Carbohydrates and Weight Loss

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The way to lose weight today it seems is by reducing the amount of carbs you digest. However, as people are reducing their carbs they are also reducing their energy. Carbs are what fuels a lot of your organs such as the kidneys, brain, and central nervous system. The popularity of a low carb diet is increasing but physicians are not supporting it. What happens on these low carb diets is you consume a lot of saturated fat. This diet also limits you on the fruits, vegetables and whole grains you can eat. All of these are a great source of energy.

How does it work?

When you reduce your carb intake you burn glycogen. Glycogen contains a lot of water so burning it will actually increase urination, causing you to lose weight. When you are burning fat with no carbs in your diet you create byproducts called ketones (this is a substance waste product that's created when your body busts down fat for energy). Ketones build up in the bloodstream decreasing your appetite. These diets are usually high in fat which take longer to digest, so you feel fuller for a longer period of time. While on this diet you are restricted as to what you can consume which also reduces how many calories you ingest.

Is "Low Carb" bad for me?

Low carb isn't bad for you in the sense that it reduces the calorie intake which is what leads to you losing weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is good if you have health problems such as obesity or diabetes. However what happens when you lower your carb intake is the body starts to break down your muscles and tissue to use for energy.

Can I eat carbs and still lose weight?

Carbohydrates make you gain weight is a pretty misleading statement. It all depends on how you eat them and your portion size. If you put yourself on a diet that is high in whole grains, veggies, fruits or any complex carbohydrate and is low in fat and calories, you will have the best chance at losing weight. By eating these carbs you aren't depriving your body on the nutrition it needs to help fight against sickness and disease.

Good Carbohydrates

Selecting the best unrefined low glycaemic index carbohydrates; Examples of these would be whole grains, fruits and veggies. Stay away from cakes and candy. Substitute those yummy mashed potatoes for yams. Be sure to include a protein to your meal. A protein will stabilize your blood sugar levels.

The Glycaemic Index

The Glycaemic Index (GI) is commonly used for rate carbs. The GI can measure the level of blood sugar levels in the food. Foods are rated on a GI scale out of 100. Complex Carbs carry a large rate on the GI scale and simple sugars of course have a larger rate.

Sources: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/BHCV2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Weight_loss_and_carbohydrates?OpenDocument

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/low-carb-diet/NU00279

http://www.womenfitness.net/carbs.htm