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The Ultimate Volumetrics Diet, written by Barbara Rolls and Mindy Hermann, is a 12-week weight loss program that aims to be an evidence-based alternative to fad diets.
• The diet is based on the principle of reducing the diet's energy (calorie) density.
• The book provides various resources on energy density, including tables, visual comparisons, and tips.
• It also offers meal suggestions, recipes, and food swaps that favor reductions in energy density.
• Some information and advice on exercise and mindset are provided at the end of each chapter.
Volumetrics is a weight-loss strategy that focuses on reducing the energy density of the diet. This means eating foods that are lower in calories but higher in volume, which can help to reduce overall energy intake and promote weight loss.
Low energy density foods tend to be more satiating, meaning they help to keep you feeling fuller for longer. This can reduce the temptation to overeat or snack on high-calorie foods.
There is scientific evidence to support the claim that reducing dietary fat is superior to reducing carbohydrate for weight loss. One study found that a low-fat diet resulted in greater weight loss than a low-carbohydrate diet, even when participants were allowed to eat as much as they wanted.
The claim that reducing the energy density of the diet promotes weight loss is supported by a large body of evidence. Interventional studies have consistently shown that reducing the energy density of the diet leads to weight loss, particularly for overweight and obese individuals.
Although there is some uncertainty about the long-term effectiveness of reducing energy density, the evidence as a whole suggests that it is an important factor in promoting weight loss. Energy density is just one of many factors that influence body weight change, but it is a crucial piece of the puzzle. By understanding the role of energy density in weight loss, we can develop more effective and sustainable strategies for managing our weight.
A large body of evidence indicates that consuming low energy density foods leads to increased satiety and reduced energy intake. This is likely due to the fact that low energy density foods offer a large volume of food for relatively few calories. This makes them an excellent choice for those trying to control their weight or manage their hunger.
There are a few studies that suggest that the impact of low energy density foods on satiety and energy intake may be more nuanced than previously thought. For example, one study found that when participants were given a high energy density breakfast, they subsequently ate less at lunch than when they were given a low energy density breakfast. However, when participants were given a high energy density lunch, they did not eat less at dinner than when they were given a low energy density lunch. This suggests that the effect of energy density on satiety and energy intake may vary depending on the time of day.
Overall, the evidence indicates that consuming low energy density foods is likely to lead to increased satiety and reduced energy intake. This makes them an excellent choice for those trying to control their weight or manage their hunger.
Low-carbohydrate diets, sometimes with a high proportion of fat, are one of the more effective diets for weight loss. The food source of carbohydrate (such as starch or sugar) is not as important as the total amount of carbohydrate consumed. Reducing dietary fat has a more modest effect on weight loss than reducing carbohydrate.
A reduction in dietary fat will have a moderate impact on weight loss in comparison to reducing carbohydrate intake. Low-carbohydrate diets have been shown to be more effective for weight loss than other diets. It is not clear if the source of carbohydrates is as important as the total amount consumed.
In general, The Ultimate Volumetrics Diet received a healthfulness score of 3.7 out of 4. The book does not focus on strict dietary eliminations, but instead emphasizes the importance of building meals around nutritious foods that are low in calorie density—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, low-fat dairy, and lean meats and fish. In addition, the book provides readers with a structured 12-week program that gradually introduces new pieces of information and advice. By following this program, readers will learn the basics of energy density, portion sizes, and balanced meal planning. Additionally, they will be able to put these concepts into practice by creating their own healthy and delicious volumetric meals.