Quick Comments

Updated 6.2.2014; reformatted 9.3.2015
Just a brief note based on articles I've come across in various researches. Many have been collected with the aim of writing in more detail about the topic, but (obviously) that hasn't happened.

I am on a mission to trim my tendency towards procrastination, specifically related to writing and publishing. (It wouldn't hurt to generate a bit of income in the process either.) So without further ado, and in no particular order, here are various articles that I have found of interest.

The Peril of Over Complicating the Obesity Epidemic

Eating More Fruits and Vegetables Won't Necessarily Stop Obesity exclaims the title of an Atlantic article. I agree with the article's premise and conclusion. Eating more fruits and vegetables won't lead to weight loss unless you eat LESS of other foods.

Fruits and vegetables are not calorie free. They may be healthier than other options in the diet, but in the end, total calorie consumption matters. It's as simple as that. Yes, there are difference in absorption and thermal effects during digestion. But in the end the energy balance is determinant.

Don't feed the Morons

Dr Katz, defender of the energy balance, writes of his frustration of dealing with internet diet experts. He believes the real answer is to follow Michael Pollan's pithy advice: Eat real food (not junk), not too much, mostly plants.

To that of course, I would add, and MOVE— or at least stand up. Don't sit on your butt all day. His article though is about the difficulty of conversing with people who either do not or will not understand the science of nutrition.

My view is that anyone who complicates the nature of weight loss is attempting to sell something. Certainly there are differences among people in terms of metabolism, hormones, etc. Exactly NONE of that changes the reality of the energy balance.

Positive mention of Treadmill Desks in the New York Times.

A New York Times reporter tries out a treadmill desk in her cubicle and has mostly positive comments to make of the experience.

Disclaimer