Do Low Carbohydrate Diets Lead
to Weight Loss Success?
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!
About the Author
©2004 Green Mountain at Fox Run, Ludlow, Vermont.
Marsha J. Hudnall, MS, RD is director of health communications
- senior nutritionist. For over 32 years, Green Mountain
has developed and refined a life-changing program
exclusively for women seeking permanent strategies
for healthy weight loss.(http://www.fitwoman.com/weightlossprogram.htm).
To learn more about Green Mountain at Fox Run, visit:
http://www.fitwoman.com
