People who want to lose weight are usually given a list of foods that are completely out of the questions: bread, pasta, cereals and legumes. However, it can sometimes be very confusing to know the make-up of certain foods.

An expert group at the Department of Nutrition in the University of Madrid, made separate studies on carbohydrate consumption and obesity. Their findings show that the most effective diet for weight loss is poor in fat and high in carbohydrates. They also advised to reduce caloric intake or fat alone.

Apparently, these findings demonstrate that obese people tend to consume more fat and less carbohydrates. Part of this behavior is that overweight people show a natural appetite for fat, which is sometimes due to family traditions, although there is also a genetic factor involved. To verify that the diet is effective and that fat is being lost, and not fluid, we can use a body fat meter.

Diets high in carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, pasta, rice, cereals, legumes, vegetables) have more water and more fiber. They also have less energy density than the rich in fat foods. On the other hand, they are shown to increase caloric expenditure. Moreover, carbohydrates are relatively ineffective as a substrate for body fat.

Regardless of the style of diet that is chosen, it is important to take it easy. Especially for people who are overweight, the ideal regime will lose a proportion of 20 kilos in one year. The inverted Pyramid diet is another universal remedy. You have to eat a lot at breakfast, with the proviso that it must be taken not later than half an hour after waking. Then you follow a three-course meal with salad, vegetables and meat or grilled fish. Exercise is an important ally in these cases. Walking one hour a day or an hour of swimming, aerobics or jogging every other day can be very effective.

The problem is that many people do not choose the right time to begin a diet, they do so out of pressure. Look for a period of stability in your life, beyond the excesses of work and away from the holidays or wedding season. A logical and very effective measure is to remove all temptation from the refrigerator and surrounding yourself with positive stimuli like sexy clothes or a graph to see your weight loss may be a good incentive. Remember, it was never going to be easy, but it is worth it.