Low carb dieting is appealing to a large number of weight loss seekers mainly because of its claim to quick results.

However, before opting in to this type of plan, make sure that you understand everything involved.


A low carb diet focuses on eating lots of protein and limiting or altogether avoiding carbohydrates.

The reason for limiting carbohydrates is that they are easily converted into fat.

So, in theory, by eating few or no carbohydrates, you take out the possibility of something being turned into fat.

This then is supposed to cause you to lose fat (weight).

But the question is, so does low-carb dieting really work or not?

As with many “quick fix” weight loss plans, it does, but only for a short time.

What it really comes down to is that your body needs carbohydrates.

When it becomes starved for them, it starts taking its energy from glycogen stores.

A bit of science here. . .for every gram of glycogen, there are four grams of water attached.

So, what you are actually losing when you lose weight?

Mostly water.

It might look good for a while but as soon as you start eating carbohydrates again, as you will eventually have to do, you will gain back the water weight. 

What you need to keep in mind that any type of diet which claims that you need to only do it for a little while and then return back to “normal” eating habits will never work.

Instead of focusing on a diet, you need to change your lifestyle and eating habits.

This scares many people because they think it means never eating a piece of chocolate or French fry again.

That’s not the reality.

In fact, the strict quick diets are what enforce this kind of “no exception” concept.

Then, when the diet is over, as it eventually must be because you cannot continue to adhere to such strict restrictions, you gain back the weight.

Additionally, the extreme restriction of carbohydrate intake long term can result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies, bone loss and gastrointestinal disturbances and may increase risks of various chronic diseases.

So, I believe in a reduction of carbs, but not a complete restriction.

Moderation is key.

Allowing splurges to be the exception, not the rule.

Limiting carb intake may assist in preventing or improving serious health conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

Actually, almost any diet that helps you shed excess weight can reduce or even reverse risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Most weight-loss diets — not just low-carb diets — may improve blood cholesterol or blood sugar levels, at least temporarily…if the diet change is also temporary.

A good weight loss and maintenance plan is doable for a long time.

It involves putting healthy food into your body, whole grains, healthy proteins, fruits, vegetables, fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids and cutting down, if not eliminating on the bad stuff like sugar, processed and fried foods, etc.

Can you eat the bad ones every once in a while too? Yes. Of course!

Just try to be mindful of how often you are doing it.

Of course, to get the best results with losing weight loss and maintaining your goal weight, you also want to be doing some sort of light, regular activity.

Make it something that you enjoy or that already fits into your schedule.

For example, some people who live in the city can actually walk to work….

It might actually take the same amount of time than sitting in traffic or on public transportation. 

Bottom line.

Low carb dieting is one of the many diets that offer short-term results.

Stick to something more realistic that you can follow for a lifetime, a true Lifestyle change.