Low Carb Diets

Low carb diets have been around for a long time. They have recently become very popular (mainly due to the amount of press given to Dr. Atkins diet). There has been plenty of celebrity 'endorsement' and media coverage. Low carb diets come with their fair share of controversy given that the diet plans go against typical nutritional wisdom.

There is no strict (or official) definition of the words "Low Carb", and due to recent popularity, the phrase has become its own brand for selling products. Generally any diet with < 45% carbohydrate ratio could be considered low carb. However this can cover anything from no-carb to something like the Zone diet - with 40% carb ratio.

Do they work? There is evidence showing low carb diets have produced short-term weight loss*. However the jury is out concerning long-term weight loss.

A brief search of the Internet will produce an enormous range of opinions and points of view. It is essential to do some research before beginning a low carb diet - as the diet typically has a high drop-out rate - so it's worth doing your homework - such as buying a book (or downloading an e-book). Suggestions: Low Carb dieting for beginners by Dr. Tanya Zilberter (downloadable) or the One Low Carb diet that always works.

Be sensible with low carbohydrate plans. It has become fashionable in the US to be "very low-carb". This is not suitable for everybody.