Low Carb or Low Fat?

There are so many things that you can read about weight loss.  One place it says low carb is the way to go, another says low fat and then a third says watch calories.  Whenever I start a new eating plan, I get so confused about what is good to eat that I give up.  My perfect breakfast is Bran Flakes, a cut-up banana and skim milk.  I have been told this is too many carbs and sugar.  Grrr... any good advice?  (Yes I know we all need to excercise as well, but that is easier than knowing WHAT to eat.)

Your body needs fat. Fat makes you feel full and satisfied. I would rather cut down on processed food and sugar and carbs and eat full fat REAL foods. I don't eat any grains, rice or potatos. I don't eat legumes. I eat lots of meat, nuts, veggies, fruits, even full fat cheese and I am still losing weight.

I have found great sucess eating this way. I have read a lot of books on Paleo?Primal living and I feel that this is the best way for me to live.

Research The Primal Blueprint or marksdailyapple.com. I am in no way affiliated with them, but they have really turned me on to a whole new way of life.

Original Post by snobune34:

 My perfect breakfast is Bran Flakes, a cut-up banana and skim milk.  I have been told this is too many carbs and sugar. 

That is not too many carbs and sugar.  Yes, the milk and banana contain some sugars but not refined sugars.  This is an example of a good relatively whole-foods breakfast and sounds like an excellent choice.  You may find you need to add a little fat to keep you full - maybe 12 almonds or something like that - but it's full of nutrients and goodness.

Carbs are not bad.

The answer is to fucus 80-90% of your diet on "whole, unprocessed foods" and to make a conscious effort to combine whole plant products (unprocessed carbs) with some form of protein and a small amount of unsaturated fat at all meals (WITHIN your calorie needs).

It is NOT about "low carb" or "low fat"...it's about eating real food, with a good balance of macronutrients (carb/pro/fat) from all food groups. The best thing you can focus on is cutting most of the processed food out of your diet.

The diet that has you eating the most real foods is the best one, focus on foods you can hunt, fish, pluck, grow, or ferment/culture.

Thank you so much for the great advice!  I'm going to post something great here before New Year's!

Good Luck!! ;)

Original Post by gddrdld:

The answer is to fucus 80-90% of your diet on "whole, unprocessed foods" and to make a conscious effort to combine whole plant products (unprocessed carbs) with some form of protein and a small amount of unsaturated fat at all meals (WITHIN your calorie needs).

It is NOT about "low carb" or "low fat"...it's about eating real food, with a good balance of macronutrients (carb/pro/fat) from all food groups. The best thing you can focus on is cutting most of the processed food out of your diet.

Yeah, this is pretty much the answer. Don't be afraid of the occasional "processed" food as you'll crave it so much you'll destroy your diet overall.  A nice cupcake now and then is fine, especially if you can work it in your diet.  Beyond that, I've personally been successful by burning more calories than I take in and making my best effort to eat a balanced diet.  Additionally, unprocessed foods can also fill you up and/or make you feel more full.