A new study reports that low carb and high carb diets work equally well for maintaining weightloss.  What the study does not address is body composition, which may be more important for long term weight maintenance than body weight alone.  It is a well documented fact that the higher your lean body mass (muscle tissue),  the more calories you burn. Muscle takes a lot of calories to support. An added benefit of muscle is that it gives men a stronger, more masculine look, and in women, firmer curves. Higher protein diets have gotten a bad rap as they are commonly lumped into the category of “low carb” diets, such as the once popular Atkins diet. However, a diet that is high in protein, i.e., 30% by calories or higher, combined with the controlled intake of complex carbs, e.g., yams, rice, beans, oatmeal, etc., and restricted in fat (less than 25% of calories) is a very healthful diet that will not only aid in lowering total bodyweight, but aid in maintaining  bodyweight and favorable body composition for the long term.  Higher protein diets are made easier by incorporating a shake such as Lean Body into your daily diet. Here’s the full article: (more…)