Is a Low Carb Lifestyle for You?

Notice the question refers to a low carb lifestyle rather than low carb diet. We will explore this issue in much more detail with subsequent articles. For now though, let's look at how you might be changing your approach to life once you commit to one of numerous low carbohydrate programs available. Is a low carb lifestyle for you?

There has been considerable debate about the pluses and minuses of this type of diet. Good or bad, both camps are solidly entrenched. There is no lack of studies supporting each side. Learned men and women of science regularly debate the issue. Weight loss success stories abound on either side.

So, to sort this out, we are going to start at the beginning:

What is a low carbohydrate diet?

Most government data suggests that the average American should intake, on average, enough carbs to generate 50-60% of your daily calorie requirements. So, it would hold true that limiting your carbohydrate intake will produce fewer calories, therefore lower weight, in most cases. Now, the actual process is more complicated but you get the point. By limiting the intake of certain foods and beverages high in carbohydrates, you are able to jump start the body's consumption of existing fat reservoirs.

Some programs, such as The Atkins™ Program, have you begin their diet with a concept called Induction. As discussed above, your body, once deprived of carbohydrates, turns into a fat burning machine. This state is known as Ketosis. It's a very focused time in the diet and can produce very respectable weight loss. Once in Ketosis, you can then move on to a more balance dietary routine.

Success is dependent upon managing recipes utilizing little or no carbohydrate content. When you have reached your target weight, maintaining it is matter of determining how many carbohydrates can be absorbed by the body with no weight gain. This is known as the maintenance period.

In order for this state to be maintained over a lifetime, your lifestyle must adapt.

How will my life change?

Although you will have lost weight, in many cases, a significant amount, you have to maintain the levels of carbohydrate intake established when you entered the maintenance period. Remember, you look and feel great now.

As part of your ongoing program, you have re-established small amounts of bread and pastas along with certain fruits and vegetables. You will have introduced supplements to your daily routine. Along the way, exercise has also become part of your routine, leading to a much higher level of fitness; one that you might not have imaged only a short while ago. Your intake of alcohol has been modified. You have become somewhat of an expert at recipe component and ingredient swapping for those with a far less carbohydrate footprint.

Your restaurant choices may have changed based on their low carbohydrate menu offerings, or at least their willingness to alter a menu item, making it "carb friendly". Some who have succeeded with this approach, report better sex lives, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels more in line with safe levels. Plus, inherent with significant weight loss can be a much more positive self image..

Is this profile yours?

Each of us are quite unique. Because of this, we benefit or react quite differently to all manner of changes in our lives.

For some, the change in foods or the emphasis/reduction of a particular food group(s) will be just too much. Given the number of diets available though, we are confident that an effective one could be found which would be more to their liking. For others, medical issues or requirements will determine the applicability of such a lifestyle change.

Because of this, it is always wise and essential to consult a trusted health care professional when considering a change in diet, nutrition or physical activity.

With their support and your determination - Yes, this could be YOU! The key to all of this is, in fact, you. The responsibility to change and willing to adapt your lifestyle is your decision alone and will ultimately decide if a low carb lifestyle is for you.

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