“Don’t eat anything white.”
That was the advice Caroline Jhingory received from her doctor a little over ten years ago. At the time, Caroline was 22 years old and weighed over 300 pounds, a weight beyond dangerous for her 5’2″ frame.
Caroline was also diagnosed as pre-diabetic due to her high blood sugar levels and the dark blotches on her face and neck. When asked, she says she considers this period her “rock bottom.” It was at this point that she decided that she would make the rest of her life the best of her life.
For years, Caroline turned to food to cope with the physical and emotional abuse she endured as an adolescent, but after one trip to the doctor, she realized that something had to give. Caroline began her weight loss journey, taking on what she likes to call “a poor man’s diet”, which incorporated cutting out all white foods. She also had no money at the time to join a gym, so she ditched the bus and walked everywhere.
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Within one year, she lost 150 pounds and managed to keep it off for good. No gastric bypass surgery. No quick gimmicks. No, she is not starving herself just to add the weight back on later. Nope. Just good ol’, straight-up diet and exercise.
What Caroline Did
When beginning her weight loss journey, Caroline had no money for personal trainers or fancy weight loss programs. Being that she was allowed to stay on her parents’ medical insurance while in college, Caroline relied solely on the advice of her family physician to jump-start her weight loss.
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1. Caroline removed what her physician regarded as white foods completely from her diet – all products made with flour, sugar, rice, pasta and potatoes.
2. Instead of relying on the Metro subway system in her hometown of Washington, DC, Caroline began walking everywhere she went.
Within the first two months, Caroline lost 30lbs, and within 18 months, she lost over 150lbs. Now, over a decade later, Caroline has maintained her weight loss via consistent exercise and disciplined eating.
The Difference Between White and Brown Foods
Generally, brown foods are considered healthier than their white counterparts because they tend to be less processed, retaining more of their natural nutrients and fiber. White foods, while sometimes providing quicker energy, may lack these essential nutrients and contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess. However, some individuals with digestive issues may find that white foods are easier to digest than brown foods, as the higher fiber content in brown foods can sometimes be a trigger.
Brown Foods
More Nutrients:
Brown foods, like brown rice, whole wheat bread, and brown sugar, often retain more of their natural nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Fiber:
The higher fiber content in brown foods can promote digestion, help with weight management, and potentially reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
Less Processing:
Brown foods are usually less processed, meaning they haven’t been stripped of their natural outer layers, where many nutrients are found.
White Foods:
Quicker Energy:
White foods, like white rice and refined sugar, can provide a quick burst of energy due to their lower fiber and higher carbohydrate content.
Nutrient Deficiency:
White foods may lack the essential nutrients present in brown foods, as they have been processed to remove the outer layers.
Weight Gain:
Consuming white foods in excess can contribute to weight gain due to their high carbohydrate content and lack of fiber.
What to Consider When Choosing Brown vs. White Foods
Some individuals may need to consider their specific dietary needs and health conditions when choosing between brown and white foods.
Gut Health:
Individuals with digestive issues may find that white foods are easier to digest than brown foods, as the higher fiber content in brown foods can sometimes be a trigger.
The Healthy White Foods:
Some white foods, like cauliflower, onions, and mushrooms, can be healthy and nutritious, even though they are not processed.
What Caroline Learned
Experience has taught Caroline that “losing weight and keeping it off is 85 percent healthy eating and 15 percent exercise. Healthy eating is like washing the car and exercise is shining the rims.”
Caroline also learned how to cook to live. She now shares her healthy recipes via YouTube and Instagram. See her quick, healthy recipe above.
Caroline decided to share her weight loss journey, revelations and strategies in a book called Half My Size: How I Ate To Lose 150lbs.
Caroline Today…
Caroline has been a guest on popular programs such as Good Morning America and Access Hollywood.
Additionally, she’s a dynamic public speaker who has provided weight loss tips and cooking and fitness demonstrations on a variety of TV shows and magazines. Beyond the television screen, she conducts innovative workshops at numerous hospitals, corporations and health organizations, as well as at a number of churches and schools in her hometown.
For more on Caroline and recipes you can use, click here.
