Add volume to your dishes to lose weight and be healthy.

My friend and loyal boot camp attendee Beth Tohill has an MSPH (master in science of public health)and a PhD in nutrition. I asked her to provide me with some information about the Volumetrics eating plan and here is what she wrote. Thank you Beth for this information!

We have all tried to lose weight by cutting down the amount of food we eat, yet we are left feeling deprived and still hungry. It is possible to reduce your calorie intake while controlling your hunger.

Research shows that people get full by the amount of food they eat, not the number of calories in that food. Also, people eat a consistent amount of food from day to day, independent of the amount of calories in the food. So, if we lower the amount of calories in that same volume of food we eat each day, we can lose weight.

Research studies show that consuming a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products helps people lower their calorie intake. At the same time, this helps people control their hunger and feel full. Hunger control is important for long-term satisfaction and sticking with a lower calorie eating plan.

You can cut calories in your favorite foods by lowering the amount of fat and or increasing the amount of fiber-rich ingredients, such as vegetables or fruit. The water and fiber in fruits and vegetables will add volume to your dishes, so you can eat the same amount of food with fewer calories. Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories.

While a decrease in body weight is a primary goal of a weight-loss diet, nutritional quality is equally important. People who limit their caloric intake and do not eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods may have a nutritiously inadequate diet. Eating a diet full of filling vegetables and fruit can be nutritious. That way you can lose weight, control your hunger and feel good about maintaining an all around healthy lifestyle.

Also, check out this video that we made before I left CDC. It is a nice, quick, video on maintaining a balanced healthy lifestyle.
http://www.cdc.gov/CDCTV/FindingBalance/index.html