Do low Carb Diets really Work?

the only diet you need is healthy balanced food and exercise, lo carb will work if you do it right, but is defiantly not the best option.

I have done this, it works but you have to drink a lot of water while you're doing it. but not hard to stay on.

-They can raise cholesterol levels because many protein-rich and fatty foods contain saturated fats, which may not conform to the notion that insulin prevents fat storage. -They may increase blood pressure because some whole grains have been shown to lower blood pressure. -They promote osteoporosis since excess protein in a diet causes the body to eliminate calcium during urination, and can overload the kidneys. -In some cases, low carb diets may cause diarrhea, constipation and headaches. -They may cause lower mental acuity. The brain needs glucose to function properly. -They can also cause weight gain. Experts opposed to low carb diets claim that such regimens have a diuretic effect on the body, making people lose weight fast, only to gain it back when taken off the diet.

THE BENEFITS Low carb diets result in quicker weight loss than fasting. Fasting deprives the body of nutrients, so the body stores more of everything in anticipation of future periods of starvation. This slows down weight loss. Low carb diets, on the other hand, maintain a normal metabolic rate while burning fat.

http://www.askmen.com/sports/foodcourt_60/63b_eating_well.html

Yes, low carb diets work -- IF you do them correctly. The Atkins Diet has been revamped and is a much more healthy diet than when it first came out 40 some odd years ago. You can probably check the new book oout from you library to see for yourself.

SCIENCE has proven that LC diets work.

I KNOW it works becoause I have lost over 75 pounds on Atkins. It's really pretty easy to stay on after the first couple of weeks (after the body got rid of the sugar addiction!). You'd be surprised at how well you can eat on a low carb diet.

My wife has been on a low-carb diet for a while now. She has lost 14 kilos, feels great and looks wonderful.

There are some disadvantages to the diet, especially if you are allergic to something. F.ex. - eggs are a major part of the diet, and her body responds negatively to eggs. But there are other choices.

I would definitely recommend such a diet if you are looking to lose weight.

I have switched & used the low-carb way of eating since 2003. I did the "less than 20 grams of carbs per day" and it was not a big deal.

I guess you have to decide if you're ready to be fit & to make no more excuses. The line of "I have to have my bread/pasta/rice/sweets" = failure- so don't bother.

Really, don't even try.

I went from a 24 to a 10/12- within 4-6 months- combining my eating plan + exercise. I do a mile/2km of walking with ankle weights/hand weights (15 mins) per day- then 15 mins on my Totalgym. Your exercise may vary...I can now eat carbs- but they no longer have the attraction/addiction they once had...

Keep it off 12 months & it will likely last for good.

A lot of new research is showing that heart disease is caused by all of the refined carbohydrates in the western diet. If you are serious about low carb eating, check out one of the primal diets.

I have been grain and refined sugar free for quite some time and lost 55 pounds (with about 70 more to go). I suffered from gastro intestinal problems for years and those are gone.

Several bits of advice from all the research I have done:

• Eat lots of greens and brightly colored vegetables keeping your total carb count at around 80 grams per day. Once you get the hang of it, you won't need to count carb grams any more
• Don't be afraid to eat saturated fats. Most of your energy calories should be coming from fats
• By pass vegetable oils. They contain a lot of omega-6 fatty acids and they are bad for the body unless balanced by omega-3 fatty acids. It is best to get a 1 to 1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3
• Conventional wisdom says to do a lot of cardio/aerobics. There is evidence that the chronic cycle of carbs and aerobics causes inflamation whcih can lead to different types of heart health issues. Stick with a lot of walking, some sprinting or other aeriobic exercise, and lifting heavy things
• Exercise is not optional. You have to get moving to strengthen yourself and improve your metabolism.

Here are a few resources I've found. They all point to other resources you can investigate.

1. Mark's Daily Apple
2. Modern Paleo
3. The Paleo Diet
4. The Healthy Skeptic
5. Low Card Diets at About.com
6. Whole Health Source

it does work, its hard to stay on, end of the day it all depends upon ur determination

In response to the questions:

Are there side effects? Yes. Monosaccharides (a type of beneficial carbohydrate) are a major source of fuel for metabolism (which includes breaking down fat cells). Without this energy source, people may become lethargic during the day.

Is it hard to stay on? Well, I suppose that depends on how hungry and lethargic you like to feel.

In response to geekomatic: I beg to differ. Bread, pasta and rice are all extremely healthy foods that fit people should be eating. I know, I'm treating you like an idiot now... But lets take a look at the good old food pyramid:

If you want to be healthy, eat healthy and exercise. That certainly doesn't mean "NO MORE RICE!" This "low carb" stuff isn't all that necessary. Just make sure you eat less of the things up the top of the pyramid. It's bloody obvious.

No, it is not. You need carbs, just like you need fat, salt, and sugar. The only problem with people is that they eat too much of it. Everything is healthy in moderation. The real diet that works is one where you drink lots of milk and water and eat fruits and vegetables.