One of the most powerful tools available for long-term weight loss is a diet that’s effective and sustainable. Low-carb diets are popular and a good fit for many people. But this approach isn’t right for everyone.
At Bio-X Weight Loss Center in Round Rock and Austin, Texas, we help patients find lifelong solutions to weight management. Today, we look at why low-carb diets are effective and who is and isn’t a good candidate for this approach.
Carbohydrates are a type of nutrient, just like fat and protein. Carbs are the body’s main source of fuel. When you eat foods that contain carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into glucose, a type of sugar. Insulin is released to allow your cells to access that glucose.
If you have extra glucose left over, your body stores it in your muscles or liver. Once you reach those storage capacities, any additional glucose is stored as fat. High glucose levels increase your blood sugar and place you at risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Carbohydrates are vital to healthy living. The problem arises when you consume too many carbs, and your diet lacks proper balance with healthy fats and protein.
A low-carb diet reduces the volume of carbs you consume in a day, and increases intake of protein and fat. That forces your body to tap into fat stores for energy, leading to a reduction in overall body fat.
You still consume carbohydrates, but they’re complex carbs that take longer to break down and digest. These foods include certain fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You avoid simple carbs such as those found in breads, processed crackers, cookies, and other snacks.
A low-carb diet can deliver impressive results in your blood sugar readings. If you’re prediabetic, you might avoid transitioning into diabetes by following a low-carb diet.
A low-carb diet might also reduce your risk of heart disease and reduce your cholesterol levels. Weight loss almost always follows a low-carb diet, and this goal often prompts people to adopt this approach to daily nutrition.
Conditions that might make you a poor candidate for a low-carb diet include:
If you’ve had trouble in the past with your digestive function, a low-carb diet might not work well for you. That’s because many of the foods you avoid on a low-carb diet are rich in fiber, which plays an essential role in digestive health.
If you’ve had colon cancer or other digestive problems, you may need a diet with more fiber.
People who’ve struggled with an eating disorder need to approach weight loss carefully. A low-carb diet is restrictive by design, which may trouble people who’ve experienced eating disorders.
There are still ways to reach and maintain a healthy weight. Just ask Luis Wilmot Jr., MPAS, PA-C, to recommend an option that offers adequate nourishment and a healthy intake of balanced nutrients.
One of the most important aspects of any weight loss plan is having the support of those closest to you. If your family members are unwilling to support your low-carb diet, the path forward may be hard.
Consider bringing in your loved ones to meet with us to discuss the benefits of a low-carb diet. A lot of misinformation is available surrounding nutrition, and they might benefit from talking to a professional about this diet.
For most people, a low-carb diet is a great way to achieve weight loss. Once you’ve reached your goals, however, you can shift your diet toward a less-restrictive approach.
Limiting simple carbs is always a good idea, even after you meet your weight loss goals. And getting plenty of healthy fats and protein into your daily diet is also beneficial. But you can absolutely shape your long-term diet in a manner that focuses on balance.
When you’re ready to learn more, call the office nearest you or request an appointment online.
