Should You Start a Low Carb Diet or a Low Fat Diet?
November 17, 2009 by Paul
Filed under Weight Loss
An examination of the differences between low carb and low fat plans.
For a year two sets of one hundred people went on one of two diets: a low carbohydrate diet or a low fat diet. Following a year, the people in the sets had congruent success with weight loss, however the low carb set also lowered their HDL-cholesterol rates and had lowered their systolic blood pressure significantly compared with the low fat set. Evidently the low carbohydrate set gained some health rewards in addition to losing weight.
It is Easy to Follow Low Carb Diet During the Week
You’ll be impressed with the look of your body in a low carb diet. I also like the way my body feels. I have more energy and I seem to be more productive. During the week, I follow my low carb diet. Because you do not experience the intense desire to eat that you do on higher carbohydrate plans, this dieting style lends itself perfectly to the Eat Stop Eat dieting style.
Take It Easy On the Weekends
I’m a social guy, so I do like to enjoy time with family and friends on the weekend. The challenge is that much of this time involves being around food that isn’t low carb. It’s perfectly normal to take in a few carbs on the weekend. When possible, I still try to focus on vegetables and protein, but I would be lying if I said I followed this rule all of the time. Nachos and beer are some examples of prime weekend food that is high in carbs, but also high in flavor.
For Short Periods of Time I Like to Go Low Fat AND Low Carb
If you want to lose weight within a couple of weeks and need the most efficient diet, eat calorie-light proteins and stay off the carbs like you normally do. For no more than fourteen days, you can take in fewer calories from fat and carbs and lose weight quickly. Chicken and greens are fantastic ways to stay low carb as well as low fat. It’s perfect for getting in shape for the beach.
Overall, I Like the Idea of Eating Primal 75% of the Time
When I eat on my own on a typical work day, I enjoy primal meals which are higher in protein and healthy fats while being low carb. It seems to be a good way to eat for me. I am pretty sensitive to carbs, and they cause me to get a bit tired during the day. When carbs such as bread and potatoes are not available at meals, I lean toward consuming more fruits and veggies. You can let go a bit on the weekend, but don’t take in too many carbs and fats at the same time, which will end up undermining your work.
In short, you can lose weight easily by just finding simple methods of taking in less food. For me it is a combo of eating low carb during the week with two Eat Stop Eat style fasts, which allow me to eat more carbs and calories on the weekend.
I have tried Atkins Diet, South Beach Diet and other forms of Low Carb diet. They are all good for the general health and for maintaining a healthy weight.