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Nutrition Professor Drops 27 Pounds on a Twinkie Diet

Megan Bedard
From: http://www.takepart.com/

Mmmm, mmm, delicious? (Photo: Professor Haub's Facebook Page)

Kansas State University nutrition professor Mark Haub has been making headlines lately for his two-month Twinkie stunt. For 60 days straight, Haub ate a snack cake for every meal, with Doritos, Oreos and sugar-soaked cereals for snacks between meals.

The crazy part? He lost 27 pounds, and his cholesterol dropped.

Those results are so dang counterintuitive, the questions flood to your head—like a sugar rush.

First of all, what was he thinking?

Believe it or not, the professor had a larger plan in mind. Haub had a hunch that when it comes to dieting, calorie counting is the single most important factor in weight loss. It wasn't what he ate, he thought; it was how many calories it amounted to. He committed to proving his theory as a living example to his students.

But he's a nutrition professor?

Yep. That's exactly what left him conflicted. Having proved his point after 60 days, Haub wasn't so sure he wanted to tout the Twinkie Diet. "I'm not geared to say this is a good thing to do," he told CNN.

Commentors on his Facebook page have applauded and abhorred his actions.

"This is phenomenal, congratulations. Hopefully you will continue to update with your maintenance plan, because I felt on top of what you have done so far—but maintenance is another game altogether from my experience," one fan wrote.

"This 'experiment' boarders on CRIMINAL for a Professor of Nutrition to... be espousing this... Just think how many LAZY YO-YO's in this country will now think eating convenience store food will help them lose weight," complained a dissenter.

Why'd he lose weight, instead of gaining it?

In short, Haub's theory about caloric intake held up. He burned more calories than he ate, and that caused him to shed pounds. As for the other health improvements, like lowering his "bad" cholesterol and upping his "good" cholesterol? "When you lose weight, regardless of how you're doing it—even if it's with packaged foods, generally you will see these markers improve when weight loss has improved," explained Dawn Jackson Blatner, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

Will he ever eat another Swiss Cake Roll again?

Yes, actually. Though he's planning to eat more healthfully and add 300 calories back into his daily diet, Haub hasn't sworn off snack cakes.

So overweight people should switch to Little Debbie diets?

Haub wouldn't recommend it. There are other health factors, he says, that we can't predict, such as the link between junk food and cancer. Plus, there's one other factor to consider: energy levels.

What's the lesson here?

Haub pointed out one real-life application to his experiment: tackling obesity rates in "food deserts," areas across America where people don't have access to grocery markets and rely on the food they can find in convenience stores.

"These foods are consumed by lots of people. It may be an issue of portion size and moderation rather than total removal," he said. "I just think it's unrealistic to expect people to totally drop these foods for vegetables and fruit. It may be healthy, but not realistic."

16 Food Items That Could Make a Bulimic Fat

From: http://itthing.com/

So bulimia is no joke, we know, but we wanted to make a point that the foods we discovered are so fatty, so laden with lard, calories, and trans fat that it could potentially make anyone obese if they make eating these foods a habit of sorts. Some of these items provide a full days worth of calories, sodium and fat in just a few bites and if that isn’t enough they are often times disguised as ‘healthy’ choices. You might be surprised to see that not all of these come from fast food restaurants either.

McDonald’s Deluxe Breakfast

Starting with one of the more obviously unhealthy places to eat, McDonalds offers a moderate sized breakfast platter that includes eggs, sausage, pancakes (with syrup and margarine), hash browns and a buttermilk biscuit. I say moderate because I have seen average sized men take down 2-3 of these plates as the portions aren’t huge. Chewy sausage, squishy eggs, and crunchy oily hash browns- I can’t see how people palate this stuff, but it’s cheap I suppose if you are in need but definitely not a wise choice.
Total: 1,220 calories, 550 of them from fat, including 17 grams of saturated fat.

Cinnabon Caramel Pecanbon

Another breakfast choice of many, this deliciously sticky roll is nothing more but sugar, lard and flour- sorry to ruin your fantasy. It offers virtually no nutritional value and does nothing but give you a quick sugar high and instant cellulite on your bum.
Total: 1,100 calories and 56 grams of fat

Outback Steakhouse Aussie Cheese Fries

In the mood for a cheesy appetizer or just a quick snack while slugging back a few beers? One of the fattiest items on the menu, this platter of straight fat… err cheese, french fries, bacon, and salt should truly come with a warning. Prepare to feel like crap after eating this- fair warning.
Total: 2,710 calories, 203 grams of fat, 25 grams of saturated fat and 6360 mg of sodium.

