5 Reasons Why Low-Carb Diets are NOT the Answer

Low-carb diets are not the answer.

Low-carb diets seem to have been the fad for decades, but studies still show that low-carb diets can put you at many health risks.

In order to stay healthy and at a healthy weight it is crucial to have a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and low-fat dairy as well as physical activity to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Many people think that a good way to lose weight is to eliminate, or limit to a certain degree, their intake of carbohydrates.

Here are 10 reasons why a low-carb diet can actually harm your health:

1. Heart Disease Risk May Increase

When people chose to go with a low-carb diet, they are taking out a major food group, and replacing it with protein, cholesterol, and saturated fats. These fats and proteins raise LDL cholesterol levels, which are known as the “bad” cholesterol.

Carbohydrates and fibers that are taken out of the low-carb diet are the nutrients that help to lower cholesterol, so in turn the LDL raises and high LDL leads to heart disease.

2. Cancer Risk May Increase with low-carb diets

Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains all contain antioxidants, which help to decrease risk of cancers. All of these cancer fighting foods contain good carbohydrates , which are eliminated in low-carb diets.

It recommended to have a diet based on plants, high-fiber, and low-fat foods, specifically to avoid the risk of cancer.

3. Inability to control Weight in the Long Term

Those who chose to go on low-carb diets think that they are losing weight as a result of the new diet. But in fact it is very common to see weight loss during the second week due to a caloric deficit.

A low-carb diet eliminates so many foods that are healthy and meant to be eaten on a regular basis.

Another issues with weight control and low-carb diets is that when you eliminate food groups, your body begins to crave them and in turn, craving can lead to over eating in sugars and fats later on.

4. Reduced Physical Activity Performance

For anyone who engaged in physical activity, it is crucial to incorporate carbohydrates into their diet. Carbohydrates enhance endurance during athletic activity. 

Carbohydrates are absolutely critical for those who partake in athletic activity and if they do not get enough in their diet, their performance will be greatly impacted.

5. Increased Mental and Physical Distress with low-carb diets

When you deprive your body of carbohydrates, you may start to have episodes of feeling dizzy or shaky, have trouble concentrating, or become irritable.

Instead of low-carb diets, do this:

As you can see carbohydrates are essential for proper bodily functions, and by cutting out or reducing the recommended portions, your health will take a toll.

As always, it’s important to fuel your body the correct way in order to be the healthiest you can be!

To learn about healthy weight loss and how to become a REBEL from low-carb diets, call us at 301-44-2499 or contact us here!