Low Carb verses Low Calorie? What's your opinion?

mgullette

Good luck to you! Though sounds like you have all you need now to just do it, no luck needed.

Ahh, the misconceptions about low-carb diet plans. People who have thoroughly researched the plans find that of course you eat carbs, in the form of many vegetables, nuts, fruits, legumes, etc. Obviously, this is not unhealthy at all. The misconceptions that are perpetuated about low-carb really have very little merit, and it's sad that people just regurgitate what they hear and read instead of doing some research themselves. Most people who do low-carb, if they're doing it right, find that they eat FAR MORE vegetables than they did previously. And there's nothing unhealthy about that.

Please don't assume that myself or others have not done any research of our own. The FDA and any doctor will tell you that the healthiest way to lose weight is by exercising and maintaining a low-calorie, balanced diet.

This is what the FDA has to say about high-protein diets:

"A high-protein diet is one fad diet that has remained popular over the years. "High-protein items may also be high in fat," says Robert Eckel, M.D., professor of medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver. High-fat diets can raise blood cholesterol levels, which increases a person's risk for heart disease and certain cancers.

High-protein diets force the kidneys to try to get rid of the excess waste products of protein and fat, called ketones. A buildup of ketones in the blood (called ketosis) can cause the body to produce high levels of uric acid, which is a risk factor for gout (a painful swelling of the joints) and kidney stones. Ketosis can be especially risky for people with diabetes because it can speed the progression of diabetic renal disease, says Eckel.

"It's important for the public to understand that no scientific evidence supports the claim that high-protein diets enable people to maintain their initial weight loss," says Eckel. "In general, quick weight-loss diets don't work for most people (http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2002/102_fat.html)."

If a high-protein diet works for you, that's great, but please don't assume that others do not know what they are talking about if they feel that it's not the best route.

Low-carb does not necessarily equal high protein. Have you seen the study of the Inuit diets? They ate almost no carbs (ketogenic) but still were able to work for long hours strenuously. They saved fatty cuts of meat for themselves and gave the leaner ones to the animals. I'm not saying it's right or wrong, just that the facts are not what you said. Usually the low-carb plans are higher in fat, MODERATE protein, and lower carbs. The high-protein diets are usually for people who train strenuously and who need the protein for muscle repair and recovery.

dskline1

Hey folks!! I have recently been placed on a food plan by a nutritionist to help build lean muscle mass....can you please tell me what the general consesus is for "what amount or how many grams per day is considered high protein vs moderate protein intake"? I used to only consume about 45 g per day and am working towards 75-95g per day. Just wondering if this number is considered "high" or "moderate". Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
~Sheryl

stillkristi

Depends on your weight and activity level, and of course, your gender. How much weight training are you doing? google on protein power and check out the science behind the diet, according to Drs. MIchael and Mary Dan Eades. That could lead you to far more information than you want, but its nice to know its there.

And, Marie, I second the comment about your schedule. Even if all you do is grab a handful of nuts and an apple on your way out the door, trying to get some fuel every two to three hours is the best way to keep the metabolism working.

mncardiojunkie

Hey folks!! I have recently been placed on a food plan by a nutritionist to help build lean muscle mass....can you please tell me what the general consesus is for "what amount or how many grams per day is considered high protein vs moderate protein intake"? I used to only consume about 45 g per day and am working towards 75-95g per day. Just wondering if this number is considered "high" or "moderate". Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
~Sheryl

This is for high protein and body toning....Anywhere from .5 grams to 2 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight will be good, but try to stick closer to 1 gram per pound.

stillkristi

Hey folks!! I have recently been placed on a food plan by a nutritionist to help build lean muscle mass....can you please tell me what the general consesus is for "what amount or how many grams per day is considered high protein vs moderate protein intake"? I used to only consume about 45 g per day and am working towards 75-95g per day. Just wondering if this number is considered "high" or "moderate". Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
~Sheryl

This is for high protein and body toning....Anywhere from .5 grams to 2 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight will be good, but try to stick closer to 1 gram per pound.

Is it per pound of body weight, or per pound of lean body weight? I always forget. :blushing:

mncardiojunkie

uhhhhh......stumped

How I approached it when I was 220 was I took in 1 gram of protein for what weight I was trying to achieve.

Right now, and remember, I am a weight lifter, I take in 160 grams of protein a day. Wait, I'm lying...:laugh: I try to take in 160 grams of protein a day.

MFP has a preset amount of protein to take in and I think it's around 125 grams. I have a hard time achieving that, even. That's probably a pretty good estimate for a woman between the ages of 30-50.