Cutting Carbs and Breast Cancer

Betcha didn't know that cutting carbs a couple days a week can help you lose weight and potentially reduce your risk of breast cancer. Sound better than counting calories? It just may be!

A new study finds that adhering to a two-day diet low in carbohydrates, particularly simple carbohydrate foods, has a greater affect than simply counting calories everyday of the week. The notion is that by simply cutting out processed carbs like cookies, muffins and high sugary breakfast cereals, you will see a faster weight loss. And who doesn't love fast weight loss?

The researchers presented the new data at the 2011 CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. According to their results they explain that the secret is related to the hormone insulin—a chemical that doesn't function normally when we eat too many starchy carbs. Abnormal levels of insulin have been linked to unhealthy weight gain and a greater risk for breast cancer.

Sound doable? Your best bet is to replace unhealthy processed carbs like white bread, sugary drinks, jams with veg or whole grains such as steel-cut oatmeal, quinoa, and butternut squash. The high fiber and nutrient content of these healthier carbs will fill you up so you're less likely to crave or nosh on the simple carbs that are lacking in essential vitamins and minerals and getting in the way of your long-term weight loss goals. Finally another reminder that it's not all about counting, but having a nutritional strategy for weight loss success!

Reference:

http://www.aacr.org/home/public--media/aacr-press-releases.aspx?d=2649