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Going Carb Crazy? |
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Contemplating a new low carb lifestyle in your quest for weight loss? Confused about whether to count carbs or fat, grams or calories? Well here's the scoop.
CALORIES DO COUNT
Cutting back on carbohydrates by eliminating desserts, candy and sugary drinks, will certainly help you loose weight, if you normally over-consume these foods. But your weight loss has little to do with the effects of sugar and insulin on your body. It has more to do with the fact that protein foods provide a sense of satiety. Therefore, you will consume fewer calories. Fewer calories, no matter what source they are from, will result in weight loss. It's an old but wise lesson to remember. Calories still do count. So count your calories, not your grams of fat or carbohydrate.
WORRIED ABOUT DIABETES?
Eating too much sugar or carbohydrate will not turn you into a diabetic. However, if you have a family history of diabetes, if you are overweight or obese, and if you have poor diet and lifestyle choices, the combination of these factors can increase your chances of developing diabetes. Be sure to talk with your doctor if you have concerns. If you do have diabetes, just remember to balance your carbohydrate choices throughout the day and select more complex, high fiber carbohydrate choices.
WHY ARE LOW CARB DIETS CRAZY?
- Reduced Energy and Athletic Performance - Carbohydrate is your body's first choice for energy. It fuels your muscles and brain.
- Osteoporosis - Excess protein intake increases the loss of calcium in the urine which may contribute to osteoporosis.
- Cancer and Constipation - The fiber or bulk provided by grains, beans, fruit & vegetables is protective for colon cancer and constipation.
- Gout and Kidney Stones - Protein foods are high in purines, which can cause excess production of uric acid leading to gout. Both uric acid and calcium oxalate stones are more likely to form if you eat a high protein diet.
- Heart Disease - Your risk of heart disease is much greater if you consume a diet high in animal fat, cholesterol and saturated fat. Elimination of high fiber plant foods that help lower cholesterol, compounds the problem.
Article written May 2005
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