Watch What You Read

Recently a story was published on Lifehacker entitled, "Eat Yogurt, Not Potatoes If You Want to Lose or Maintain Weight." My interest was piqued as I am in the school of thought that weight loss/ maintenance is about calories in versus calories out, not about what magic food you're eating. According to the author a new study that was published claims that if you eat yogurt you can stay in your skinny jeans, but if you eat meat and potatoes you're going to become Tubby McTubberson. I'll admit I am overdramatizing what the author wrote, but only to prove a point. She made some pretty big assumptions about what the Harvard study actually did.

Here's a brief overview of what the researchers at Harvard did. The researchers took a look at lifestyle factors and weight changes of participants in four year intervals. Lifestyle factors included what the participants were doing and what they eating. In this study, people who ate potato chips, potatoes, and red meat gained more weight than those who ate fruit, vegetables (for some reason the researchers think potatoes are no longer vegetables), whole grains, nuts, and yogurt. Yogurt consumers had the most weight loss compared to others.

The study is missing a key thing here. We don't know how many calories these participants are consuming compared to how many calories they require.

It's not shocking that potato chips can cause weight gain, they're deep-fried potatoes. But I do not buy into the fact that potatoes are inherently evil and will destroy your diet. What we don't know is what people put on their potato. Think about it, when is the last time you had a plain baked potato? Plain as in no butter, no sour cream, no cheese, no nothing. Just a good ole' Idaho Russet? I know I can't think of the last time I did. The 20 to 50 calories added to your baked potato can add a pound to your frame over time (if you do nothing to counteract those calories).

Now let's move on to the yogurt eaters. It's been shown in numerous studies that people who eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains tend to weigh less and be more active individuals. It may be that yogurt eaters' may also be fruit, vegetable, and whole grain eaters. In addition, they may also tend to be more active.

The moral of the story is this: don't take a news story's advice until you look at the study. More often than not, the author is not completely familiar with the area they are reporting on. News sources are looking to fill space and grab your attention. Attempt to get nutrition advice from someone with the credentials (i.e. RD, MS and/ or PhD in Nutrition) and expertise.

P.S. There is no need to fear the tater either. If anything, aim for one the size of your fist instead of your head. And try not to put a stick of butter on it.