The Top 4 Myths and Facts About Low Carbohydrate Diet Plans 

A low carbohydrate diet is perhaps one of the many types of diets that has the most myths and misconceptions associated with it since first, it's relatively new in the industry in comparison to other types of eating plans, and second, it causes rapid weight loss for many people, leading some to question its safety and long term effectiveness. 

However, in the years since the idea of restricting carbs for weight loss became incredibly popular, spawning new lines of food products and altered menus at restaurants around the world, many have experienced great success and lost countless pounds and inches of unhealthy body fat. And, perhaps even better, low carb dieters have experienced improved cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and more energy. 

So what's the real truth when it comes to severely limiting the amount of carbohydrates we eat, which as we know, are our primary source of energy, is it harmful to our health or the absolute best way to lose weight? 

Here are the top four myths associated with a low carbohydrate diet and some facts to dispute them.

1. Myth: A low carbohydrate diet consists of only meat, eggs, or cheese. 

Fact: Although meat, eggs, and cheese are indeed staples of the low carb diet, there are several other food choices in addition to the many varieties of these choices permitted when following this type of diet and an immeasurable number of ways to prepare all kinds of meals. 

All meats and seafood are considered acceptable, save for a few organ meats, and eggs can be prepared in numerous ways and used in many different recipes along with cheeses like cheddar, mascarpone, provolone, and cream cheese. Besides these options there are several vegetables that can be included on a low carbohydrate diet such as asparagus, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, lettuce, onions, peppers, and spinach. 

2. Myth: All low carb diets are basically the same. 

Fact: There is actually some truth to this particular myth regarding the low carb diet but the basic premise behind them all is to restrict carbohydrate intake and varying plans may approach the end goal in different ways. 

The South Beach Diet, for example, allows for far more carbohydrates than The Atkins Diet and is comprised of three separate phases rather than Atkins four phases. The Zone Diet has a quite different approach and calls for one gram of fat to be eaten with two grams of protein as well as three grams of carbohydrates to maintain the optimal hormone levels needed to bring about weight loss.

3. Myth: I won't have any energy if I don't eat carbs. 

Fact: The vast majority of people living a low carbohydrate lifestyle, either for weight loss purposes or simply as a long term solution to better health, actually report the exact opposite with noticeable increases in energy levels experienced within the first week of restricting carbs. 

4. Myth: I'm at a greater risk of getting heart disease if I follow a low carbohydrate diet.

Fact: Despite the theory and opinion of those against a low carb diet, one scientific study after another has proven that blood pressure, cholesterol levels including triglycerides, and other well known markers for predicting heart disease were all considerably lower. 

As with any type of diet, low carb or otherwise, consulting with your own doctor is advisable as they are familiar with your health and can make recommendations accordingly. Also, be sure to incorporate exercise into your daily or weekly regimen as this will not only help with weight loss but also improve lung and heart function as well.

For an alternative to low carb diets, that is just as effective, we recommend you try Nutrisystem. This program is based on eating only good carbs and has proven its effectiveness.