Lots of Americans want to lose weight.  Currently, low-carbohydrate diets are popular among those seeking to slim down.  But, can low-carb plans like Atkins and the Zone work for dieters, are they the best options to pursue?  What are the issues surrounding these much-hyped weight-loss plans?

 

When carb intake is reduced some diet gurus profess the body will start burning fat for its energy needs and weight loss will result.  This notion, considered radical when first introduced years ago by cardiologist Robert Atkins, has become the foundation of some of today’s most utilized slim-down plans.  The scientific community has not yet reached a consensus on such diets.  Some promise more energy and better health, while skeptics warn of lethargy, fatigue, dehydration, and other problems.  Studies do show low-carb dieters lost a bit more weight over the first six months than traditional dieters but after a year had regained more as well.

 

Some dieters have great results with the above mentioned plans but probably not for the reasons they think.  Any diet you choose to follow, you can learn something, a quick recipe, scheduled eating times, or a better way to eat when dinning out.  But, if you think you are going to steadfastly follow any diet for a lifetime you are sadly mistaken.  Just about any diet book you pick up will work for somebody for a short period, but it all revolves around calories.  We really do know that it’s calories that count.  When you go on Atkins, the Zone, or any low carb diet, you end up eating far fewer calories than before.  If you dine out all the time and are eating fries, soda, and desserts; suddenly you go on low carb, well, now NO fries, soda, and desserts.  The result you eat fewer calories.  You may loose weight but are attributing it to the wrong thing.

 

There are negative effects to low carb plans as well.  Dieters who consume large amounts of protein over long periods of time may become lethargic, fatigued, and may incur heart damage or kidney problems.  Leaner proteins are good, but all you can eat bacon probably is not.  Your plan should encourage portion control of turkey, chicken, fish, low fat dairy, as opposed to just saying, “a protein is a protein–eat ‘em up”.  Make sure fruits and veggies are included.  We know they are two very important reasons why people stay healthy and have good hearts and low blood pressure.  Finally, it should not exclude any food group.

 

There is one other component to losing weight and there is simply no way around it: exercise.  You have to--period!  Wear a pedometer so you can count all the exercise you do in a typical day.  Good is about 10,000 steps or more, which is about 3 to 5 miles of walking every day.  That’s parking a little farther away or going for short 5 to 10 minute walks here and there when you can grab a second. 

 

Keep the energy flowing, here are some tips you can take to remain well-nourished and energized throughout the day.  Eat something, do not go without eating, for bursts of energy try high fiber whole grains, protein bars, fruits and veggies keep you feeling full.  Drink water, often overlooked, to stay hydrated.  Balance, do not exclude food groups.  Plan ahead, fast food is OK if there are no alternatives, just be disciplined about it.  And, treat yourself, a little bit of indulgence now and then is OK.  Remember, you are what you eat.  Stay healthy and ask your doctor before you start any plan.

See ya pam