page with this eating thing.  I'm a miserable failure at portion control, so that's why I do the calorie counting.  It seems to keep me on track and mindful of the quantity being consumed.  Angie on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat#post-1630336 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 19:43:56 +0000 Angie 1630336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Sarah. You are lovely. And I'm glad you've found an eating plan that works for you.  Xtabay, I'm nodding along with your first comment. That makes sooo much sense to me (although I don't count calories!).  Anonymous on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat#post-1630266 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 18:35:15 +0000 Anonymous 1630266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hate counting calories, too! Anonymous on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat#post-1630254 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 18:23:26 +0000 Anonymous 1630254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I know what you mean about counting those calories, Sarah.  It's no fun, but I guess I've gotten used to it after doing it all these years.  Kinda like brushing my teeth twice a day... Meow on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat#post-1630240 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 18:10:48 +0000 Meow 1630240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Laurinda - wow!  You seem to really know your stuff.  I would love to pick your brain! Xtabay- I hear ya.  My sister forced me to read this book because she just wouldn't stop talking about it.  I was like..ya, ya,ya...just eat real food.  But Gary (I can call him Gary because we're best buds now - haha) makes some really excellent points.  It's not about counting calories - whew because I HATE counting calories.  Anonymous on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat#post-1630233 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 17:56:19 +0000 Anonymous 1630233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm not convinced that one specific diet works for everyone. It seems that some do best with a vegetarian diet, others with Paleo, and so on. That said, I'm sure that eating too much sugar, junk food, etc. isn't good for anyone. I'm veering more towards Paleo because of my low hemoglobin count. I doubt I'll go totally Paleo, but I don't want to say never because it all depends on how my body responds. Anonymous on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat#post-1630196 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 17:20:36 +0000 Anonymous 1630196@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I haven't read the book, but it seems there's always some new theory coming out about why people are fat, and everyone always wants a magic formula or solution.  There isn't one.  Just eat the proper number of calories and don't eat large amounts of junk food.  Of course have a treat now and then.  Sugar shouldn't be one of your major food groups, but a little bit now and then won't kill you.  Eat your greens, walk every day, and try to work up a sweat doing something.  You'll live longer and enjoy life.  We all know what's healthy and what's not, right?  I guess I'm just tired of all these scientific theories that get replaced every year by some other theory.  It seems like magical thinking to me. Laurinda on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat#post-1630184 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 17:05:39 +0000 Laurinda 1630184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gary Taubes' <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Calories,_Bad_Calories" rel="nofollow">Good Calories, Bad Calories</a> (2007) changed my life when I read it in 2009. Up to that point I ate a low-fat diet as two nutritionists had recommended, kept my daily calories to < 1500 (to lose one lb/week -- ha!),  yet kept gaining 5-6 lbs/year. In 2009 I threw away anything labelled low-fat, cut back 90% on dietary sugars and starches and added more fats and non-starchy vegetables. I've since lost and kept off 35 lbs of fat (post-menopausal). My blood HDL doubled and my triglycerides went down by 2/3, my waist decreased from 39 to 35" (99 to 89 cm) taking me from prediabetic to the lowest decile of CVD risk.  Call it Paleo, Atkins, Low-Carb, whatever... the point is to reduce blood sugar and insulin levels. This is no new fad diet. Carbs have long been known to be uniquely fattening, see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Banting" rel="nofollow">Wm. Banting</a>'s bestseller "Letter on Corpulence" (1869). I remember when the diet plate at the diner was a mound of cottage cheese and a plain burger on a piece of lettuce. I get very angry realizing how for decades the US was fed the mythology of "Heart-Healthy-Whole-Grains" and "Artery-Clogging-Saturated-Fats", and how our USDA promotes commerce, rather than health. 'Blue Zones' provide very interesting narratives, and are worthy of more study. “Are they doing something positive, or is it the absence of something negative?”-Gary Taubes quoted in  <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/28/magazine/the-island-where-people-forget-to-die.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1" rel="nofollow">The Island Where People Forget to Die</a> Everyone is different, and some people do fine with moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Denise Minger of Raw Food SOS has <a href="http://rawfoodsos.com/for-vegans/" rel="nofollow">tips for vegans</a>. Meow on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat#post-1630183 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 17:05:05 +0000 Meow 1630183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, I think your spot on.  Do what works for you!  I have 3 boys - all over 6 feet tall - 4 counting my husband!  So it's hard for me to find what works for me.  Certainly eating what they eat isn't working!  Consequently, I can't keep my weight stable and yo yo around the same dang 10 pounds!  Meow on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat#post-1630178 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 17:01:25 +0000 Meow 1630178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you Caro for the link!  I'll have to read his book.  Gary Taubs doesn't get too specific about what to eat.  So I've just been not eating carbs - other than vegetables.  I did go into Ketosis and felt bad so had to read up on that .  This is not something to do without research.  Rabbit - That would be hard being a Vegan eating low carb!  But it sounds like you're eating very sensibly with low carb/Vegetarian.  My parents were Vegetarian after my dad had a heart attack.  They followed the Dean Ornish low fat.  It was SO hard when they came to visit to cook for them and my kids and husband.  So I just ended up making a lot of pasta.  But that low fat trend I think really messed up things - all the low fat foods just have added sugars and carbs!  Astrid - congrats on your weight loss and healthy lifestyle.  Just eating real food and nothing processed is huge!  