Low carb... Is it a diet fad?
toad_allyinlove
Posts: 39 Member
Low carb is it fact or fiction? Fad or good? What do you guys think? Pro's or con's?
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Replies
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It's not for me. I wouldn't want to live that way the rest of my life, and needed to learn to moderate the things that I do like, and learn to live within what are now my maintenance calories eating what I like.1
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Fact or fiction? It's a real way to eat. I am not sure what you mean with that.
I don't think it is a fad. That would imply it is short lived and it was not an uncommon way to eat up into the 50s. Atkins has been around a few decades.
It can be good for those who need to reduce carbs for health reasons or enjoy eating that way.
Pros and cons are going to vary between people. I eat low carb and have for some months now. For me the pros are:- Improved blood glucose
- Improved autoimmune issues (pain reduction)
- Improved cognitive functions
- Improved energy
- Fewer headaches
- No more reactive hypoglycaemia
- Better skin
- Reduced appetite and cravings
- Easy to eat at a slight deficit and lose weight
- More regular
- Excellent food
- Improved blood lipids
The cons would be:- Inconvenience
- Ummmm......
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I've done low carb for 7 months. Calorie counting is way better and way easier to sustain.2
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Idk I think it's a way of eating, but it's not for everyone. Everyone needs to find that which makes this journey easier to them.
Personally I won't, and can't, do low carb. I have blood sugar problems (it just drops without warning), so I have to have carbs frequently through the day to keep it balanced.0 -
toad_allyinlove wrote: »Low carb is it fact or fiction? Fad or good? What do you guys think? Pro's or con's?
What you're looking for is called "Ketogenics", low-carb high-fat. It's a lifestyle and a complete change to mainstream eating misconceptions.
Carbohydrates are just sugars, sugars which need insulin to be processed, insulin which spikes when you eat carbs and stops the fat burning process.
Do the research, learn about the benefits of eliminating sugar from your diet, eliminating carbs from your diet, and adding filling and delicious fats and proteins to it.
Is it fact? Yes, Ketogenics is studied pretty extensively, with many scientific books written about it. The studies done around low-carb diets are incredibly telling.
Is it long-term sustainable? Absolutely, becoming "Keto-adapted" transforms how your body processes carbs and fats, and changes your metabolism significantly for the better.
Is it a fad? Nope, the traction Ketogenics is gaining for weight loss, as well as athletic performance, is tremendous. I think it will be the dominant eating diet in the next 10 years, and low-fat high-sugar high-carb will be considered one of the most harmful in human diet eating history.
What do I think? Everyone should give Ketogenics at least a legitimate 3 month shot. No carbs for 3 months. It's a challenge a lot of people can't accomplish. Why? It separates those who are dedicated to changing their body, and those who buy Fitbits then eat pancakes, burgers, and drink beer all weekend long.
Some of the cons: Bread is gone, that's tragic for a bread lover like myself. Lettuce is a poor sandwich substitute for real bread. Another con is how obsessed with carb counting you become, and even things with moderate amounts of carbs (20g) becomes entirely too much i.e. Fruit, yogurt, rice cakes
If you can overcome the first month of hurdles, change your mindset and outlook on what food is and what it means in your life, Ketogenics will absolutely lead to weight loss, fitness love, and eventually massive physical athletic benefits.0 -
Just be warned, you'll get the usual Keto fans posting all sorts of fantastical claims for low carb if you start a low carb thread.
The average person here loses weight fine by just counting calories and without all the restrictions of keeping in ketosis. They don't bother posting about a cult diet fad.
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Separate, schmeperate. Lots of people lose weight and improve their health eating pancakes and burgers too. They just eat less of them.What do I think? Everyone should give Ketogenics at least a legitimate 3 month shot. No carbs for 3 months. It's a challenge a lot of people can't accomplish. Why? It separates those who are dedicated to changing their body, and those who buy Fitbits then eat pancakes, burgers, and drink beer all weekend .
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Fact or fiction? It's a real way to eat. I am not sure what you mean with that.
I don't think it is a fad. That would imply it is short lived and it was not an uncommon way to eat up into the 50s. Atkins has been around a few decades.
It can be good for those who need to reduce carbs for health reasons or enjoy eating that way.
Pros and cons are going to vary between people. I eat low carb and have for some months now. For me the pros are:- Improved blood glucose
- Improved autoimmune issues (pain reduction)
- Improved cognitive functions
- Improved energy
- Fewer headaches
- No more reactive hypoglycaemia
- Better skin
- Reduced appetite and cravings
- Easy to eat at a slight deficit and lose weight
- More regular
- Excellent food
- Improved blood lipids
The cons would be:- Inconvenience
- Ummmm......
