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!

©2004 Green Mountain at Fox Run, Ludlow, Vermont.

Alan H. Wayler, PhD is executive director at Green Mountain at Fox Run. For over 32 years, Green Mountain has developed and refined a life-changing program exclusively for women seeking permanent strategies for healthy weight loss and health. To learn more about Green Mountain at Fox Run, visit our website at: http://www.fitwoman.com.


MORE RESOURCES:

Weight Loss Surgery Helps Obese Women Have Healthier Babies
New York Times, United States - 21 hours ago
By RONI CARYN RABIN Women who become pregnant after weight-loss surgery have easier pregnancies and healthier babies than do obese women who become pregnant ...


eFluxMedia

Weight-loss surgery bodes well for pregnancy
Los Angeles Times, CA - 20 hours ago
Now researchers have found that obese women who undergo weight-loss surgery before becoming pregnant are less likely to have pregnancy-related health ...
Weight-loss surgery helps with pregnancy: study Reuters
Go for pre-pregnancy weight loss surgery Times of India
Some Pregnancy-Related Complications Minimized for Women Who Have ... MarketWatch
TheMedGuru - U.S. News & World Report
all 58 news articles


Examiner.com

Alli for weight loss, can it really be one of your diet allies?
Examiner.com - 2 hours ago
by Carol Bardelli, Sports Nutrition Examiner If you're considering taking Alli for weight loss, you'll want to know if it's safe and effective. ...


Weight Loss Surgery for Two
Ivanhoe, FL - 10 hours ago
(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Undergoing bariatric weight loss surgery before becoming pregnant may be the healthiest decision for both mother and baby. ...


Weight Loss
TheStorygroup.com, GA - 6 hours ago
Try Our Wide Selection of Weight Loss Programs, Diet Pills or Fat Burner Plans Now! Great weight loss! Worth seeing! Top Offers. Check The Site for weight ...


That Happened!

Weight-loss surgery bodes well for pregnancy
That Happened!, New York - 1 hour ago
New York - Researchers have found that weight-loss surgery bodes well for pregnancy. They found that women who had weight loss surgery before becoming ...


WWL

Adderall misused by many teens for weight loss
WWL, LA - 10 hours ago
This woman, in her 20's as well, we'll call "Jennie" was also prescribed Adderall for a lack of concentration but liked the weight loss side effect. ...


Weight Loss
Furniture Today, NC - 1 hour ago
Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Many of you are probably going to be working right through it figuring out ways to trim the fat from your budgets ...


Bethalto woman in TV weight loss competition
Alton Telegraph, IL - 11 hours ago
She presently is up for elimination, based on the lowest percentage of weight loss. "People can vote to keep you in the competition," Cruz said. ...


Hospital holds free weight-loss seminar
Mooresville Tribune, VA - Nov 19, 2008
Lake Norman Regional Medical Center will hold a free educational seminar on surgical weight loss on Monday, Nov. 24 at 7 pm Dr. Ryan Heider, ...

Weight-Loss - Google News

Arcade Games | site map
© copyright NextAge Technologies Ltd @ 2006