Should You Try a Low Carb Diet?

Mind is All

Low carb diets are based upon the premise that you can lose weight by limiting carb consumption because carbohydrates are what trigger your body to release extra insulin, which is what makes your body store fat. This is something every diabetic knows: extra insulin production causes the body to store extra calories as fat. But will a low carb diet really amke you  lose weight? Low carb diets are hailed for their immediacy since you probably will see results right away.

If the results of low carb diets are so impressive, why are so many people still overweight? It's because low carb diets are tough to remain on, and also because most of these diets claim you can eat as much as you want without regard to portions. Your body craves carbohydrates because it needs them for energy, and your body doesn't want to convert fat and muscle to energy. And yes, your body will indeed take some of the fuel it needs for daily functioning from your muscles if you are on a low carb diet, especially if you don’t lift weights or perform other forms of muscle-building exercise.

What part of this diet is worth holding onto? The diet highlights the fact that Americans tend to eat too many carbs, especially in the form of refined sugar and starches, so limiting carbs is a good idea—to a certain extent. However, your body needs carbohydrates if you are to perform well athletically, so a low or no carb diet will leave you feeling lethargic, which makes it difficult to fulfill the exercise part of your fitness plan.

What is the healthy option? Limit your carbohydrate intake, eating complex carbs instead of simple carbs as much as possible. Beef up your protein intake, and increase your intake of healthy foods like leafy greens and other vegetables. Make sure your diet plan incorporates exercise, including resistance training, since you need to build muscles, not lose muscles. Pay attention to the following: portion control, calories, and quality of food, all in addition to exercise.

You want to pursue diet and weight loss programs that are focused on long-term sustainability, but short term results.