Cons would be no yummy carbs0 -
Fact. Good for some. I think some people legitimately feel more energetic, have less cravings/hunger, and are able to maintain or improve body composition on low carb diets. Even ketogenic (ultra low-carb) diets have legitimate benefits over other diets for certain populations.
I believe that the majority of the sedentary population could benefit from at least reducing carbs. One of the best pro's of a low-carb diet is that it can improve insulin sensitivity in ppl who are resistant.
Personally, I feel best on a moderate amount of carbs. The more active I am, the more carbs I eat.0 -
Just be warned, you'll get the usual Keto fans posting all sorts of fantastical claims for low carb if you start a low carb thread.
The average person here loses weight fine by just counting calories and without all the restrictions of keeping in ketosis. They don't bother posting about a cult diet fad.
Truth, I'm guilty of promoting the eating style that I believe in, study extensively, and follow currently.
And while CICO is great for weight loss, it does nothing to address the real reason anybody wants to lose weight, health.
Can you lose weight and become healthier with CICO?
Yes
Can you lose weight and become healthier with Ketogenics?
Yes
Then why do Ketogenics?
Because for a fat person who has no idea what portions or dieting is, telling them to go low-calorie and low-fat usually means to go high-carb high-sugar. Which wrecks havoc on the body's hormone system and fat burning ability. Low-fat leads to hunger, which leads to going over your calorie restriction, which leads to just giving up. Not to mention how wrong most people are at counting calories or estimating weight or portion sizes of food.
Telling people not to eat carbs is simple and effective, without any of the usual pitfalls most people fall into. Many Ketoers suggest not even counting calories, to focus strictly on counting carbs, and that the calories, and the weight, will take care of itself.
Yes, you can lose weight just fine by counting calories and being strict to that. But I think there's a better way that leaves you feeling better and not completely deprived of good food.0 -
Just be warned, you'll get the usual Keto fans posting all sorts of fantastical claims for low carb if you start a low carb thread.
The average person here loses weight fine by just counting calories and without all the restrictions of keeping in ketosis. They don't bother posting about a cult diet fad.
Low carb isn't necessarily keto. Keto is usually 25gm carbs or below. Low carb can be anywhere below 100gms.
It's hardly a cult fad diet its been around for a long time.
OP low carb may or not work for you and your current circumstances. Find a way of eating that helps you adhere to whatever program you do, whether that is calorie counting, WW, lchf, smaller portions, IF. primal, paleo etc. Whatever it is, it needs to be sustainable for you.
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It's a legitimate way of eating that some people need for medical reasons and others choose.
Me, I love my carbs, so not for me. And I'm still losing weight, and eating the things I love.0 -
I wouldn't call it a fad, just another means to lose weight via CICO. It's not for me but it works for a lot of people.0
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ActionAnnieJXN wrote: »Separate, schmeperate. Lots of people lose weight and improve their health eating pancakes and burgers too. They just eat less of them.What do I think? Everyone should give Ketogenics at least a legitimate 3 month shot. No carbs for 3 months. It's a challenge a lot of people can't accomplish. Why? It separates those who are dedicated to changing their body, and those who buy Fitbits then eat pancakes, burgers, and drink beer all weekend .
I'd wondered when you'd enlighten us with your knowledge.
There's another thread going on right now by a woman who lost 275lbs. An MFP friend of mine has lost 350lbs. There's plenty of people on MFP who have lost significant weight via various methods. They must not be dedicated because they didn't do it with Ketosis.0 -
2013 NSCA Personal Trainers Conference: Looking Back at my Debate with Dr. Jeff Volek
by Alan Aragon
http://www.alanaragonblog.com/2013/03/13/2013-nsca-personal-trainers-conference-looking-back-at-my-debate-with-dr-jeff-volek/0 -
Why would I cut carbs and try keto for 3 months when I've lost over 53 lbs and been in maintenance almost a year eating 250-350g carbs daily?
It's all very well enjoying your way of eating but when you attribute magical properties to it or say everyone should do it you're simply wrong ...nobody likes evangelists
I did actually keto for a few months in my yo-yo years ..,crashed and burned0 -
Wetcoaster wrote: »2013 NSCA Personal Trainers Conference: Looking Back at my Debate with Dr. Jeff Volek
by Alan Aragon
http://www.alanaragonblog.com/2013/03/13/2013-nsca-personal-trainers-conference-looking-back-at-my-debate-with-dr-jeff-volek/I went on to examine the common methodological limitation of low-carb versus low-fat comparisons failing to match protein intake. As such, the advantage of greater thermic effect, satiety, and lean mass retention will strongly favor the groups whose protein is optimized, or at least adequate. Low-fat/high-carb treatments often fall short of adequate protein intake, and the disadvantages are inherent.
