I Think Low Carb Diets Are Stupid
Posted by
Jane N.
When did low-carb become synonymous with healthy? Many restaurant menus offer low-carb selections, such as scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon. Say goodbye regularity and hello low-carb!
Yes, you can lose weight on low-carb diets, but not the way you want. Here’s some of the more prevalent “effects” of a low-carb diet:
• Water Loss: Carbohydrates hold more water in the body than protein, so when your body is depleted of carbohydrates, the water goes with it. This is the reason for quick weight loss in the initial stages. Don’t confuse overall weight loss with fat loss.
• Constipation: The average adult is recommended to have an intake of at least 25g of fiber, which most of us not on low-carb diets don’t meet. Long durations of a low fiber diet can lead to more serious complications with your large intestine.
•Ketosis: Without getting enough glucose (carbohydrates) your body will go into state of ketosis. When your body is in a state of starvation, ketone bodies (fat fragments) are an alternative source of energy. The buildup of these is called ketosis, and alters your body’s natural acid-base balance and your breath.
• Potential loss of muscle: Your body will also start to make glucose out of amino acids (the building blocks of protein). It doesn’t discriminate either, not only will the protein come from your diet, it will also come from body tissue such as muscle. These extreme measures are taken because your brain desperately needs glucose to function properly.
• Calcium excretion: Calcium loss is also an unexpected side effect of a low-carb, higher protein diet due to an inverse relationship between calcium and protein.
On the other hand, most of us consume too many refined carbohydrates, the “bad” carbs such as pastries, cake and other non-whole grain items. The one benefit I see of the low-carb diet is an overall reduction of the amount of sugar we consume daily.
Carbohydrates are an important energy source, and should never be exclusively eliminated from a diet. If it’s a concern, focus on whole grain and whole wheat grain products, the “healthier” carbohydrates. I’d love to hear your low-carb opinion!
I Think Low Carb Diets Are Stupid
Posted by Jane N.
When did low-carb become synonymous with healthy? Many restaurant menus offer low-carb selections, such as scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon. Say goodbye regularity and hello low-carb! Yes, you can lose weight on low-carb diets, but not the way you want. Here’s some of the more prevalent “effects” of a low-carb diet: • Water Loss: Carbohydrates hold more water in the body than protein, so when your body is depleted of carbohydrates, the water goes with it. This is the reason for quick weight loss in the initial stages. Don’t confuse overall weight loss with fat loss. • Constipation: The average adult is recommended to have an intake of at least 25g of fiber, which most of us not on low-carb diets don’t meet. Long durations of a low fiber diet can lead to more serious complications with your large intestine.•Ketosis: Without getting enough glucose (carbohydrates) your body will go into state of ketosis. When your body is in a state of starvation, ketone bodies (fat fragments) are an alternative source of energy. The buildup of these is called ketosis, and alters your body’s natural acid-base balance and your breath. • Potential loss of muscle: Your body will also start to make glucose out of amino acids (the building blocks of protein). It doesn’t discriminate either, not only will the protein come from your diet, it will also come from body tissue such as muscle. These extreme measures are taken because your brain desperately needs glucose to function properly.• Calcium excretion: Calcium loss is also an unexpected side effect of a low-carb, higher protein diet due to an inverse relationship between calcium and protein. On the other hand, most of us consume too many refined carbohydrates, the “bad” carbs such as pastries, cake and other non-whole grain items. The one benefit I see of the low-carb diet is an overall reduction of the amount of sugar we consume daily. Carbohydrates are an important energy source, and should never be exclusively eliminated from a diet. If it’s a concern, focus on whole grain and whole wheat grain products, the “healthier” carbohydrates. I’d love to hear your low-carb opinion!