Burger King’s Triple Whopper With Cheese

I suppose this must come from peoples demands to have ‘more’ in order to satisfy their appetites but no matter how hungry you are, this burger just isn’t right. Keep in mind that the calorie count below is pre fries and drink!

Total: 1,230 calories and 82 grams of fat including 32 grams of saturated fat.

Subway’s Double Meat Tuna Sandwich

Subway Restaurant, renowned for their low-fat subs and Jared- the fat guy who lost weight eating nothing but Subway sandwiches, is actually home to several unhealthy sandwich choices. The 6-inch Double Meat Classic Tuna, which has extra meat, extra mayo, and extra cheese, has far too many calories and fat to be called a wise choice by anyone unfortunately.
Total: 790 calories, 55 grams of fat, including 16 grams of saturated fat.

Taco Bell Fiesta Taco Salad

A salad you might think would be the better option to order at taco bell, but you would be fooled if you think this dish of tasty greens is anything healthy. Have a bean burrito instead and save yourself the heart ache- literally.
Total: 860 calories, 46 grams of total fat, 14 grams of saturated fat

Baskin Robbin’s Large Oreo Chocolate Shake

A simple summertime treat- a yummy Oreo chocolate shake from Baskin Robbins is too good to pass up on a hot day. Sure we all know ice cream isn’t the best thing in the world- but it certainly doesn’t seem like the worst right? Wrong! This is why kids are overweight these days- put a health warning on it for parents, please!
Total: 2600 Calories: 2600, 135 grams of fat, 59 grams of saturated fat and 1700 mg of sodium.

Macaroni Grill Spaghetti and Meatballs with Meat Sauce

Spaghetti and meatballs seems like a fairly normal meal and in comparison to a triple cheese burger, would seem like a much better options- noodles, marinara, and a little beef sounds like nice meal. Better look out with this dish however- I am not even sure how it’s even possible to get the number of calories here as the plate doesn’t weigh in at 10 pounds- they must use a pound of butter and retain the meats fat for flavor… just gross. You really might want to skip the bread and butter beforehand.
Total: 2430 Calories, 128 grams of fat, and 5290 mg of sodium.

Uno Chicago Grill’s Pizza Skins

Indeed I realize I am upsetting many football fans here as these fun appetizers are perfect for parties and munching on while watching sports, but sorry to say these little guys have more fat and calories than a whole pizza.
Total: 2400 Calories, 155 grams of fat, 50 grams of saturated fat, and 3600 mg of sodium

Outback Steakhouse Baby Back Ribs – Full Rack

Ah, the ribs! So finger licking good, and with each lick you probably gain a pound. More fat than quality meat, this rib dish is meant to be shared. Sing it with me folks- “I want my ‘old bootie back, bootie back, bootie back”.
Total: 2260 Calories

Cheesecake Factory Carrot Cake

We have all made the mistake in thinking a dessert made with carrots must be a healthier choice than sweet, creamy cheesecake, but you’d be wrong… really wrong.
Total: 1,560 calories and 84g of fat

Domino’s ExtravaganZZa Feast deep-dish Pizza

No surprise here that pizza makes the list and this Dominos Meat Pie is by far the worst choice. A large thick crust topped with pepperoni, ham, green pepper, onion, black olives, mushrooms, sausage, beef and extra cheese explains why this meal should be shared by a large crowd.
Total: 430 calories, 23 grams of fat and 8 grams of saturated fat PER SLICE

Poutine

The French Canadian side dish of choice, Poutine is just a heart attack waiting, especially when served with a hamburger and a shake. Pronounced “Pooh-teen,” this dish consists of fries, cheese curds and copious amounts of gravy. Yum!
Total: 1,300 Calories and 72 grams of fat

The Big Texan’s 72 Oz Steak

In Amarillo Texas there is a neat steak house in which you can order a 72 ounce steak- 4.5 pounds of meat (and if you eat the entire thing within an hour- you get it free). I can honestly say, I have been there and seen this thing- it looks like a giant cow butt in its raw form and a bit less intimating cooked. I can’t imagine many people make this a regular part of their diet, but even eating just one of these meals, there are enough grams of fat to meet your intake allowance for the week.
Approximate total: 5,760 Calories and 480 Grams of fat.

Heart Attack Grill’s Quadruple Bypass Burger

I am at a loss for words here… truly. This burger from Heart Attack Grill might as well be a cow on a stick.
Approximate Total: 8,000 calories, 60 grams of fat.