The argument Alan Aragon makes against low-carb is that low-carb has the unfair advantage of being also higher-protein..... Hmmm.... Interesting argument0 -
Wetcoaster wrote: »2013 NSCA Personal Trainers Conference: Looking Back at my Debate with Dr. Jeff Volek
by Alan Aragon
http://www.alanaragonblog.com/2013/03/13/2013-nsca-personal-trainers-conference-looking-back-at-my-debate-with-dr-jeff-volek/I went on to examine the common methodological limitation of low-carb versus low-fat comparisons failing to match protein intake. As such, the advantage of greater thermic effect, satiety, and lean mass retention will strongly favor the groups whose protein is optimized, or at least adequate. Low-fat/high-carb treatments often fall short of adequate protein intake, and the disadvantages are inherent.
The argument Alan Aragon makes against low-carb is that low-carb has the unfair advantage of being also higher-protein..... Hmmm.... Interesting argument
You don't read well huh?
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If you can't sustain a low carb diet the rest of your life and you're just doing it to lose weight, then yes it's a fad diet.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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Ketogenic diets aren't very good when it comes to adding muscle. mTOR pathway is disrupted. And many athletes rely on trying to put on some muscle mass for elite level sports.
Is it a fad? Nope, the traction Ketogenics is gaining for weight loss, as well as athletic performance, is tremendous. I think it will be the dominant eating diet in the next 10 years, and low-fat high-sugar high-carb will be considered one of the most harmful in human diet eating history.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
0 -
Just be warned, you'll get the usual Keto fans posting all sorts of fantastical claims for low carb if you start a low carb thread.
The average person here loses weight fine by just counting calories and without all the restrictions of keeping in ketosis. They don't bother posting about a cult diet fad.
Truth, I'm guilty of promoting the eating style that I believe in, study extensively, and follow currently.
And while CICO is great for weight loss, it does nothing to address the real reason anybody wants to lose weight, health.
Can you lose weight and become healthier with CICO?
Yes
Can you lose weight and become healthier with Ketogenics?
Yes
Then why do Ketogenics?
Because for a fat person who has no idea what portions or dieting is, telling them to go low-calorie and low-fat usually means to go high-carb high-sugar. Which wrecks havoc on the body's hormone system and fat burning ability. Low-fat leads to hunger, which leads to going over your calorie restriction, which leads to just giving up. Not to mention how wrong most people are at counting calories or estimating weight or portion sizes of food.
Telling people not to eat carbs is simple and effective, without any of the usual pitfalls most people fall into. Many Ketoers suggest not even counting calories, to focus strictly on counting carbs, and that the calories, and the weight, will take care of itself.
Yes, you can lose weight just fine by counting calories and being strict to that. But I think there's a better way that leaves you feeling better and not completely deprived of good food.
So the advantage of keto is that any fool can do it, because they don't need to learn about portion control? What happens in maintenance? Or are you saying "keto for life?"
I have been counting calories and feel great. Energized, stronger, sleep better, and when I look at my nutritional balance, I'm getting the macros and micros I need for health.
OP, I wouldn't call low carb a fad. It works for some but not for others. Just beware of some of the more fantastic claims being made about it. As for long term success, diet is like exercise. Find something you enjoy and are likely to stick with. If you hate running on a treadmill, how long will you do it? You're better off finding something you enjoy. Same with diet. If you enjoy carbs, you are better off finding a way to fit them in so you can do this for the long haul.0 -
Lots of countries that aren't obese utilize sugar fine. In the US and UK, the problem isn't mainly sugar causing obesity........................it's overconsumption of total calories regardless of macros.Just be warned, you'll get the usual Keto fans posting all sorts of fantastical claims for low carb if you start a low carb thread.
The average person here loses weight fine by just counting calories and without all the restrictions of keeping in ketosis. They don't bother posting about a cult diet fad.
Truth, I'm guilty of promoting the eating style that I believe in, study extensively, and follow currently.
And while CICO is great for weight loss, it does nothing to address the real reason anybody wants to lose weight, health.
Can you lose weight and become healthier with CICO?
Yes
Can you lose weight and become healthier with Ketogenics?
Yes
Then why do Ketogenics?
Because for a fat person who has no idea what portions or dieting is, telling them to go low-calorie and low-fat usually means to go high-carb high-sugar. Which wrecks havoc on the body's hormone system and fat burning ability. Low-fat leads to hunger, which leads to going over your calorie restriction, which leads to just giving up. Not to mention how wrong most people are at counting calories or estimating weight or portion sizes of food.
Telling people not to eat carbs is simple and effective, without any of the usual pitfalls most people fall into. Many Ketoers suggest not even counting calories, to focus strictly on counting carbs, and that the calories, and the weight, will take care of itself.
