The year is coming to its end and many dieters can say with relief, they have achieved their weight loss goals. But our understanding of what’s healthy or what works for weight loss depends on certain medical and scientific discoveries that took place over the course of the year. Below are the top diet and fitness stories of 2013 that influenced and developed the new idea of dieting and health.
The holidays are fast approaching and with them, the festive meals and the Christmas parties filled with treats, goodies and calorie-rich foods. Many dieters will want to fully enjoy the Christmas dinner and will fail to stick to their diet plans. Even if moderation is not your power, you have enough time to get fit after the holidays. But the success hides in the right strategy, so here in this article we will explore the top 10 diet and fitness stories of 2013, which will help you in your post-holiday weight loss journey and reveal some truths about your dieting plan you’ve never even considered. In fact, these ten diet and fitness stories will have a real effect on our lifestyles in the next year.
Ban on trans fats
Trans fats are almost all fats contained in processed foods. They are a byproduct of partially hydrogenated oils and are believed to be unhealthy. Studies have found that trans fats are closely linked to heart disease, among other health conditions and illnesses. As a result, the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. decided that they should no longer be considered safe and a ban is expected in the near future.
Satisfries
Imagine French fries without so much calories and oil! One of the largest fast food chains, Burger King created Satisfries – fries that contain 40% less fat and 30% fewer calories. The secret they say, is in the new, less absorbent batter.
Low-fat chocolate
Chocolate is the most loved food on earth, but unfortunately it contains too much fats – dieters’ biggest enemy. British researchers from the University of Warwick came up with the idea to substitute fat with a special concoction of fruit juice, vitamin C and water. The result is equally yummy and creamy chocolate, but 50% less fat.
What does the expiration date of food mean?
A recent survey found that more than 90% of Americans throw out food early, confused by the expiration date. If the label says to use a certain packaged food by December 2013, you can still it in 2014. It won’t be bad, it simply won’t taste as fresh and good as it was when you purchase it. This is valid for almost all fresh and packaged foods, so next time think twice before throwing out perfectly good food on the trash.
Is fish really responsible for mercury exposure?
Generally, fish from deep ocean waters are high in mercury, which can cause damage to fetus in pregnant women. Instead of blaming fish for all the mercury in their diet, women should know that scientists discovered that only 7% of the mercury in our bodies comes from fish.
Vitamins and supplements may in fact be useless
According to a study by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, there is just not enough evidence for the belief that supplements can lower the risk of developing cancer or heart disease. This is especially true for beta-carotene and vitamin E, which also don’t prevent chronic diseases. At the same time, the popular Omega-3 fatty acids in the form of pills have little effect on the brain function. Every year, around $12 billion are spent on supplements, vitamins and minerals. It turns out that the cheaper and more effective way to stay healthy is by eating healthy, balanced diet.
New calorie counting menus
In 2014, large restaurant chains in the U.S. will have to post the calorie content of their foods and beverages on menus. In a perfect world, that should make consumers aware of the amount of calories they consume and stop and make them order low-calorie options. However, researchers found that the calorie information don’t make people eat healthier foods, at least for now. In the long term, they hope the strategy will prove effective.
Healthy lifestyle vs. medication
Scientists are saying this for years – get regular exercise, quit smoking, and eat balanced diet and you’ll be healthy. Disease prevention better works with these, instead of pills, especially when it comes to high blood pressure, diabetes, and so on. In fact, pills can only treat the symptoms once they appear and often, they cause side effects. So, listen to your doctor and live your life in a way to avoid disease!
No need to stretch before exercise
Trainers always recommend stretching before workout for preventing injuries. In fact, two studies showed that stretching brings little benefit, while reducing you strength and speed.
Pregnant women should exercise
Regular exercise during pregnancy keeps babies’ brains more active and even boosts their development. Newborns with mothers staying fit during pregnancy had more active brains and better processed repeated sounds, which is a sign of a more developed, mature brain functions.
Along with these discoveries related to diet, fitness, and general exercise, another big change marked 2013. After years of asking whether obesity is a disease or rather a personal choice, it was finally officially recognized as a disease by the America Medical Association this summer. In the next several years, many other countries are believed to do the same, which will lead to different health politics, different way of work for the pharmaceutical industries, and so on. And the big changes are about to come.
