Clearing Up the Myths About Low Carb Diets: Do They Really Work and How?

Low carb diets have garnered plenty attention in the media over the last few decades with countless manufacturers responding in kind with numerous lines of low carb diet products and innumerable websites with information on the subject. But how can the average person needing to lose weight know if this particular route will really work for them with so many conflicting theories and opinions to weed through?

Some of the most common myths about low carb diets are centered on the number of carbohydrates that are allowed per day. Even the most stringent of diets that focus on restricting carbohydrate intake allow for anywhere from 20 to 30 grams in the very beginning, which of course, is still considerably lower than most people would ordinarily consume on a regular basis and lower than the average, daily recommendation.

Another common myth about low carb diets is that they don't allow for any fruits or vegetables, both of which are full of essential vitamins and minerals. In all actuality, one of the staples of the low carb diet are non-starchy vegetables like salad greens, onions, asparagus, peppers, spinach, celery, green beans, eggplant, zucchini, broccoli, and cauliflower, to name a few.

Once weight loss has begun and the initial diet phase has passed, many low carb programs also allow for fruits including those that are naturally low in sugars like grapefruits, guava, raspberries, and apricots.

Many people have a difficult time understanding how a diet that is filled with proteins in the form of meats, cheeses, and eggs could possibly cause weight loss, and most especially fast weight loss. However, once you realize how the body uses food for fuel it's rather simple to see how removing carbohydrates from the equation causes one to lose weight.

Carbohydrates come in forms such as complex and simple, with complex being the type that comes from fibers in vegetables and the simple coming from refined and processed sugars either in starchy foods like potatoes or those with added sweeteners.

Without having carbohydrates to burn for energy the body enters into a metabolic state known as ketosis, which simply means it is using its own fat for fuel instead of the now missing carbohydrates. During ketosis, the body's energy comes from ketones, which are tiny fragments of carbon-charged molecules created by the breakdown of stored body fat.

While in the state of ketosis, you are far less likely to feel hunger pangs and naturally less likely to overeat as a result. Now, instead of using the numerous carbohydrates you once ate as fuel for energy, your body will be burning stored fat for the very same purpose and you will be able to go longer between meals and consume fewer calories at a time.

Scientists and doctors do know that too much protein can put excess strain on the kidneys in some people, so if you've had problems in this area before be sure to check with your doctor or health care professional before following low carb diets or any type of modified eating plan for weight loss.

For an alternative to low carb diets, that is just as effective, we recommend you try Nutrisystem.