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| Low Carb Is Not No Carb |
| by Cherie Davidson |
The
low carb "diet" has been controversial since its earliest introduction
to twentieth century society. Recently, however, "low carb" has
exploded into mainstream awareness. This is evident by the numerous,
and growing, array of new low carb friendly products. According to
Jennifer Mann in her article, “Low Carb, High Confusion”, "In the first
three months of this year [2004], almost 400 new products … have shown
up on grocery shelves, compared with fewer than 300 for all of 2003."
Actually, "low carb" has gone even further than that; it has become a
mainstream diet and even “trendy”. With all the advancements,
popularity and celebrity endorsements, and all the proof that the low
carb lifestyles work and are safe, why are there are still many people
who hear the words "low carb" and cringe?
For those of us who live the low carb lifestyle, this has been a mixed
blessing. There has been a greater acceptance, variety of foods,
availability of information, and perhaps best of all, a wider
community–we can easily find people to share our lifestyle with and no
longer feel like social outcasts. However, even with these positives, a
serious misunderstanding has developed. Somewhere along the societal
path of low carb enlightenment, a division has threatened the truth of
the low carb lifestyle.
So, let me state it here, clear and loud: Low carb is not no carb. The
media began reporting on low carb plans and lifestyles before they
fully understood the basic principles. As a result, terms "low carb"
and "no carb" were used interchangeably. This is an unfortunate
oversight, to say the least, as the low carb truth is suffering for
it–the difference between low and no carb is blurred, even
non-existent, to many people!
I am always a little surprised when I meet someone who does not see the
difference between "no carbohydrates in the diet" and "low carbohydrate
eating plans." There is a vast, huge, definitive difference! First and
foremost is the health factor.
The entire purpose of the low carb lifestyle is health and wellness.
Losing weight is a terrific by-product, but the core principle of "low
carbing" is for improved health, stamina, vigor, improved blood sugar
levels, cholesterol, glucose regulation, more energy, sleeping better,
increased overall well-being, and many other physical benefits. The
“Low Carb Lifestyle” I think could easily be renamed, “The Wellness
Eating Principle”. The most basic premise of the low carb principle is,
eating healthy, nutrition-rich, fiber dense, physically sustaining and
efficient foods. The more natural and wholesome, the better.
Common sense, along with healthcare professionals who advocate low carb
principles, agree that to eat healthy, you need a moderate amount of
nutritionally-rich foods. This definitely includes carbohydrates! All
foods, except pure meats and fats (generally speaking), have some type
of carbs. The low carb eating lifestyle includes carbohydrates, but
healthy carbs. We are supposed to eat green, fresh, rich veggies, along
with fruits, nuts, and yes, even grains! The crucial distinction here
is to eat healthy, effective carbohydrates in moderation. Balance,
nutrition and low carbohydrates are what a low carb plan centers on.
The idea is to find the amount of healthy carbohydrates that works best
for your body. To lose weight, for instance, you would want to find a
level of carbs that will provide you with maximum nutrition, while
losing about one to two pounds per week. Individual lifestyle factors
must be considered in this equation as well. Exercise and/or activity
levels, amount of weight to lose, health issues and age are just some
of the elements that dictate how many grams of carbohydrates you should
eat per day. A doctor that practices pro low carb nutrition will able
to help you determine the right levels for your needs. It is always
advised to check with your healthcare professional before changing your
health and nutritional routines.
Generally, 20 grams of carbohydrates per day is considered very low and
usually just for "jump starting" the process. Maintenance carb grams,
to stay at a desired weight, can range widely between individuals, from
under 50 grams per day to as high as 100 or more. The bottom line is, a
low carb way of eating is focused on health and balance. Eat good
proteins, good fats, and good carbs.
On the reverse, no carbohydrate plans are dangerous. Every low carb
plan I have read acknowledges this essential fact and being that I am a
low carb book reviewer I have read many. I do not know of any low carb
plan that encourages no carbs at all for anything more than a very
short time or for a specific purpose. And if you find one, avoid it,
for your health's sake. The body cannot maintain health without
carbohydrates. This is a simple, fundamental, biological fact.
How did the "no carb/low carb" misunderstanding start? There are
programs that advocate a short-term, severely low or no carb
introduction period, for cleansing the body, getting a fresh start with
the new lifestyle, and other reasons. The news media, along with
partially informed public opinions seemed to focus on this particular
restricted part of one or two popular programs, and did not seem to
realize that there is so much more to the low carb lifestyle.
For starters low carb plans encourage a lifestyle that means cutting out artificial foods, trans fats,
and refined carbohydrates, what are known as "white carbs." These
include refined white sugar, bleached wheat flour, white rice, etc.
Eating low carb does not mean eliminating nutrient-rich, low-starch
vegetables or fresh fruits. And finally low carb plans teach that
eating controlled amounts of good carbs and eliminating bad carbs are
essential to a healthy lifestyle.
The next time someone
says they think no carb diets are bad, agree with them! "No carb" diets
are very bad, but a "low carb plan" is nutritionally sound,
scientifically valid and has improved the health and waistlines of
millions of people! And those are the facts. |
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