Are low carb/no carb diets all they're cracked up to be?

Many of us have heard someone who has touted the praises of the Atkins diet, or some similar program that promotes the consumption of high protein and low carbohydrates. The following became so big that several fast food chains jumped on the bandwagon, offering no carb burgers and other sandwiches. Bet you never thought you could consider yourself on a diet while eating a Six-Dollar Burger wrapped in lettuce from Carls Jr. did you? I'm sure no one did. Yet orders at drive-thrus increased as dieters, armed with one of several Atkins' books, found freedom in a diet that didn't ban red meat. But what's the real story? Is shedding those few extra pounds really as simple as passing on the bread?

The truth behind high protein diets at the expense of carbohydrate intake is something akin to a smoke and mirrors trick. While quite a few dieters have reported significant amounts of weight loss while on plans that endorse the elimination of carbohydrate laden foods, it is now becoming apparent that there has been much ado about nothing. The effects of weight loss on high protein, low carbohydrate diets are proving to be a temporary fix that in the end offers more discouragement than victory.

How low carb diets work:

Diets high in protein creates a satiating effect in the body. By loading up on meats and other foods rich in protein, the body is deceived into feeling that it is full, thus causing us to eat less. This feeling is created by the release of a hormone called cholecystokinin, which is often triggered by the fat contained in protein. Though this may seem ideal, the danger in low carbohydrate diets is that this type of induced appetite suppressant is often the result of ketosis, an occasion where the body burns fat as a means of fuel. Hooray! That's what you want, right? Unfortunately not. Fatty acids are the preferred fat that should be used for fuel and energy in the body, and when a lack of carbohydrates are in the system, the body searches for whatever source is available. This unhealthy manner of burning fat can cause nausea, headaches, fatigue, and in severe cases, can induce a coma.

Carbohydrates in prospective:

Carbohydrates are broken into two categories, simple or complex. Simple carbohydrates are the sugars - fructose (found in fruits), sucrose (table sugar), and lactose (in milk). Complex carbohydrates are starches, grains, certain vegetables and legumes (dried beans, peas). The combination of carbohydrates contained in these two categories make up the primary fuel source for the body by converting into glucose in the blood. This is where our energy comes from, and can account for why many people who opt for a low carb diet tend to feel sluggish. Without the natural availability of sugars in the blood from carbohydrates, the body has to work harder to find a source of glucose.

The reality:

Carbohydrates play an important part in the overall balance of the body's functions, and therefore are key in aiding your weight loss goals. A healthy diet should garner a little over half of its caloric intake from carbohydrate sources. Despite the seemingly rapid and incredible results from diets that promote the consumption of high proteins while eliminating carbs, these same benefits can be achieved by eating balanced meals and maintaining an active lifestyle. Carbohydrates are far too important to the body to be cast aside. So the next time someone suggest that you go no carb, tell them no way!

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