|
Unfortunately, there are some serious debates on the issue with many
doctors and nutritionist believing it is a perfectly healthy lifestyle
as long as the diet is followed as it is intended while other doctors
and nutritionists believe it is a very unhealthy way to lose weight
and individuals should not engage in this type of dieting at all. Consider
both sides of the debate and then make up your own mind whether low
carb diets are healthy, or not.
Low Carb Diet Benefits
The doctors who created the Atkins Diet, South Beach, and other similar
low carb and high protein diets believe the diet is a way for individuals
to really lose weight, keep it off, and lead healthy lives. However,
the diet is a difficult way to live forever and the benefits one receives
are only maintained if the diet is maintained as well. Regardless, with
a low carb diet individuals will lose weight quickly during the initial
2 week no carb phase. As they are losing weight their cholesterol drops
as does their weight and individuals are simply ecstatic. In addition
to this individuals can truly become healthy, thin, while still enjoying
food while on low carb diets, as stated by low carb pros.
Generally, in the first two weeks of the low carb diet, as long as
it is truly followed, individuals could lose between 8 and 15 pounds.
This is a lot of weight in a short period of time and the reason so
many people go on the diet to begin with. Then, after the two week period,
individuals gradually begin adding carbs back into their diets, but
only good carbs like low fat yogurt, grain breads, nuts, certain vegetables
and the like. Sugar, white bread, and processed carbohydrates are always
on the blacklist and are things that should never enter your diet again.
As long as individuals follow the diet and each of its stages then they
will truly lower their weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, and will
feel better all around. However, what happens if they diet is not followed
to the letter?
Low Carb Diet Negatives
Most doctors note that low carb diets are not inherently bad as long
as individuals follow the diet as it is intended. However, most people
are incapable of following the diet and don't truly know the difference
in carbs, proteins, and the like or will simply lose the weight and
then start eating normally again. This, low carb diet opponents state,
is where the problem arises with low carb diets. Individuals simply
cannot follow the diet for the rest of their life and end up putting
their health at risk.
The American Heart Association is one of the groups that believe low
carb diets are harmful. A statement issued by the American Heart Association
stated that the high protein and fat that makes up low carb diets put
people at risk for heart disease, increased cholesterol, and other health
issues. Overall, the biggest concern of the American Heart Association
is that individuals will follow this diet and unknowingly put themselves
at risk for heart attack and heart disease.
The low carb diet is supposed to allow individuals free range of dairy
and meats while allowing them to lower their cholesterol. However, American
Heart Association affiliates state that after individuals have lost
weight on the diet then their cholesterol shoots back up putting them
at risk for heart disease. This is because individuals start adding
carbs back into their diet, but they are adding the wrong carbs and
this makes them gain weight and their cholesterol rises as a result.
What do you think?
After reading about the benefits and negatives of low carb dieting it
is pretty obvious that if you want a fast and assured way to lose weight
and keep it off for the rest of your life while maintaining your health
then the low carb diet is the way to go. That is as long as you can
avoid all the temptations like sugar, white flour, and the like for
the rest of your life.
However, if you feel that you want to lose weight, but know that you
will cheat at some time and eat a slice of cake or a sandwich with white
bread, then perhaps you should try a different diet that does not eliminate
these elements and will not affect your cholesterol and heart in the
same way. Dieting is a part of Americans' daily lives and will most
likely continue to be that way. In addition, new fad diets will continue
to pop up and people will go on them. However, if you are thinking of
a low carb diet consider whether you want to change your eating lifestyle
or you simply want to fit into a smaller size for a particular occasion
before choosing a low carb diet as your method of losing weight.
Written Exclusively for A Diet Guide - Copyright ADietGuide.com all rights
reserved
<< Back to Diet Articles
|
|