Belladogga - Yes! Yes! Yes!  The science is not new - so why the food pyramid!?!  I don't trust the government agencies on nutrition now.  This is another thing that has rocked my world!  Bettycrocker - I need to look more into Paleo.  I guess it's a version of low carb?  Nice to hear that Carter is doing well with it.  Jules - Good points. Yes, salt is another area of confusion for me.  Weight training is amazing!  I started a few years ago and it really helped.  I got to the point of lifting pretty heavy weights working out at home and got to thinking that wasn't too safe.  I tried to find a gym nearby to join but none of them really had weights!  Mostly treadmills and elliptical machines!  So slowly, I quit lifting.  Which was a mistake as my weight crept up again.  So I'm back at it, along with HIT - working out at home.  I think I'll just stick to what I feel is safe - I don't need to be a body builder!  I kinda struggle with obsessiveness.  texstyle - Yes, I think there is more ways to eat as there are people.  There is so much we don't know.  Gary Taubs talks about these other societies and why they're thin while eating carbs - I can't explain it as well as he does (seriously the book is worth reading) but it's partly genetics, your personal level of sensitivity to carbs, and if you really analyze these other diets, they're basically low carb.  It's just shocking to me now that carbs is on my "radar" how much we actually eat!  I have to stop myself from taking food out of other people's grocery cart!  haha - ok, I need to get a grip.  lisap - This book will rock your world!  I have been trying to stock my kitchen with these low carb foods.  I felt pretty dang weird buying whipping cream, butter, meat, cheese.....all the things I used to avoid!  It's been like a vacation and I love eating this way - It feels like cheating.  Admittedly, I think I went overboard and need to eat more veggies.  :) Angie on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat#post-1630157 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 16:31:51 +0000 Angie 1630157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Have not read the book, but am familiar with these types of philosophies (food is a topic I am very passionate about). Fat is good for you and sugar makes you gain weight. Cut out sugar, dairy, carbs - and gluten if you are sensitive to it. It's all the same story. Where is the fun in that type of deprivation (unless you are allergic to a food group of course). I'm skeptical about whether it's actually better for you. I'm nodding along with Astrid. I'm also too Euro (and Asian!) to give up things like great bread, cake, butter, noodles, rice, milk, chocolate, biscuits, extremely good cheese... and the list goes on. I believe in the old fashioned way of eating: eat REAL food, not too much of it, lots of vegetables, some fruit, cook it all from scratch, and enjoy a bit of junk. I eat everything in moderation apart from mammals, alcohol and coffee (I'm very strict about those three things). I walk a lot, and also do a lot of yoga. I really enjoy good food, have a cast iron stomach, and am able to maintain a stable weight. Perhaps I'm doing something right. Perhaps I have a fast metabolism. Who knows! I do know that this type eating and exercise plan works for our bodies. (Greg and me). So unless something happens and we have to change things up, this is the way we will continue.  Anonymous on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat#post-1630136 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 15:21:41 +0000 Anonymous 1630136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm not familiar with it, but you can bet I will be by day's end.  Thanks for the tip! I've read everything, as nutritional science is a bit of a hobby for me, but I'm still struggling to overcome whatever it is that is stopping me from losing weight.  Many doctors say trying to take off weight once a woman has gone through menopause is next to impossible.  One of those not-really-comforting bits of information .   texstyle on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat#post-1630124 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 14:59:07 +0000 texstyle 1630124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Have you ever read anything about "Blue Zones"? Places where people seem to live the longest and have the best health? They *do* eat carbs but stick to sourdough for bread and things like lentils, beans, rice and potatoes - depending on which blue zone they reside in. Also there is of course the blood type theory - I have a rare blood type so I have read a lot of this too. I still think the end result to ALL of this research, no matter what the book, is that if you eat mostly foods that were grown nearby in organic farms, eat natural meat and fish from non polluted areas (not processed or farm raised with chemicals and additives), don't eat added sugar or "fake" foods, and limit your grains to a small percentage of your total intake - you'll be well on your way to good nutrition. If we ate "real" bread (not the crap in grocery stores) I think carbs wouldn't be as much of an issue. I know I bake my own bread and eat it daily and gaining weight (even with hypothyroidism) has not been an issue for me. I don't eat after 7 pm and keep my dinner meal as light as possible. I DO go to bed a little "hungry feeling" fairly often, but I'm used to it. If I eat a heavy meal for dinner I don't sleep well. Jules on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat#post-1630081 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 13:22:50 +0000 Jules 1630081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's amazing how much influence the low fat era has had on those of us who came of age during that time. I was the person keeping up with nutritional research as presented in the media and telling people what to eat/not eat. I remember a friend whose mother-in-law had always been slim and maintained a bikini figure into her 50s... Eating a fried egg sandwich for breakfast every day. We were aghast. Later a study came out saying people who had an egg for breakfast were on average slimmer and ate less throughout the day. At one point they were also promoting soy for menopausal women because it's a phytoestrogen, now that's considered a bad thing. And yes, the coconut fat reversal as mentioned. I no longer pay attention to the "latest developments" . So for example, there's no family history of hypertension so I am still cooking with salt, TYVM. I feel minimizing processed and fast food will probably save me from excess in any direction. As for exercise.... Well, I believe in weight training. It takes time and a good program but I think it will help transform most bodies into more efficient fat burners. Anonymous on "Why we get fat" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-we-get-fat#post-1630073 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 13:07:07 +0000 Anonymous 1630073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm moving in the direction of Paleo, too. Somehow or other, I need to lose some weigh, and there's only so much exercise I can do with the chronic pain I have to deal with.