If the consumer is not receiving advise from a dietition or doctor, it is up to them to verify for themselves what is fact and what is fiction. For many years, the low carb establishment has maintained that you can lose weight by changing the amount and in some cases the types of carbs, protein and fats consumed.
And for many years the mainstream medical establishment has scoffed at the Atkins weight loss theory of losing weight through ketosis not through maintaining a negative calorie balance and labelled it irresponsible and unhealthy.
There are cries of cardiovascular and cholesterol risks not just because of the red meat, but because of the lower carbohydrate and therefore lower fiber intake recommended. Many authorities will not recommend it as a viable weight loss solution, and indeed is censored by relevant government authorities in many countries. Despite the bad press, there have been thousands of reported cases of individuals losing weight by eating more protein and fewer carbohydrates.
During the last couple of years, findings of research have been filtering through that there that have been promoted in weight loss books and websites. Atkins press releases seize the opportunity to validate what they've been saying for years.
Some would say (particularly dietitions and nutritionists) that the people who joined the low-carb band wagon were naive, unkowledgeable and ready to try anything. There are those who have taken aspects of the low carb diets out of context and have done silly things like eating nothing but pork rinds and Atkins bars and wandered why they weren't losing weight. This is the danger of popular diet books where no individual professional support can be given.
However, to be fair, many low carb-ers today are forward thinking, health conscious (not just weight conscious) and intelligent and logical thinkers and do receive some support as I believe there is an Atkins telephone helpline available to U.S. residents, which if you're interested is 1-800-2-ATKINS. As to whether this is purely a promotional tool or truely a helpline, I am not sure.
For many low carb-ers eating a low carb diet is similar to eating the way we did years ago before we had access to soda and bagels in mass proportions. Now, I am not an advocate of low carb diets, in fact I don't recommend "cookie cutter" diets, but I do see that for many, it is providing welcome relief to stubborn weight and health problems that previously have been difficult to treat, and that independent research is starting to support the results that have been seen in thousands of low carb success testimonials.
As a side note, I feel I must add, if you're new to the diet scene and assessing whether or not low carb eating is for you, I do have one word of warning, please be aware that research findings can be manipulated and that findings of research that have been funded by commercial interests such as those within the low carb community may not be as impartial as it appears. I am not saying that their research isn't impartial or accurate, but to be really sure, a truly independent study should not have links to interested commercial parties.
References:
Due A, Toubro S, Skov AR, Astrup A. Effect of normal-fat diets, either medium or high in protein, on body weight in overweight subjects: a randomised 1-year trial. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2004 Oct;28(10):1283-90.
Atkins Press Release July 2004: Controlled-carbohydrate research from around the world.
USA Today: E.J. Mundell, HealthDay 10/29/2004 Low-carb diets may hurt heart health
One particularly enticing aspect of low-carbohydrate dieting is that you can lose weight. The down side of it is, unless you are careful, you can end up gaining it all back - plus more. While low-carbohydrate diets do help you to lose weight, it's worth mentioning that it also takes some discipline to follow the daily program and keep the weight off. Unfortunately, many low-carb diet programs fail to include instructions for the necessary lifestyle changes that must be put into place for long-term success. Additionally, low-carb diets can literally rob the body of certain nutrients which are beneficial in the overall reduction of other potential health problems. Know What You Are Giving Up.
Carbohydrates are typically found in fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains (whole wheat breads, pasta and brown rice). These carbohydrates help to reduce the risk of heart disease, hypertension, cancer, diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders. To date, there is no evidence that high saturated fat, high protein, low-carb diets are healthy if consumed over a lifetime.
Why Low-Carb Diets Work So Well.
Low-carb diets, as with all diets, work because people eat fewer calories while following them. On the low-carb diet, calories are lower because you are reducing or eliminating sugars, sweets, starches, fruits and vegetables. If at the same time, you substitute high protein and fat foods, which are filling, you will feel fuller and eat less.
On any low-carb diet a considerable amount of the weight lost is water weight. Here's how it happens. Your body stores carbohydrates in muscles and the liver. Carbs are stored with 3 parts water to 1 part carbohydrate. If you stop eating carbohydrates the body uses up its existing carbohydrate reserve to maintain your blood sugar. This releases lots of water. That is the initial "weight loss" that you experience on a low-carb diet.
What Are Some Benefits of Low Carb Dieting?
Weight loss for the overweight helps to improve overall health in many ways. It can reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It can have positive effects on self-esteem and body image. It can be a great motivator for anyone who has had difficulty losing weight following other diets.
The Low-Carb Food Craze: Pay More - Lose More?
Don't be fooled. These foods can have plenty of calories and are expensive too. In the last few years, more than 1,000 products labeled "low-carb" have made their way to grocery shelves. To reduce the carbs, most products substitute soy flour or cellulose (not unlike wood pulp) for refined flour. They add artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols, which have half to one-third the calories of sugar, instead of sugar... And taste is definitely not their biggest selling point.
Low-Carb Dieting Drawbacks.
Most people can only follow a low-carb diet for so long before they start craving some sweets or starches. The problem is that when you start eating these foods again you will begin to retain water and this will appears on the scale as "weight gain." If you have been on a low-carb diet and want to work back to a diet that includes complex carbohydrate begin by slowly adding small portions of grains into your diet. (A slice of bread or 1/2 cup rice or potatoes.) Expect to see a few pounds of water weight gain but remember - it's not fat weight!
Cut The "Junk Foods" And Drop The Weight!
You don't have to follow a special low-carb diet to lose weight. Eating fewer high calorie and high fat foods and increasing your exercise can also result in successful weight loss. I know, you've heard that before, but it really is true.
The average man eats about 2600 calories a day, the average women about 1900. A pound of fat a week can be lost by reducing your intake by 500 calories a day. One 20 ounce can of regular Coke contains 250 calories and a Snickers candy bar contains 280 calories. Cutting down on sweets can produce weight loss without sacrificing overall nutrition. Add a mile or two walk, or jog, several days a week (100-200 calories burned) and you are well on your way to weight loss. Cutting the "junk foods" can be a strategy in itself. At the same time, eat more fruits, vegetables and salads. Try filling up without "junking up" and your chances of successful weight loss will increase dramatically.
Both Jenny Mathers & Jules Sims are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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