Beer Barrel Belly Buster- the World’s Largest Burger

OK, so no one really would eat the whole thing- we would hope, but if you do want to give it a try, you might want to prepare ahead of time.
Total: Weighing in a about 15.5 pounds with 11.5 pounds of beef, estimated calories: 25000+

Drew Carey's 80-Lb. Weight Loss

From: http://extratv.warnerbros.com/

"Price is Right" host Drew Carey revealed a much slimmer frame on Wednesday night when he stepped out for the CBS, Showtime and The CW Television Critics Association party in Beverly Hills.

Getty Images/FamePictures

Carey has lost an amazing 80 pounds since January, telling People magazine, "It sucks being fat, you know... I was diabetic with Type-2 diabetes."

Through the process, the funnyman overcame his battle with diabetes by completely changing his eating habits and working out. "No carbs," Carey said. "I have cheated a couple times, but basically no carbs, not even a cracker. No bread at all. No pizza, nothing. No corn, no beans, no starches of any kind. Egg whites in the morning or like, Greek yogurt, cut some fruit."

Check out more celebrity diets and detoxes!

Carey added that he feels better being thinner. "I like being skinny. I was sick of being fat on the camera. Really, I just got sick of it. Once I started losing weight, again, like once I started dropping a couple pant sizes, then it was easy 'cause once you see the results, then you don't wanna stop."

The Biggest Taco: This is Why America is Fat!!!

Fat Guy Lake Cannonball Fail

Fat Guy Lake Cannonball Fail - Watch more Funny Videos

Imagine the ending of Free Willy, only if the whale jumped into a frozen lake instead of the ocean. Pretty much the same thing.

Craz-E Burger: Americans embrace 1,500 calorie doughnut burger

Calorie-comfortable Americans have found the perfect rejoinder to the healthy eating lobby - the doughnut burger.

By Tom Leonard in New York

a bacon cheeseburger between a split and grilled glazed donut Photo: STEPHEN DUNN/COURANT

Consisting of a bacon cheeseburger with a buttered, grilled and glazed doughnut standing in for a bun, the Craz-E Burger puts such fatty delights as the deep-fried Mars bar in the shade.

Its 1,500 calories of sugar and saturated fat did not stop it from becoming a huge hit at a major fair in Massachusetts.

Organisers of the Big E, which finished on Sunday, said visitors bought around 1,000 Craz-E burgers each day of the fair's 17-day run.

The fair's website described it as "classic fair food" but noted: "No single ingredient dominates the burger. They all complement each other with artistry expected from a celebrity chef."

It added: "The glaze smooths over the burger and oozes into a foreign but delicious combination with the crisp of the bacon."

The burger was believed to have been created by a bar owner in Decatur, Georgia, who substituted a doughnuts when he ran out of buns.

The restaurant also serves a hamdog, a hotdog wrapped in a beef patty and deep-fried.

The Decatur doughnut burger was named the Luther Burger after the late singer and record producer Luther Vandross, who was said to be a fan.

The Gateway Grizzlies, a minor league baseball team in Illinois, serves the Luther burger at games, piling on further coronary heartache by deep-frying the Krispy Kreme doughnut used as the bun.

Why Do Some People Never Get Fat? Scientists May Have the Answer

Remember the guy from Super Size Me who ate about 23,000 Bic Macs and never got fat? Ever wonder how he did it? Turns out he may have been born without the “fat enzyme.”

The enzyme MGAT2 is found in the intestines and determines the fate of our food by regulating how it is metabolized: It either makes fat go straight to your waistline, or converts it into energy. Scientists in California have discovered that when mice are missing the gene for MGAT2, they can eat whatever they want and never have to worry about getting fat.

The University of California at San Francisco knocked out the gene in experimental mice to see how their bodies grew after feeding them different diets. When the normal and experimental mice were fed a diet low in fat, both sets of mice grew the same way. But when the mice were eating a 60 percent fat diet (i.e., a typical American diet), the experimental mice weighed 40 percent less and had 50 percent less fat than the normal mice.

Not only does decreasing MGAT activity in mice reduce their chances of packing on the pounds, it also prevents them from developing other obesity-related problems such as fatty livers and glucose intolerance. While the researchers are unsure of precisely how the experimental mice kept the weight off, they think that when the mice are missing the MGAT2 enzyme, their body ultimately doesn’t store or use the fat.

Still, don’t go on a Big Mac binge just yet: Until scientist can figure out how to manipulate this gene to create the magic skinny pill, we will continue to metabolize food like we did when we were hunters and gathers.

