The media plays up low carb diets as though they are the key to real weight and fat loss. And, yes, it's true that you will lose weight initially in the beginning but if you stick with it, you'll be losing something other than actual fat.

Basically, low carb diets dictate that you need to cut down or avoid any carbohydrate intake and instead, increase fat and protein intake. Well, like I said, that works at first, because it's true, too many carbs will make you gain weight because carbs contribute to fat stores in your body.

When you cut it out or minimize it, you're making your body use up those fat stores, while you're focusing on filling yourself with protein and fats. So, yes, it does seem like you're losing weight and it will definitely make you feel great about your new diet. But be careful about that.

By the way, it's important to eat the right type of fats. Stay away from saturated fats. Those are very bad and particularly bad for your heart because of increased cholesterol, which, as we know, can lead to heart attacks. Let's stick to losing weight, instead of having to switch gears into having to prevent heart attacks.

Anyways, low carb diets are great at first because you get into the habit of avoiding certain foods that, well, quite frankly, should always be avoided. Some of them include sweet tea, soda, fruit drinks, and chips. These, and other junk foods, should be avoided regardless of which diet or weight loss program you follow.

Here's the biggest reason why you should not stick with low carb diets for the long haul, and I think you'll agree that it's an important one. If you use low carb diets for a long period, you end up using all of your fat stores and after that's gone, your body automatically and naturally uses up your muscles and tissues. Yeah, that is bad.

You do not want your body to be using up your muscles and body tissues for energy. That completely defeats the purpose of going on a diet! Your body tissue is your foundation essentially and your muscles are going to help you get to a slimmer, healthier you. So sticking with this type of diet for a long period of time isn't going to make you lose weight or fat after a while. You'll be losing the muscle mass that you're striving for!

The best way to lose weight is to use the low carb diet for a few weeks, at most! And then, once you've began to make wiser healthy lifestyle choices, add in carbs into your regular diet, but make sure they are good carbs. Junk food and sodas are not good carbs so make sure those are gone.

In addition to your new healthy lifestyle with food, you should start exercising, which will help you lose weight faster and is a great way to have a very well-rounded healthy lifestyle. It's really that simple. Low carb for 2-3 weeks only and then re-introduce healthy carbs into your diet, followed with a great workout regimen. You'll be quickly on your way to healthy weight loss!