Benefits And Risks Of Low Carb Diets

Low Carb Diets

Low-carb diets have been around for years. While the Atkins program was the architect of the low-carb diets craze of the 1990s, several new companies have introduced their own version of such diets into the mainstream population since the 1990s and even up until today. Because these types of programs are so popular, they have become the mainstay of thousands of individuals who have made up their minds to lose weight. So, what are the benefits and risks of low carb diets, and will they really help you to lose weight?

The Premise Behind Low Carb Diets

Eating so-called "bad carbs", as well as starchy foods tend to lead to stored fats and a slower metabolism, whereas maintaining a diet that is high in proteins, and even certain fats, is purported to increase your metabolism.

Low-carb diets rely on reducing the daily intake of carbohydrates to dramatically reduce or eliminate insulin production (usually leads to fat storage) in the body and to encourage ketones production. Ketones are produced in the body from fats and proteins, respectively and in this case, used as energy instead of glucose (comes from starches and sugars). As a result, the body will relies more on proteins and fats instead of carbohydrates to get the needed energy and that’s how the weight loss occurs.

Will Low Carb Diets Help You To Lose Weight?

The long and short answer here is yes, low carb diets can help you to lose weight. However, as with any weight loss program or diet plan, the "dieter", which is you, must be committed to making the plan work for him. No diet plan or idea, no matter how scientifically sound, will deliver results if you are not committed to seeing the program through.

Because there is no singular definition of what low-carb diets are, there are many different ideas on what to include in your diet plan. Some programs will ask you to cut carbs out almost completely, others will ask you to replace your breads and pastas with fish, chicken, and broccoli, multi-vitamin supplements may also be recommended. The basics of weight loss are sound, and as long as your particular program follows those well-defined basics, and you adhere to the weight-loss plan's guidelines, you should enjoy success with your weight loss goals.

Criticisms

Low carb diets have been around for a long time. They have ushered in new ideas and choices when it comes to losing weight, but they have also received many criticisms despite the fact that no one really knows their long-term health effects. Here are some of these criticisms:

Can be associated with Bad breath
Can be nutritionally deficient
Can cause Headache, Constipation, fatigue or weakness and muscle cramps which pushes some to argue that these diets cannot involve an exercise regimen
Can be Hard to follow and not a permanent way of eating
Can contain high amounts of saturated fats and cholesterol

If you're really serious about weight loss and you want to know which diet is right for you, we recommend the award winning site eDiets (winner of both PC and Forbes Magazine award). It may also be wise to discuss with your doctor and get his advice if you want to lose weight.

Please help us serve you better: feel free to contact us here if you have any thoughts, questions, information, requests, or recommendations about low carb diets.

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