Is Low-Carb Really The Way To Go?

The latest trend in the area of weight loss is low-carb diets such as the Atkins Diet. With so much conflicting information out there on nutrition and weight loss, it's difficult for the average person to not only find out what works, but also understand how to apply it.

In order to help clear the air, I'm going to dispel some of the myths that are floating around and give you some facts backed up with real science on how the human body actually metabolizes food.

First, let's talk about why the low-carb approach is so popular. There are a few reasons, but the most common is that people are finally realizing that the low-fat/high carb approach that has been promoted for decades now just doesn't work! Not only is it making us fatter, it's also responsible for dozens of diseases and illnesses.

It's true?..most Americans eat too many carbs and are deficient in the healthy dietary fats. However, it seems that it has to be one extreme or the other with people in this country. So now many people are cutting carbs and avoiding them like the plague, which is just as bad.

But wait?..you say that it works? Maybe you or someone you know has tried the low-carb approach and noticed significant weight loss. Yes, cutting carbs will cause you to lose weight, but not much actual body fat, if any at all. So, why do most people lose weight so quickly? It's because the human body holds 2.4g of water for every 1 gram of carbohydrate consumed. Cut the carbs and all you do is hold less water! This artificial weight loss is the main reason so many people are going low-carb.

So, not only does following a low-carb diet cause you to lose water, it also depletes muscle glycogen which leaves you feeling sluggish when trying to be active or workout. Remember, carbs are stored as glycogen in the muscles and glycogen is what's used to fuel your muscles.

Another problem with severely limiting carbs is that the brain uses carbs for energy and without enough carbs, you won't be 100% mentally. While I agree that people are different and that some people do better on lower amounts of carbs, most people will feel like crap after a week or two with no or low carbs.

But all the fitness and nutrition 'gurus' say that carbs are stored as fat, right? WRONG! Any excess energy (food or beverage) can be stored as fat ? it doesn't matter if it's french fries or salad! Extra is extra is extra!

To my knowledge, there has not been but one study that actually measured body fat of individuals following a low-carb both before and after to see exactly how much body fat was lost. Plus, this study was funded by a grant from Dr. Atkins!

Also, there is quite a bit more research that shows that carbs are not only ok to eat, but that they also contain vital nutrients that can't be found in other foods.

A recent study done by French and Canadian researchers found that consuming carbohydrates in small amounts did NOT inhibit fat burning and only approximately 4% of it was stored as fat. This was in individuals who were not exercising.

They also assessed the effect of carbohydrates in individuals who performed light to moderate intensity exercise and found that the small carbohydrate meal resulted in no fat being stored and did NOT inhibit fat burning. Plus, even the large carbohydrate meal had NO effect on fat burning and all of it went directly to the muscles to replenish glycogen and repair tissue.

Just imagine what happens when you do a hard workout!

So what does this mean in plain English? Basically, carbs are fine in small to moderate amounts (even if you don't exercise) and on days you do exercise, the carbs are going to be stored in the muscles and not as fat.

So to all those people out there who think that eating carbs will result in them being stored as fat and it 'shutting off; the fat burning, I've got good news for you?..

You can finally have that big bowl of spaghetti and meatballs you've been craving!

So how can you apply this to your eating and fitness program? Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

1. You need carbs ? just the right amount and the right type

So what are the right types? Focus on eating carbs that are high in fiber such as vegetables, beans, fruits, and whole grains.

2. Vary the amount of carbs you have based on how active you are

For example ? on days you don't exercise, eat less carbs and maybe vary the types.

3. The one time you can go carb crazy is right after you exercise

For example ? if you want to cheat and have ice cream the best time would be right after a hard workout.

Focus on eating balanced ? carbs, proteins and fats; and again, adjust the amount of each based on how active you are and plan to be.

I also recommend you do so research yourself and learn as much as you can about human metabolism and sound nutrition. Here are some great resources:

  • http://www.westonaprice.org/nutrition_guidelines/whats_wrong.html

  • http://philkaplan.com/thefitnesstruth/atkins1.htm

  • http://www.chekinstitute.com/art icles.cfm?select=42

You can also find some great resources and articles at my website here: http://www.achieve-fitness.com/free_resources.htm

I hope you found this article informative and I wish you the best. Remember, the more you know the better off you'll be.

About The Author

Jesse Cannone is a certified personal fitness trainer, post-rehab specialist, nutritionist, and a national fitness presenter. He is also the author of Burn Fat FAST and A Bride's Guide To Fast Fitness + Weight Loss in addition to many other popular fitness articles. He is known for his hard-hitting and to the point style and offers a great free email newsletter called Fitness Success News, which you can subscribe to at his website http://www.achieve-fitness.com/free_resources.htm

http://www.achieve-fitness.com/free_resources.htm

shuttle from O'Hare Brocton .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare
In The News:

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
According to the FBI, cybercriminals are sending extortion letters, threatening to release victims' sensitive information unless a ransom is paid.
FireSat is a satellite project designed to detect and track wildfires early, aiming to detect a fire that's the size of a classroom within 20 minutes.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reports that researchers have uncovered a Chrome vulnerability used in a cyber espionage campaign.
Preserving voicemails securely on Android: Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals easy methods to keep memories alive forever.
This phishing kit bypasses 2FA via session hijacking and real-time credential theft. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers four ways to stay safe from Astaroth phishing attacks.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic planning to launch 200-mph U.K. air taxis linking airports and cities.
Fake Apple virus warnings, security alerts and messages are tactics used to prompt you to call a number or click on a malicious link. The CyberGuy explains how to protect your devices.
The combination of artificial intelligence and neuroscience allows a paralyzed man to manipulate a robotic arm by using his brain to imagine movements.
With the help of artificial intelligence, sophisticated fraud techniques emerging today are virtually undetectable to the untrained eye.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
If you need to free up space on your Mac, consider deleting duplicate photos in your image library. Apple makes it easy to do, and the CyberGuy explains the process.
Microsoft is discontinuing Skype in May after 22 years of service. Kurt the CyberGuy addresses other options for internet-based phone and video service.
Tron 1, a Chinese company's two-legged robot, is versatile and can walk, roll and pivot, even on rough terrain. Tron 1 stands 33 inches tall and weighs 44 pounds.
Hackers are tricking people into installing password-stealing malware by making them press keyboard shortcuts under the pretense of proving they're not bots.
Saving the voices of loved ones can be a comforting way to keep alive memories. Kurt "the CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how to preserve voicemail messages.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
The FBI warns that some free online document converters load malware onto people's computers, making their private information vulnerable to attack.
Toyota's compact electric FT-Me is designed to tackle challenges of city living while offering an accessible and eco-friendly transportation solution.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says 23andMe's bankruptcy raises data privacy fears: Opt out, download and delete data now.
UBTech and Zeekr unite with AI robot swarms to make car manufacturing faster and smarter. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how the process works.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says Apple's Passwords app had a three-month phishing flaw from iOS 18 to 18.2 patch.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how this super-small electric mini-truck takes a big step toward production.
Artificial intelligence-generated images and videos that use someone’s likeness typically target women without their consent. The CyberGuy unpacks how to protect loved ones.
A humanoid robot developed in China has transformed from a nimble dancer to performing kung fu moves with surprising precision and balance.

An Introduction to Gastric Bypass Surgery

Obesity, once seen as akin to laziness and overeating, is... Read More

Faster Fat Loss Thats Healthy

I received a telephone call from a lady last week.... Read More

How Water Can Help You Lose Weight Fast

Here are the 4 things you need to know about... Read More

7 Diet Tips For Rapid Weight Loss

1. Quit snacking in between meals. Do not fall for... Read More

The Scottish Diet

(Ailsa's Apple Crumble Diet)I'm Scottish, so it's not a big... Read More

Ultimate Weight Loss: Ephedra is Back?

I had some questions come in about Ephedra. So I... Read More

7 Power Packed Tips to Help You Lose Weight & Gain Optimal Health

Did you know that what you're eating could be making... Read More

Changing Our Eating Behaviour

Changing our eating behaviour is one of the critical lifestyle... Read More

Are You Ready To Lose Weight?

I know, I know. What a crazy question!Considering that we've... Read More

Lose Weight with One Simple Mindset

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases today. One... Read More

Weight Loss Tips: Get Free and Effective Weight Loss Tips!

Looking for Diet Programs on net is like looking for... Read More

Setting Objectives For Weight Loss

I am sure that when I mention setting objectives for... Read More

The Psychology of Weight Loss: Part 5 ? Perspectives Toward Food!

Any dietary plan on the market has some portion of... Read More

Playing Games Does Not Help Your Weight Loss Efforts

Have you ever wondered why some fat people can be... Read More

Know How Many Calories To Cut For Permanent Weight Loss

It is not recommended to lose more than 1 pound... Read More

Secrets of Gastric Bypass Surgery: Lose Weight Without Surgery

There's more to gastric bypass than surgery and rapid massive... Read More

Prejudice and Obesity - Have You Been a Victim?

It's a sad comment on human nature that prejudice and... Read More

Exercise and Low Carb Diets Make Poor Partners

Over the last twenty five years the most common questioned... Read More

Exercise Resistance! - The Secret Barriers that Prevent Weight Loss

Getting started on an exercise program is one thing. Staying... Read More

Mediterranean Diet - Wonderful & Lousy Reasons for Losing Weight

Lousy Reasons to Lose Weight"I want to be a size... Read More

Weight Loss Problems? Are You on the Path of Delusion, Depression, and Destruction?

Are you weighted down with delusion, depression and on the... Read More

Staying Toned After Weight Loss

Staying Toned After Weight Loss ---------------------------------------- Following significant weight loss,... Read More

Exercise, Diet and Weight Loss ? When Do Your Desires Turn into Lifestyle Habits?

Just one more day I can do this, I told... Read More

Help me, Im Addicted to Sugar

A client wrote, "Help me! I thought I was finally... Read More

Five Healthy Weight Loss Tips Revealed

Are you tired of getting the same old advice when... Read More

Chicago charter limousine service Hickory Hills ..