Discovery of Cold-Activated Brown Fat May Lead to New Obesity Treatments

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Getty Images

By Anne Harding

WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2009 (Health.com) — What if you had a special kind of fat in your body that burned calories instead of storing them—and it could be activated simply by spending time in the cold? According to three preliminary studies published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine, you probably do.

Brown adipose tissue (called brown fat) helps babies, young children, and other small mammals stay warm by burning calories when activated by low temperatures. Scientists have been skeptical that adults retain significant amounts of brown fat on their bodies. But the new research shows that many of us—perhaps even most—do.

“The incredible excitement about this is that we have an entirely new way to try to go after obesity,” says Aaron Cypess, MD, of the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, lead author of one of the new studies. Every obesity drug now on the market aims at getting people to take in fewer calories, Dr. Cypess points out. The current findings, while very preliminary, suggest that drugs could be developed that fire up brown fat activity and help people burn calories faster.

The new research is important because it confirms that adults have brown fat involved in temperature regulation, while also probably playing a role in whether a person is lean or overweight, says Jan Nedergaard, PhD, a professor at the Wenner-Gren Institute at the University of Stockholm in Sweden who has been studying brown fat for 30 years but was not involved in the current research.

“Brown fat can be a very significant player in the game of how we react to the food we eat and whether we store it or burn it away,” Dr. Nedergaard says.

While scientists have known about brown fat and what it does for decades, it’s been nearly impossible to study it in live humans until very recently. Finding it in people’s bodies meant taking tissue samples, so scientists mostly stuck to studying it in lab animals.

This changed when nuclear medicine specialists observed that some people had deposits of tissue that looked like fat but didn’t act like it; this fat-like tissue was located above the collarbones and in the upper chest and consumed lots of energy. Conversely, white adipose tissue—the regular fat that stores extra calories and makes us gain weight—shows very little metabolic activity.

Scientists began investigating whether this mystery tissue might be the elusive brown fat. In the new NEJM reports, three independent research teams have confirmed that this is the case, indeed, and that integrated positron-emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) scans can be used not only to identify it but to measure its metabolic activity.

In their report, Dr. Cypess and his colleagues reviewed 3,640 PET-CT scans performed on 1,972 patients at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston for various diagnostic reasons. Among women, 7.5% had patches of brown fat that were more than 4 millimeters in diameter, while 3.1% of men had similar patches.

“The people who had brown fat were, in fact, different from the people who didn’t,” Dr. Cypess explains: They were younger and leaner. People who were older, those who were obese, and those using heart drugs called beta blockers were less likely to have brown fat.

Dr. Cypess and his team also found that people whose scans were done in the winter had the most brown fat, while those scanned in the summer had the least; people who underwent the tests in the spring or fall fell in the middle.

Researchers from the Maastricht University Medical Center in the Netherlands, in the second study, looked at how temperature affected brown fat activity in 24 healthy men, also using PET-CT. When the volunteers sat in a room kept at 72° F for two hours, none of their scans showed brown fat activity. But when they were exposed to slightly chillier conditions—about 61° F—23 showed brown fat activity. The 10 men who were lean (with body mass indexes of less than 25) had more brown fat than the 14 who were overweight or obese, and their brown fat was also more active.

“That’s really new, that so many people do have brown adipose tissue,” says lead author Wouter D. van Marken Lichtenbelt, PhD.

In the third study, Sven Enerback, MD, of the University of Goteborg in Sweden, used PET to examine how cold temperatures affected brown fat activity, this time in five people. Participants spent two hours in a room kept at 63° F to 66° F. During the scan, they submerged one foot in ice water, alternating five minutes in the water and five minutes out. The cold conditions boosted the amount of glucose the study participants’ brown fat consumed by a factor of 15.

In an accompanying editorial, Francesco Celi, MD, of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in Bethesda, Md., notes that “taken together, these studies point to a potential ‘natural’ intervention to stimulate energy expenditure: Turn down the heat and burn calories (and reduce the carbon footprint in the process).”

This is obviously an oversimplification, Dr. Celi says, but the demonstration that adults have brown fat that can be activated is, nevertheless, “powerful proof of concept” that the tissue could be a target for obesity-fighting drugs or even environmental fat-fighting strategies.

While Dr. Cypess is excited about the possibility of drugs that help people burn more calories, he warns that such medicines wouldn’t allow people to slim down without eating healthy and becoming more active.

The maximum amount of extra energy that people with relatively large brown fat deposits can burn probably tops out at about 500 calories. “It doesn’t take much extra food to eliminate any benefit you’ve got,” he says. “I personally don’t think that hanging out in the cold is going to be an effective way of fighting obesity.”