Many people today struggle to maintain and lose weight. There are multiple options as to which diets we can choose and which may be the best healthy solutions to our problems. Examples of these would include South Beach diet, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Mediterranean, Atkins, and countless other diets. When people are starting a diet they should generally be concerned with what is going to help them lose weight in a healthy manner. The Atkins Diet which is a low to no carbohydrate diet is considered a good option to fast efficient weight loss. Many choose this diet because they like to eat the foods associated with it as well as the generous amounts they can consume.
The issue that concerns most doctors and dietitians is that eliminating carbohydrates completely or for the most part in the daily diet can end up being harmful to the body as well as pointless in keeping off the weight. The myth is that by reducing your carbohydrate intake you will be able to lower your blood sugar and kick start insulin to breakdown fat. This rarely happens and the weight loss is due to other factors such as decreased appetite, water loss, and no energy. The human body needs carbohydrates to provide energy in the form of kcals to the body to complete everyday tasks. The issue with this diet is that some people are finding it very tiresome and they have little or no energy to complete everyday activities which can be taxing after a long period of time on the diet.
Another issue with low carb diets is that the low fiber intake may results in issues with bowel movements causing G.I. distress. Lastly, the most major issue with the low carb diet is the types of food people are consuming. Since carbohydrates are being eliminated people are generally eating meats and cheeses which are high in saturated fats and cholesterol. These foods are therefore contributing to raising the bad cholesterol and leading to many cardiovascular diseases. So when choosing a diet you need to ask yourself what is most important, your health or loosing weight to look good? There are many healthy options out there it is important to look for the one that fits your lifestyle best.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/low-carb-diet/NU00279/NSECTIONGROUP=2
http://archives.cnn.com/2001/HEALTH/diet.fitness/03/20/protein.diet.heart
http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/media_3019_ENU_HTML.htm
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Although I am sure the low carb diet works for many people, I can personally argue that it did not work for me. I went to a nutritionist my freshman year of college after I found out I was insulin resistant and they put me on a zero carb diet, which I religiously followed for six months. I understand I have a little bit of a different condition than the normal person who just wants to lose the standard ten pounds, but I had every one of the symptoms Ryan mentions in the article. I was fatigued, had no energy, was emotional, and on top of that I didn't lose any weight. I barely had enough energy to get through the day. I really believe that if a person wants to lose weight, they should do it in a healthy way and not cut carbs completely out of their diets. The body needs the fuel from the carbohydrates to do everyday things. I found it was more effective to count calories and remember to size portions approriately.
ReplyDeleteGood topic and supporting information. The mayo clinic, in particular, is a great site. You dispell many of the popular myths associated with various low-no carb diets out there. Eat those whole grains in reasonable quantities instead!
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