Yes, you can lose weight just fine by counting calories and being strict to that. But I think there's a better way that leaves you feeling better and not completely deprived of good food.
I've dealt with people who are low carb and unfortunately the majority of them REALLY WISH they could enjoy carbs without reprecussion. Guess what? Many do just fine. Guaranteed that more pro and amateur athletes utilize carbs in their diet than those that don't to perform at their best levels.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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It's all very well enjoying your way of eating but when you attribute magical properties to it or say everyone should do it you're simply wrong ...nobody likes evangelists
I did actually keto for a few months in my yo-yo years ..,crashed and burned
When science is called "magical properties". Or when ignorance is called an opinion. Or when an individual anecdotal failure is used as evidence. #fatlogic
Nobody likes an evangelist? Maybe OP might like an answer from someone who actually does Ketogenics to talk about low-carb and their own experience? Instead of a group of equally aggressive high-carb eaters bashing anyone who dares step against their mainstream preconceived notions? #foodforthought
There is no fat logic in people disputing your keto envangelism that everyone must try it and its lowest possible denominator effectiveness
I have no issue with low carb I don't think it's a fad, I think it's a way to hit a calorie defecit
I have issue with so called "studies" that don't match protein and calories and issues with people expounding a one size fits all philosophy
Please, bring the science ....0 -
Also keto <>low carb so your comments are potentially off topic0
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If you can't sustain a low carb diet the rest of your life and you're just doing it to lose weight, then yes it's a fad diet.
I am a big believer in losing weight the way a person intends to maintain it for the long term, but in reality for a lot of people (including me) a lot of weight loss programs are not sustainable for the long, and that includes counting calories or similar programs such as WW which uses points. I certainly wouldn't consider calorie counting as a fad diet because it isn't sustainable for the long term/rest of a person's life.
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I have been low carb high/fat for over 3 years now.
And have been losing weight those three years.
I am old enough to have tried everything else, and THIS method works for me and I plan to continue it.
Is it the best method for everyone? I doubt that.
But if nothing else has worked for you long term, it is worth a shot.
It is not a fad, and is not new.
William Banting is one the more famous users who popularized a version of it:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Banting
My benefits are:
Lost weight (100 lbs so far)
Improved lipids
Normal blood sugar (was diagnosed diabetic day before I started)
Normal blood pressure
More energy
No more acid reflux (this was in the first week, so diet related, not weight loss related)
Rarely hungry
Negatives:
Really, just giving up or reducing foods I loved too much before. But the ONLY thing I gave up completely was Coca Cola. I was addicted to that for 40 years. Won't ever drink that again in case cravings return.
I will still have part of a birthday cake or bread at a restaurant every once in a while. I just don't keep that stuff at home or seek it out.
I cook most everything I eat now, and I think most people would have positive health outcomes just doing that alone.
I go off and on with counting calories. If I don't, personally, I can eat way more than I need as cheese and butter pack so many calories in small amounts.
But there was a 7 month period or so where I took a break from counting calories...just continued to eat the low carb way I had been. I didn't lose weight, but I didn't gain any back either. Without even trying. This told me this method worked for me and was something I could definitely do long term.
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It's really preferences. Keto/some low card and I don't jive because I'm a vegetarian and it just becomes to constricting and would force me to eat a lot of dairy, oils, and avacados which I don't care for. Some like it because WOO bacon and weight loss.
I'll take mah carbs and focus on keeping my protein up.
What the diet can give you is decreased hunger do to the fat and protein which makes it easier to sustain a deficit. Any other health claims... meh duno. For weightloss no matter what you eat just keep it under your total daily burn.0 -
Some people find health and happiness in keto/low carb, and it can be really beneficial for some medical issues.
I, myself, am not too sure if it's realistic to be doing keto for the rest of your life. I think maybe the research is not quite there yet, about how it will affect someone's health in the really long run...
But, I think low carb/keto can work for some people especially with staying satiated during calorie-restricted weight loss.
Just like eating really high carb while losing weight works for me! (No medical issues)0 -
It works for some people, especially people with PCOS or severe epilepsy, but you should be choosing a diet you can maintain for life. I personally think reducing "white" carbs and focusing on whole grains is good for your overall health and makes it easier to lose weight by keeping you fuller, but I really don't like to follow any diet that completely or nearly completely cuts out any major food groups. Many carbs are nutrient rich, and are more affordable and accesible for people from lower incomes. From a wider perspective, I dont believe the world population can be sustained without grains, grains are good for food stability.
Maybe that was a bit off topic but basically, carbs are not evil.
You can lose weight with them, you'll be healthier is you choose whole grains, youre more likely to maintain your diet for life if it doesnt cut out any major food groups.0
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