Swapping saturated fat and carbohydrates for linoleic acid – the main polyunsaturated fat found in vegetable oil, nuts, and seeds – lowers risk of coronary heart disease, according to a new study by Harvard School of Public Health researchers. We talked to lead author Maryam Farvid, a visiting scientist and Takemi fellow in the Department […] Continue reading
Thinfluence: Thin-flu-ence (noun) the powerful and surprising effect friends, family, work, and environment have on weight
Thinfluence, by Walter Willett is a research-based examination of the external forces that influence diet and weight. Willett argues that personal relationships, workplace environment and the media contribute to an individual’s ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Continue reading
How to choose healthy fats
1. Use liquid vegetable oils for cooking and baking. Olive, canola, and other plant-based oils are rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Try dressing up a salad or roasted vegetables with an olive oil-based vinaigrette. 2. Avoid trans fat. Read labels to find foods without trans fats. You should also scan the ingredient list to make […] Continue reading
Saturated or not: Does type of fat matter?
Saturated fat has long been considered detrimental to health, so when a recently published research paper suggested there is no evidence supporting the recommendation to limit saturated fat consumption, media outlets reported extensively on the subject. Continue reading
Dr. Walter Willet on the importance of EAT
Sugar, salt and supplements: Sorting out the science
Coverage from the Forum at HSPH, featuring Frank Hu and Dariush Mozaffarian Continue reading
Dietary fat and heart disease study is seriously misleading
The journal Annals of Internal Medicine recently published a paper suggesting there is no evidence supporting the longstanding recommendation to limit saturated fat consumption. Media reporting on the paper included headlines such as “No link found between saturated fat and heart disease” and articles saying “Saturated fat shouldn’t be demonized” springing up on social media. Continue reading
Protein, carbs, and weight loss
How might a high-protein, low-carb diet lead to weight loss more quickly than a low-fat, high-carb diet, at least in the short run? First, chicken, beef, fish, beans, and other high-protein foods move more slowly from the stomach to the intestine. Slower stomach emptying means you feel full for longer and get hungrier later. Continue reading
5 Quick tips: Choosing healthy protein foods
1. Upgrade the protein on your plate. The Healthy Eating Plate encourages you to eat protein-rich foods like beans, nuts, tofu, fish, chicken, or eggs in place of less-healthy options like red and processed meats. For example, try a turkey or black bean burger instead of a traditional beef burger. Or slice up a fresh-roasted […] Continue reading
Eating well for your waistline and wallet
Eating a healthy diet isn’t simply a matter of knowing what to eat – though that’s a major factor. It’s also about knowing how to acquire and prepare such foods, and last but certainly not least, it’s about being able to afford these healthier foods. One of the biggest barriers to healthy eating is the […] Continue reading