Tried one of those low carb high protein diets and got disappointing results? It is time to find out the truth about low carb diets like the Atkins and the South Beach diets.
What’s Behind these Low Carb Diets ?
First of all, what is the idea behind these low carb high protein diets?
Well, these low carbohydrate diets vary in terms of the suggested amount of carbohydrate, protein and fat intake.
“It is believed that eating too much carbs leads to an overproduction of insulin which leads to overeating and insulin resistance.
When too much insulin is produced, it becomes less effective in carrying and distributing sugar to the cells, such that more sugar become stored as fat.
Consequently, depriving your body of carbs will reverse this and help you lose weight.”
You Really Will Loose Weight, but…
Dieters who follow the suggested low carb meals really do lose weight. This weight loss is inevitable, but what causes this weight loss?
With a low carb diet plan, you don’t provide your body the sufficient carbohydrates necessary for your daily function. When this happens, it will start to burn the stored carbohydrates (in the form of glycogen).
Burning glycogen leads to loss in water. This loss of water is what is actually responsible for your weight loss.
In addition, these Low Carb diets often restrict you of your daily intake of calories.
While your body needs about 1800-2200 calories, dieters are only allowed to eat 1000-1400 calories, which is twice less than what the body needs.
They Require Foods High in Fat
There are many health experts who discourage these no carb diet plans. This is because these diets mostly just restrict carbs, and do not restrict foods high in fat which increases risk for heart problems, liver damage and even cancer.
In fact, review of the American Heart Association of five of the most popular high protein diets have established that these diets encourage quick, unhealthy weight loss, but alongside are bad long-term consequences due to intake of high amounts of fat.
The long term consequences are obviously not worth the short time weight loss benefits.
Now, if you would like to be on the road back to proper health, start by educating yourself with the right information about healthy lifestyle and diet.
You can check out the Mayoclinic.com or the American Dietetic Association website for more information. Moreover, you surely have an idea that doing the traditional way of having a balanced diet still works.
The Mediterranean Diet is Best
The Mediterranean diet, for example, is a diet that is based on healthy food choices.
To lose weight, you don’t have to deprive your body of the carbohydrates it needs. With this diet, you would have to eat them in moderation along with other healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes and whole grains.
Also, try to avoid foods rich in saturated fat, and stick with red meats and fish for protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Of course, never forget to lead a physically active lifestyle.
Make the right choice and avoid those high protein low carb diet which can bring your body more harm than good.
Stick to healthy, harmless diets such as the Mediterranean diet which reinforces balance and proper nutrition.
