Healthy food choices are always a topic of contention. We recently showcased the infographic ‘Cookies vs Bananas‘, which demonstrated that so-called ‘unhealthy’ foods can have some unexpected benefits. This startling infographic from Column Five (developed for Massive Health) compares bacon and eggs to a bagel topped with cream cheese. The bagel may look healthier, but looks can deceive… (click image to enlarge)

Are carbs really evil?

Although intriguing, this infographic highlights some important points about carbohydrate-rich foods. Thanks to the popularity of low carbohydrate diets (like the Atkins diet), ‘carb-cutting’ has become quite commonplace for dieters. As illustrated above, carbohydrates don’t fill you up as much as high protein and fat foods. However, ‘carb-cutting’ remains a highly divisive issue among both medics and nutritionists.

Traditionally, low-fat diets have been seen as the way to shed pounds. The rationale is simple: weight for weight fat contains over double the number of calories than carbohydrate-based foods like breads and potatoes. Cut out the fat and you loose weight. And it does work. (interested readers might like to look at this recent scientific review)

However, because fat and protein leave you feeling disproportionately fuller and help regulate blood sugar levels – eating them may make you less likely to snack between meals. Providing you are strict, high-fat and high-protein diets can be highly effective at losing weight.

This infographic is great for breaking misconceptions about ‘healthy’ and ‘fattening’ foods. Caution should however be urged before embarking on any diet that drastically cuts carbohydrates, fats (or protein). Each food group carries important nutrients and serves the body in different ways.

The bottom line is, sadly, rather dull. Shedding pounds is best done with a balanced diet and exercise. And patience.