Do Low Carbohydrate Diets Lead to
Weight Loss Success?
By Alan Wayler
So your neighbor, office mate, best
friend, whoever just lost 10 pounds in only two weeks following the
latest in high protein low carbohydrate diets. And now you’re thinking
you should give it a go -- have even started the search for high protein
low carbohydrate recipes?
True, high protein low carb diets seem to be leading many people to
weight loss success. Trouble is, they seemed to do it 30 years ago, too.
They were the rage in the early 70s, and look where many of us are
today: growing fatter with each decade.
The bottom line: Diets -- low carb diets or not -- simply don’t work for
the vast majority of people. If that doesn't convince you, look at some
of the reasons why high protein low carbohydrate diets seem to create
weight loss success stories -- but really don't.
“I’m not hungry when I eat high protein low carb diets.”
Many people say they feel more satisfied eating low carbohydrate diets.
And indeed, studies show protein is the most satiating nutrient.
Proteins and fat (which is usually in high protein low carbohydrate
foods) cause your body to release cholecystokinin, a hormone that
contributes to the feeling of fullness. Some protein in meals and even
snacks may help us feel more satisfied and go longer between eating. But
the key word is “some.” We don’t need an excess of protein, or low carb
diets, to get these effects. By just eating balanced meals that contain
grain/starchy foods, protein foods, vegetables and/or fruits and some
fat, most people can achieve the same satiety. One other important note
is that hunger control with low carbohydrate diets is often the result
of ketosis (when your body burns fat for fuel.) Ketosis is very
unhealthy, causing nausea, headaches, fatigue, even coma.
“Results are results – I saw successful weight loss, didn’t I?”
Many people do lose weight on high protein low carb diets. Instead of
fat, however, they're initially losing more water than anything else --
and it quickly returns once off low carb diets. They seem to see
successful weight loss, too, because low carb diets restrict many foods,
resulting in eating less than usual.
The big question is: Is it really successful weight loss if it doesn't
stay off? For most people, if weight loss is achieved quickly and with a
restrictive method such as a diet that does not allow for individual
likes and dislikes, then the lost pounds will return, along with
discouragement, defeat and even more pounds than before. What’s more,
high protein low carb diets may also increase risk for health problems
such as osteoporosis, cancer, even heart disease. A healthy intake of
whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables -- often on the “avoid” list in
high protein low carb diets – appears to help reduce this risk, and is
the mainstay of a sensible plan to achieve weight loss success.
Create your own weight loss success story.
Despite what you hear about high protein low carb diets, there's little
evidence that weight loss success is truly (permanently) achieved.
What's more, disordered eating behaviors are usually reinforced by high
protein low carb diets, adding to the struggles that low carbohydrate
diets and other diets are supposed to solve. Stop dieting now and start
living a healthy lifestyle that truly leaves you feeling good!
©2004 Green Mountain at Fox Run, Ludlow, Vermont. Alan H. Wayler, PhD is
executive director at Green Mountain at Fox Run. For over 32 years,
Green Mountain has developed and refined a life-changing program
exclusively for women seeking permanent strategies for healthy weight
loss and health. To learn more about Green Mountain at Fox Run, visit
our website at: http://www.fitwoman.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
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