Finding an effective, healthy and durable method for losing weight remains a quest for millions of people. While drastic regimes often cause the Yo-Yo effect, researchers from the University College London wanted to know which diet really makes it possible to lose weight without compromising health. Their results are clear: everything would be played in the degree of food processing. Here is what they discovered.
Food little processed for visible results
In the study, the researchers compared two regimes: one based on homemade foods, not very processed (such as oatmeal, homemade dishes, etc.), the other on ultra-transformed foods (prepared dishes, industrial snacks, etc.). Each participant tested the two methods over several weeks.
Result ? The low-processed diet has led to a natural calorie deficit of 290 kcal per day, against only 120 kcal with ultra-transformed foods. Assessment: weight loss twice as important With homemade food.
Healthy and durable weight loss
Another good news: weight loss does not concern muscle mass, but fat mass and body water. This means that this method promotes a refined silhouette, while preserving lean mass, essential for effective metabolism.
Researchers say that it is not only a question of reducing calories, but ofopt for foods that naturally satisfy And do not push to eat in excess.
Eat better without falling into excess
Should we banish all ultra-transformed foods? Not necessarily. One of the study authors, Dr. Samuel Dicken, recalls that some industrial products can have a good nutritional profile.
The goal is to favor simple, unprocessed foods on a daily basisand to cook yourself as much as possible. This return to “homemade” would avoid blood sugar peaks, improve the microbiota and better control your weight… without frustration.
Researchers advice for an effective diet
Here are the main recommendations from this study:
- Limit ultra-transformed foodsrich in sugars, saturated fats and salt;
- Promote fresh productslike fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts;
- Prepare your own mealsto master the quality of the ingredients;
- Respect nutritional recommendations while keeping a good global energy balance.
Adopting a natural, simple and nourishing diet therefore remains one of the best strategies for losing weight permanently … while taking care of your health.
