Back in the 1970s when “Dr. Atkin’s Diet Revolution” was published it became a big hit and many people got on the low carbohydrate diet bandwagon. The days of meat and butter were upon us. Then word got around that diet-induced ketosis caused nausea, stomach pains, and even kidney failure. The numbers of participants dwindled.

The idea behind the low carbohydrate diet is that carbohydrate consumption causes a rise in insulin, which triggers fat storage. By reverse logic, then, no carbs equal no insulin equals no fat storage.

One reason low carbohydrate diets catch on so easily is that there is an initial rapid weight loss. The thrill of success hooks many dieters who do not realize that the loss is primarily water. This may account for the drained look that many low carbohydrate dieters get after a while.  Decreasing carbohydrate intake can also result in glycogen depletion.

In the last ten years or so many different versions of low carbohydrate diets have been promoted. Dr. Atkins himself even released “Dr. Atkin’s New Diet Revolution.” The newer versions emphasize more vegetable consumption and proponents are explaining how ketosis is a good thing. (Ketones result from fat being broken down by the liver.)

Low carbohydrate diets do emphasize the importance of completely eliminating sugar and refined carbohydrates from the diet, which is advice we would all do well to follow. Sugar causes a spike in insulin, which does trigger fat storage among other things.

Refined carbohydrates create similar effects; however, complex carbohydrates such as those found in potatoes, sweet potatoes, brown rice, beans and other vegetables do not spike insulin levels but have a steadying effect on blood sugar and a high satiety factor, resulting in less hunger for a longer period of time.

Before embarking on a low carbohydrate diet, one would be wise to study up on the functions of carbohydrates and look into the nutritional benefits of all the good fruits and vegetables that you would be eliminating in favor of meat and butter.

what you just learned about low carbohydrate diet is just the begining. To get the full story and all the details, check us out at thedietsolutionprogram.com

 

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