Personaltrainer
Joined: 25 Jun 2007 Posts: 194
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Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 5:58 am Post subject: The Big Question: Are Low Carb Diets Safe |
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The Big Question: Are Low Carb Diets Safe
If you are one of the many people who hopes to lose a little
weight in time for summer, you may be wondering which diet
option is right for you. There are lots of diets out there, some
making very bold claims about how much weight you could lose,
and how quickly you can do it. Remember that most of these
claims are exaggerated – if there were a fast, easy, way to lose
weight, everyone would know about it by now, and there wouldn't
be so many people selling 'magic' diets.
Be aware of all exaggerated and claims and try to focus on
realistic goals that you can achieve. Healthy, long term diet
and weight loss goals are the ones with the best chances of
success. Rome was not built in one day. remember? So ask
yourself whether you want short term results, or long term
success!
There are lots of diets that do work if you can stick with
them, however. Diets work over the long term – especially ones
that will allow you to lose weight and keep it off. Low carb
diets are popular with many weight loss gurus, but many
nutritionists and medical professionals are not convinced by low
fat diets. The big question is not if they can help you lose
weight, but if they can do so in a safe way. Are low carb diets
safe? Unfortunately the answer is only 'maybe' – it depends on
the kind of low carb diet you choose.
How to Identify a Safe Low Carb Program
Low carb programs, as with any weight loss plan are best when
followed in moderation. Extremes of any program should probably
be avoided to stay healthy. To be sure that your selected low
carb diet is safe, there are some factors that you can look at.
The first is your fat intake. No diet plan, including a low carb
diet is safe if it does not take into account the types of fat
that you are consuming. The safest fats to include in your diet
are polyunsaturated fats and mono-unsaturated fats. These are
found primarily in the fats from plants like sunflower, sesame
and olive oils.
You should also consider your fruit and vegetable intake. Most
low carb diets advise you to avoid all fruits, and limit your
intake of vegetables too. This restriction is too strong to
allow for a healthy diet. A safer method is to avoid fruits such
as bananas and watermelons, that have a high glycemic index, and
avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes and peas. You can, and
should, eat other kinds of fruits and vegetables while on a low
carb diet, so that you can get all of the important nutrients in
your diet.
Low carb diets can be very effective, but to follow one safely
you should make sure that you get enough healthy fats, while
avoiding unhealthy ones. You should also make sure that you get
a variety of fruits and vegetables. If you follow the right kind
of diet, you will soon be saying hello to a healthier, thinner
you. |
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