The Truth About Low-Carb Diets
April 15, 2004

It seems impossible to go anywhere without hearing or seeing the words "low carb." What is a carb (or carbohydrate)? What is this craze all about? Is a low-carb diet right for everyone? Where can you find reputable information about low-carb diets? This week's e-Well Tip answers these questions and more.

CARBS ARE BAD FOR YOU
This is false. Carbohydrates are essential nutrients that fuel your body and give you the energy you need!

CARBS CAN MAKE YOU FAT
This can be true, but ALL foods can "make you fat" if you consume more calories than you burn off (through normal daily activity and exercise). It is often the type of carbohydrate that you are eating that leads to weight gain. Eating calorie-packed snack foods, high-fat and high-calorie fast food meals, and high-calorie drinks such as sodas and juices are usually the reason why people gain weight - it is not simply because they are eating too many carbs.

LOW-CARB DIETS ARE HEALTHY
This is false. All low-carb diets are not healthy - some are actually very unhealthy. Just because something is low in carbohydrates does not mean it is low in calories, low in unhealthy fats, or "good for you." Some low-carb diets lack sufficient amounts of essential nutrients and may lead to blood chemistry imbalances, constipation and other health problems. Look for a diet that is not very restrictive, includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains, limits unhealthy fats, and promotes exercise. To find out more about popular low-fat diets including the South Beach Diet, The Zone, and The Atkins Diet, visit the Mayo Clinic's website.

YOU WILL LOSE WEIGHT BY CUTTING CARBS
This is false. Cutting calories and/or burning calories through exercise is the best way to lose weight. If you simply replace carbohydrate calories with protein and fat calories, you will not lose weight. The best way to lose weight is to reduce the amount of refined carbohydrates in your diet (including breakfast foods like white bread toast, muffins or donuts, and snack foods like chips, candy or cookies). These foods pack lots of calories, and simply replacing these foods with heathier foods may lead to the weight lose you are hoping for. This doesn't mean you need to give them up forever - for example, switch from eating these foods everyday to eating these foods once or twice a week. Also be sure to add some exercise into your day, drink plenty of water, and find time to enjoy a few fruits and vegetables at mealtime or as a snack.

Stay Tuned...Next Week's e-Well Tip will have even more facts about low-carb diets!!

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