Low Carb Weight Loss Concepts

Do you remember the low carbohydrate fad of the late 1990's? I do and it was an 'era' that saw me drop 30lbs. I had no idea how much bad quality carbs can cause obesity. I was also led into the direction of assuming all carbs are bad for you. This is a false premise as well.

Confused yet? Don't be as I am about to explain the various positives and negatives associated with low carb weight loss diets.

Low Carb Weight Loss and Low Carb Weight Gain

Why do you eat carbohydrates?

When I press people with this question, I usually get answers along the lines of how good carbs taste. That really does not answer the question because it does not answer what purpose carbohydrates serve to the human body.

Here is the answer to that question: carbs are intended to provide energy. When you eat carbs, your blood sugar levels rise as sugar is released into the system and muscles where it is intended to be burned for fuel. Now, when you do not burn off these sugars, the unburned sugars turn to fat.

And when you ingest processed carbohydrates, you are gaining horrible quality sugars that overwhelm the system and provide no nutrients. Low carb weight loss follow the strategy of cutting down (or cutting out) all carbs. This leads to the body burning stored fat for fuel.

This is the main problem with low carb weight loss plans. They tell you to cut out all carbs. Honestly, it is not all that much of a problem to ingest quality complex carbohydrates. Do not overdo it with them but do not assume you need to cut them all out either. This is the error most people make and it is a devastating one.

Nutrient Issues

Many sources of natural carbs provide a great source of fibers, nutrients, and vitamins. This would certainly include fruits, wheat, and grains. When you cut these items completely out of your diet, you might lose weight but you are putting your body into the position of being denied critical nutrients. Also, some may look towards food items with zero carbs that are still problematic food selections.

For example, a huge chunk of red meat may have no carbs but it is LOADED with fat. It is not uncommon that a steak can include 700 calories worth of fat and all of that fat goes right to the arteries. Clearly, that is not the best dietary choice.

Quality Low Carb Foods

What are the best foods for low carb weight loss? Lean proteins such as high quality red meats, poultry such as turkey and chicken, and eggs would be the best choice. Also helpful would be any and all fish. Cheeses are also popular as well. And yes, a lot of food that is horrible from a nutritional standpoint can be integrated in a low carb weight loss plan. But, you would add them to the mix at your own risk.