Low Carb Diets

Low Carb Diets

With the success of  low carb diets, many have emerged onto the market promising quick and effective weight loss. Diets like South Beach, the Sonoma Diet and The Zone are all low carb diets that revolve around the same concept of eating less carbohydrates and more proteins.

The thought behind all of these low carb diets is that we are eating far too many simple carbohydrates such as items high in sugars, as well as “bad” carbohydrates like white breads and pastas. If less simple, or bad, carbohydrates are eaten and there is more consumption of whole grains and proteins, then it is believed that the average person will lose weight.

Most of the low carb diets include an induction phase that allows a minimal amount of carbohydrate intake for a period of about five to fourteen days. This is meant to send the body into ketoacidosis, which burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. Once the induction period is completed, most of the low carb diets allow a dieter to gradually increase the intake of “good” carbohydrates until they reach a plateau in weight loss. The carbohydrate intake must then be decreased until the dieter is losing weight again. If the dieter has reached their goal weight, then he or she can remain at the plateau level of carbohydrate intake for weight maintenance.

Several of these low carb diets provide a great variety of resources through guidebooks and cookbooks. In addition, there are several websites that provide support through message boards, recipe sharing and newsletters updates. Many larger grocery store chains are also carrying foods created by and sold under the names of these low carb diets, making it quite simple to choose foods that fit into the diet one has to decided to follow.

While there has not been any conclusive evidence that these low carb diets are detrimental or dangerous to health, they usually are not recommended by medical professionals as an ideal means of weight loss. Many believe that there should be more variety in diet, and nothing should simply be deemed as “bad” as it could lead to consumers not truly following the concepts of the diet and just cutting out the carbohydrates without any education. If one decides to follow one of these low carb diets, it is highly recommended to have regular blood tests to check cholesterol levels. As with any diet, it is always best to consult a doctor before beginning.