There are so many diets out there these days that it’s hard to recognize which ones among them are more effective than the others. The most common reason why someone gets on a diet is to make a certain change in their lifestyle and their health and fitness in most cases. To be honest, if you’re looking for just weight loss, most diets work as they focus on putting you at a calorie deficit which leads to weight loss.
In this blog, we’re going to be going more in detail about low-carb diets and their implications, benefits and so on.
What Is A Low Carb Diet?
A low carb diet is one that restricts carbohydrate consumption relative to the average diet. So basically, foods rich in carbohydrates are limited and replaced with foods with a higher percentage of fats and protein.
How Do You Replace Carbohydrates?
In order to not feel starved and out of energy, the carbohydrates are replaced by healthy fats and protein. Since carbohydrates are the energy storehouse of our bodies, a lack in carbohydrates forces the body to turn to fats as a primary source of fuel which in turn causes more calories to burn and helps with the weight loss process.
Adding more protein to your diet can also keep you satiated for longer periods of time and not make you want to eat more. The main emphasis is to reduce the amount of carbohydrates consumed so that you remain in a calorie deficit and lose weight.
Benefits Of Low Carb Diets
Management Of Certain Medical Conditions
Low carb diets are especially helpful for diabetic patients as they allow the individual to manage their glucose and insulin levels more effectively. Restricting your carb intake will reduce your glucose levels and have a consequent impact on required insulin dosages.
Reduces Appetite
For most people, the main purpose of following a low carb diet is to reduce weight. Having a diet low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein can keep you full for a longer period of time and hence may reduce your need to snack in between meals.
Disadvantages Of Low Carb Diets
Reduced Energy Levels
Since carbohydrates are the main source of energy for our bodies, abruptly reducing your carb intake can cause a dip in energy levels. Especially, when working out or exercising it’s important to note that you don’t perform your workouts at the same intensity as you used to when you change your diet.
Could Negatively Impact Bowel Movements
Our bodies require a wide range of micronutrients to make sure that it performs optimally. While you may be getting these micronutrients from fat and protein sources you may either be lacking some or not getting enough of some when you cut out carbohydrates to an extent. Further, carbohydrates provide the body with a good amount of fiber which is a non-digestible substance but is essential for digestion.
If the goal is fat loss or weight loss, the low carb diet is one which can definitely work for you. However, it is important to know that there are a lot of potential disadvantages for following such a diet. The best way to go about your weight loss plan is to follow a balanced diet where you get all the nutrients your body needs to perform effectively and efficiently.
