Why Low Carb Diets Work

Low carb diets are actually very simple in their functioning and effectiveness. The reason that many low fat diets do not work is that they fail to limit the intake of carbohydrates, which are full of calories and broken down into sugar that is, in turn, stored as fat. So while you may not be ingesting fat, your body is "reading" the massive intake of carbs as a source of energy. If you don't use that energy (and it would take a GREAT DEAL of exercise to use all of it), it turns instead to fat. Granted, this is a simplified explanation, but probably the most accurate way of explaining the ineffectiveness of many diets.

Low carbohydrate diets, on the other hand, force the body to rely on existing fat or muscle for energy rather than what is actually ingested. Muscle uses the protein that you ingest to regenerate, while your energy comes from fat. But be CAREFUL, if you go overboard on a low carb diet, and try to lose more weight than you should, or try to unnaturally limit your intake of food in general, your body will begin burning muscle for energy...this is NOT what you want to do and is quite unhealthy.

When lowering the intake of carbohydrates, and using fat or muscle to produce energy, the body produces something called "ketones" and the body is said to be in a state of "ketosis" (not "ketoacidosis," which is a dangerous condition). Low carb diets have been derided by many for this very reason, with some "experts" claiming that this is an unhealthy state. Dr. Atkins, however, suggests taking nutrition supplements along with a diet high in proteins and low in carbs. This can be an effective manner of alleviating any difficulties that can arise from a low carb diet. Also remember that drinking plenty of water is a good idea ALL THE TIME, but is particularly important when on a low carb diet, during which ketones will tend to flush water from the body (especially in the beginning stages, and very much less later on).

You also don't wish to lose water weight, so drink plenty of water and focus on losing fat while retaining muscle. With plenty of water, many high protein foods, a low to moderate intake of carbs, exercise, and possibly nutritional supplements, you can be healthy and lose fat at the same time. Like any diet, it is preferable to lose weight over an extended time period and then to keep that weight off. While you may lose a large sum of weight when first starting the Atkins or other low carb diet, it's generally a long-term approach that will make such diets a success.

After having successfully begun the diet, your body will begin relying on stored fat for energy, and your muscles will use the protein you ingest to replenish themselves. This is the perfect state and will assure that unwanted fat goes by the wayside while muscle is maintained. If you feel uncomfortable lowering carb intake to that which Dr. Atkins suggests, simply cut carb intake in your normal diet and see what the affects are.