Alternatives to Surgery: Low Carbohydrate Diets
This is part 2 of our ongoing series- Alternatives to Surgery.
Another alternative to weight loss surgery is having a low carbohydrate or low carb diet. Well known versions of low carb diets include the Protein Power and Atkins diets, where one focuses on fats and proteins instead of sugars and starches. These diets have been popularized by the media but the American Heart Association does not recommend this diet as high levels of fat and protein may lead to heart disease. Recently, researchers reviewed 94 trials and found that a the weight loss component of a low carb diet was based on increased satiety and a decreasing calorie consumption. Overall, low carb diets can be a good way to potentially lower weight. However, I would advise not to focus that much on the fats and proteins, as those may have other adverse effects. Instead, if you want to have a low carb diet, avoid eating crackers, cereals, breads and sweets, and instead focus on a Vegeterian diet. Fruits and vegetables, eaten moderately should be good of your health and its delicious tastes can help keep your appetite happy. From the general research point of view, there are no significant adverse effects of a low carb diet.
For more information about low carb dieting, I would consult a professional who specializes in Low Carbohydrate diets.
January 3rd, 2009 at 12:52 am
Great posts. I didn’t know that the American Heart Association does not recommend doing the low carb diets that focus on fats. And yes, so is it true that the Atkins and Protein Power diets are popular because the press made it so?