Leigh Stamation & Mitch Kane

 OVERVIEW:  Not just another diet; it's a long-term healthy eating plan that can make you feel great and keep the weight off for good  The diet is based on the protein to carbohydrate ratio during required to promote weight loss.  Easy-to-follow structured eating pattern and includes mainstream foods. It's a way to eat less, but eat well without feeling hungry, because it provides the necessary vitamins and nutrients (including dietary fibre).  It does exclude some foods during the active weight loss period but sets an eating pattern that is adaptable after that time.  It offers people an eating pattern without being too general about what not to eat and gives direction about what should be eaten.  The Total Wellbeing Diet will help most people to lose weight safely and enjoyably because it encourages eating a wide variety of food types – in the right proportions

 Researchers at CSIRO studied 100 overweight and obese women on two different diets over a period of 12 weeks.  The women were divided into two groups:  high protein, low fat diet  high carbohydrate, low fat diet NOTE: Both groups had and equivalent calorie intake.  RESEARCHES ASSESSED:  the amount of body weight and actual body fat that was lost,  Precisely where the fat was lost from  this is critical because fat lost from around the tummy significantly lowers the risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome (also known as Insulin Resistance Syndrome or Syndrome X), which is fast becoming the disease of the new millennium as Australia's obesity rates escalate.

High Meat Protein (5600 KJ)  Cereal  Low fat milk (250ml)  Wholemeal bread (2 slices)  Fruit (2)  Beef / lamb 200g - dinner  Chicken/fish/meat 100g - lunch  Vegetables 2.5 cups  Diet Yoghurt 200g  Canola oil 3 tsp  Wine 2 glasses/week (optional) 34% protein 20% fat 46% carbohydrate 109g protein 31g fat 161g carbohydrate

 Cereal  SKIM milk (250ml)  Wholemeal bread (3 slices)  Fruit (3)  Chicken / pork / fish 80g  Vegetables 2.5 cups  Canola oil 3 tsp  Pasta/rice 120g cooked  Low fat biscuits 3  Wine 2 glasses/week (optional) High Carbohydrate (5600 KJ) 17% protein 20% fat 64% carbohydrate 57g protein 31g fat 229g carbohydrate

DietAverage Weight Loss Min Weight Loss Max Weight Loss NDropouts High Protein7.6kg0.55kg18.2kg515 High Carbohydrate6.9kg0.15kg14.5kg4916

TWB DIET CSIRO CONCLUSION’s – Higher Protein Ratio Diet has the greatest benefits “Moderately High protein high red meat diets and conventional high carbohydrate weight loss diets provide health benefits.  Plasma triglycerides lowered on average 9%.  LDL cholesterol lowered on average 5%.  Insulin lowered on average 19%.  Glucose lowered on average 4%. Moderately high protein high red meat diets provide advantages in women.  Greater weight, fat and midriff loss on high protein diet in those women with elevated TG.  Greater lowering of plasma triglycerides on high protein diet in those women with elevated insulin or TG.  Haemoglobin levels improved more on high protein high red meat diet.  B12 status improved on high protein high red meat diet. Moderately high protein diets can be a safe and effective option to conventional high carbohydrate weight loss diets.  For some, HP diet may be easier to follow for longer periods as it may be more satisfying.  HP diet as used in this study is safe and nutritionally adequate.  It was easier to achieve RDI for all nutrients on HP diet.”

SUMMARY  CSIRO conducted several large studies showing that higher protein dietary patterns for weight management have metabolic advantages over high carbohydrate patterns in overweight people  CSIRO research proves that a high protein diet is effective in both producing weight loss and improving risk factors for diabetes and heart disease  The Total Wellbeing Diet will help most people to lose weight safely and enjoyably because it encourages eating a wide variety of food types – in the right proportions.  At least Australians have tried the diet and many now live by its principles  However, the diet should be combined with regular exercise to truly achieve total wellbeing.

Alternative views:  Australasian Science  “The CSIRO’s research was partly funded by Meat and Livestock Australia and Dairy Australia, so it is no surprise that beef, lamb and dairy products figure so highly in the recommended meals and weekly meal plans.”  “The CSIRO’s endorsement of a high-meat diet is an indication of the extent to which its scientists have taken on the role of consultants to industry in their bid to raise funding, and their willingness to deliver research findings that industry finds agreeable”.  Note: CSIRO rejected these claims in paper available at link above.  Leigh and Mitch:  Research used a small sample size and only focused on 1 population within the community.  The diet is easily manageable and follows the Australian Dietary Guidelines, as compared with many other Fad diets, such as the Atkins diet which is a high-fat, low- carbohydrate diet.  It is not a diet based on overly restrictive nutritional requirements and offers a well balance nutritional and lifestyle choice.  Offers an opportunity to educate those whose dietary habits are poor and help with their understanding of what makes up a healthy diet. What do you think?

Book 1 published in May Booklet released in August 2003 in the Australian Women’s weekly, then as a free booklet by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).  CSIRO Human Nutrition  NameAssociate Professor Dr Manny Noakes  TitleSenior Dietitian / Research Scientist  Phone   Webwww.csiro.au/twd -and-Wellbeing/Prevention/Total- Wellbeing-Diet.aspx