[mixmastamyk]

Interesting. My anecdote comes from a slightly different angle. I've always been in very good shape, lots of weightlifting and cardio my whole life, and been a very healthy eater. But, the "spare-tire" was always there, even with muscles bulging underneath.

Just for kicks I decided to try Steve Gibson's recommendation to remove sugar and starch from the diet. (https://www.grc.com/health/lowcarb.htm)

No knee-jerk here please, this isn't one of those butter-bacon-cheeseburger things. Nope, I eat tons of fresh veggies, lean meats, all smothered in olive-oil, nuts/flax, etc. I do actually allow myself some treats on the weekends for sustainability.

Still, one month later, for the first time in 20 years I no longer have a spare-tire. It makes perfect sense now that I think about it. As long as you fill yourself with sugar/starch you prevent the body from being able to go into fat-burning mode. Eat too much (as is common) and you go into fat-storage mode.

Bread may have built civilization, but now it builds waistlines.

[johnrob]

Bread now builds waistlines only because we eat too much of it. I would be surprised if a normal sized person gained weight eating mostly carbs but staying below 1500 calories per day.

[mixmastamyk]

You're right on some level. But given that sugar and starch are packed into all processed food, I think it makes that level of calories difficult to sustain for most people. Note that the blood-sugar-rollercoaster that cheap carbs give makes you ravenous at the trough. An additional factor in why we eat too much of it.

Meanwhile after an example lunch of fish, veggies, and olive oil I feel full and satisfied almost all day (with the same range of calories).

[awakeasleep]

Yeah. I'm betting that once this is figured out, carbs will be listed with the 'addictive' stuff like sugar. Not necessarily bad for you, but something that tends to alter your behavior.

I feel like most of us seriously underestimate how delicious and engaging carbs are. Even adults will sometimes go overboard and fill up on bread before a real meal.

[smtddr]

Same here, I went on a diet(ultimately became a lifestyle change) trying all kinds of things... but in the end... I lost nearly 40lbs by simply eliminating bread & sugar. Blogged about it, but be warned - my workout routine is based on Nintendo's Wii Fit Plus. Don't laugh, it worked for me! - http://blog.sanriotown.com/minusworld:hellokitty.com/2011/06...