Do Low Carbohydrate Diets Lead to Weight Loss Success?

So your neighbor, office mate, best friend, whoever just lost 10 pounds in only two weeks following the latest in high protein low carbohydrate diets. And now you're thinking you should give it a go -- have even started the search for high protein low carbohydrate recipes?

True, high protein low carb diets seem to be leading many people to weight loss success. Trouble is, they seemed to do it 30 years ago, too. They were the rage in the early 70s, and look where many of us are today: growing fatter with each decade.

The bottom line: Diets -- low carb diets or not -- simply don't work for the vast majority of people. If that doesn't convince you, look at some of the reasons why high protein low carbohydrate diets seem to create weight loss success stories -- but really don't.

"I'm not hungry when I eat high protein low carb diets."

Many people say they feel more satisfied eating low carbohydrate diets. And indeed, studies show protein is the most satiating nutrient. Proteins and fat (which is usually in high protein low carbohydrate foods) cause your body to release cholecystokinin, a hormone that contributes to the feeling of fullness. Some protein in meals and even snacks may help us feel more satisfied and go longer between eating. But the key word is "some." We don't need an excess of protein, or low carb diets, to get these effects. By just eating balanced meals that contain grain/starchy foods, protein foods, vegetables and/or fruits and some fat, most people can achieve the same satiety. One other important note is that hunger control with low carbohydrate diets is often the result of ketosis (when your body burns fat for fuel.) Ketosis is very unhealthy, causing nausea, headaches, fatigue, even coma.

"Results are results ? I saw successful weight loss, didn't I?"

Many people do lose weight on high protein low carb diets. Instead of fat, however, they're initially losing more water than anything else -- and it quickly returns once off low carb diets. They seem to see successful weight loss, too, because low carb diets restrict many foods, resulting in eating less than usual.

The big question is: Is it really successful weight loss if it doesn't stay off? For most people, if weight loss is achieved quickly and with a restrictive method such as a diet that does not allow for individual likes and dislikes, then the lost pounds will return, along with discouragement, defeat and even more pounds than before. What's more, high protein low carb diets may also increase risk for health problems such as osteoporosis, cancer, even heart disease. A healthy intake of whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables -- often on the "avoid" list in high protein low carb diets ? appears to help reduce this risk, and is the mainstay of a sensible plan to achieve weight loss success.

Create your own weight loss success story.

Despite what you hear about high protein low carb diets, there's little evidence that weight loss success is truly (permanently) achieved. What's more, disordered eating behaviors are usually reinforced by high protein low carb diets, adding to the struggles that low carbohydrate diets and other diets are supposed to solve. Stop dieting now and start living a healthy lifestyle that truly leaves you feeling good!

©2004 Green Mountain at Fox Run, Ludlow, Vermont.

Alan H. Wayler, PhD is executive director at Green Mountain at Fox Run. For over 32 years, Green Mountain has developed and refined a life-changing program exclusively for women seeking permanent strategies for healthy weight loss and health. To learn more about Green Mountain at Fox Run, visit our website at: http://www.fitwoman.com.

---

Why Most Diets Dont Work

Ever thought of, known someone, or gone on a diet?... Read More

4 Tips for Fast Fat Loss Part I

Fat Loss Tip #1) Train With WeightsWorking out with weights... Read More

Weight Control: One Day At A Time

Most of us are aware of the AA axiom of... Read More

Is Natural Weight Loss Really Possible?

Natural Weight Loss Is PermanentOnly natural weight loss can be... Read More

Dieting Torture By Another Name, It Doesnt Need To Be That Way

I have tried many "diets" here in the USA and... Read More

Walking: Its Never Too Late to Lose Weight!

How did a thin person like me become overweight? My... Read More

To Lose Weight or Not to Lose Weight... A Guideline for Men!

To begin this article I must start with it's conclusion.The... Read More

5 Easy Weight Loss Tips You Can Use Right Now

Sometimes, just the thought of starting on a diet and... Read More

Dieting 101 - For Those Who Want to Start But Dont Know Where to Begin

Okay, so you've read some of these articles, done your... Read More

Lose A Pound

Lose a pound of fat? what does it take? Not... Read More

Weight Loss Tips: Get Effective Weight Loss Tips!

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

Hydrate to Lose Weight: The Real Skinny On Water Retention and Sodium

If you've been scouring the news, devouring as much information... Read More

Weight Loss Programs:The 7 Critical Points You Must Check Before You Choose

Yes, you must be aware of the following 7 points... Read More

Winning at Post-Partum Weight Loss: Six Simple Strategies for New Moms ? Part 2

A healthy pregnancy almost always involves weight gain. But now... Read More

Hybrid Sweeteners in Todays Health

What is the advantage of these new half sugar and... Read More

The Truth About Losing Fat On Your Stomach

Do you know anybody who does not wish to get... Read More

Lose Weight and Get Fit by Getting Fat

Getting enough of the good fats will help you lose... Read More

Lose Weight and Exercise Now ? Or Face the Music Later!

My responsibility as a high profile fitness expert lies not... Read More

Finding a Weight Loss Program

Getting involved in Weight Loss Program can be intimidating for... Read More

Obesity and Weight Loss Surgery

Let's face facts; obesity is ripe today in America and... Read More

Ultimate Weight loss: Ephedra is it Good or Bad?

I have had some e-mails come in and everyone is... Read More

Brinks Unified Theory of Nutrition For Weight Loss and Muscle Gain

When people hear the term Unified Theory, some times called... Read More

Holiday Eating: Party Hearty Without Putting on the Pounds!

The holidays are definitely a special time of year. These... Read More

The Carbs Go In, the Cravings Come Out, thats What Weight Gain is All About

It can happen with one bite. The moment those refined... Read More

Weight Loss Story -- What Did I Do Wrong?

Two basic approaches to losing weight; one approach is correct... Read More

Getting Enough Sleep at Night May Just Help You Lose Weight

Eating the right foods and exercising regularly have been the... Read More

Is Low-Carb Weight Loss Really Just Water Loss?

Any weight loss or diet plan, including low-carb plans like... Read More

Top 5 Reasons Why Women Over 30 Dont Lose Weight And Keep It Off

Have you heard about it lately? Everywhere you look, women... Read More

Finding the RIGHT Diet Pill

Hundreds of products on the market today claim to be... Read More

11 Steps to Guarantee Weight Loss and Fitness Success

1. Persistence!Violate this step and you'll never achieve permanent results.... Read More

Little Weight Loss Goes A Long Way

From driving up your blood pressure and cholesterol, to increasing... Read More

How Does Phentermine Work? Learn Pros & Cons Of Phentermine For Weight Loss

Phentermine, like many other prescription drugs, works with chemicals called... Read More

Breakfast and Weight Loss

Some people think that skipping breakfast will help them lose... Read More