QuestionQUESTION: Reducing weight by limiting calorie intake is fine and one often sees information on how many yards of walking may be required to work off the calory intake from, say, a biscuit. However, I would like to know what weight of bodyfat is produced as a result of consuming, say, 100g of a carbohydrate or 100g vegetable oil as I realise that it combines with water etc. Any idea? Thanks.
ANSWER: Arthur,
It is not as simple as that!
There are many factors that affect how an individual accumulates excess fat.
Metabolism,genes,activity,nutritional intake,water...are all combined to help use fat reserves.
Carbohydrates are also not simple, as there are many types- some convert easily to sugars and therefore, fat. Others are essential and of great health value.
The best way to maintain weight and reduce bodyfat percentage is to eat lean protein with each meal; consume plenty of fresh colourful veg and drink 8 glasses of water a day at least.
My opinion, and that of worldwide experts is that, nowadays we all need to supplement as foods do not contain enough minerals and vitamins, and the air is polluted way more than it was 100's of years ago.
So, do not stress on the detail, and just get the main concepts right. that way you'll feel and look great...and live longer,healthier.
All the best.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you Nevil,
I guessed you might say "It all depends..." etc., but what about an example or two, however vague? If one could look at a teaspoonful of sugar and recognise that it would increase one's weight by, say, 4 ounces it may be easier to refuse it!
Knowing what is required to reduce weight is one thing - having the will-power is another.
As for the water, some of us take diuretics to REMOVE water. What would drinking water do for us?
ANSWER: Hi Arthur,
You can reckon on at least half the calories of sugar turning into fat on your body, unless they are burnt off very soon after consuming them.
So, example; a can of coke would put on about 15+spoons of sugar turned into fat..where it goes on your body can be anywhere. What is dangerous is that certain types of sugars will go into your organs and blood vessels, causing fatty deposits and blood pressure/heart problems.
Drinking plenty of water is one of the best ways to prevent water retention. Ordinary tea/coffee promotes water retention. Herbal teas help to remove the water.
When you think that over 65% of our body is pure water ( or should be), you can see how important it is to keep fully hydrated.
All the best
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you, Nevil, I appreciate your comments. If I could ask you just one more question...I would still like to persuade you to give me a ball park figure for the actual weight of fat the 15+ spoons would turn into, assuming a common sucrose and bodyfat type, and taking into account formulae for the sugar decomposition and combination and relative molecular weights etc. The chemistry I studied in the fifties would not cope with this question then or now!
Arthur
AnswerHi Arthur,
I'll be totally honest with you...I don't know! The chemistry side is outside of my scope as it is not relevant in helping people to manage weight and become healthy, which is what I do.
May I suggest you contact a chemist, or actually email a sugar company.
Sorry, I couldn't go this deep!
All the best
