With the previous success of the — somewhat dubious — Atkins diet, heaps of other low carb diets have appeared on the marketplace promising fast and effective weight loss. Diets like South Beach, the Sonoma Diet and to a lesser extent, The Zone (stresses ratio of carbs/protein/fat) are all low carb diets that revolve around more-or-less similar concepts of eating less carbohydrates and more proteins.
The reasoning behind all of these so-called low carb diets is that we are purportedly eating far too many complex carbohydrates such as items high in sugars, breads, pastas, rice and even baked potatoes. If less complex — bad — carbohydrates are eaten and there is more consumption of simple sugars (fruits, vegetables) and proteins, then it is believed that the average dieter will lose weight.
Some of the low carb diets include an initial phase that calls for a minimal amount of all carbohydrate intake for a short period of approximately five to fourteen days. This is done to send the body into ketoacidosis, which helps burn fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. Once this phase is completed, most of these low carb diets suggest a dieter gradually increase the intake of “good” carbohydrates until they reach a equilibrium in weight loss. The carbohydrate consumption should then be decreased until the dieter is losing weight again. Once the dieter has reached their weight goal, then she can remain at the equilibrium level of carb intake for weight maintenance.
Some of the better low carb diets provide a variety of useful resources through guidebooks and cookbooks. In addition, there are several websites — such as this one — that provide support through message boards, recipe sharing and blog updates. Many national supermarket chains are also offering foods created by and sold under the names of these low carb diet plans, making it super simple to choose foods that go along with the diet one has to decided to follow.
These diets are not usually recommended by medical professionals as an ideal means of weight loss. The problem being, if one should consume only protein she will “wash out” all of the potassium from the body, which is required for the muscles to operate; including the heart. Also, many believe that there should be more variety in diet and nothing should — as a matter of fact — be deemed “bad” as it could lead to consumers not strictly following the diet plan and just cutting out the carbohydrates without any nutritional education. If one chooses to follow one of these low carb diets, it is highly recommended to have regular blood tests to check serum cholesterol levels. As with any diet plan, it’s always best to consult with a doctor before beginning.
