Low Carbohydrate Diets can cause Weight Gain

   A new study indicates that low-carbohydrate diets may actually cause weight gain by increasing the production of a hormone that increases belly fat. Low carbohydrate diets restrict caloric intake by reducing the consumption of carbs to 20 to 60 grams per day which is about 20% of the daily caloric intake. The consumption of protein and fat is increased to compensate for part of the calories that formerly came from carbohydrates. Diets that restrict calories can actually make it harder to lose weight and keep it off by increasing the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, which is linked to added belly fat. The study is concluding that cutting calories increases cortisol. This is said to be why dieters are having a hard time keeping weight off in the long-term. 
   People who count calories feel stressed and the reduction in calories increases cortisol, so you are getting a double hit and the body retains weight in stead of losing it. No matter how you do it, cutting calories is going to raise your cortisol levels.
   The term 'dieting' brings to mind deprivation, starvation, being miserable and uncomfortable and ultimately failing to lose weight. Burning more calories than you consume is how your body loses weight. Severe caloric restriction, diet fads, pills and potions, detox cleanses and other quackey approaches to lose weight only contribute to peoples diet failures and the likelihood of regaining even more weight than what was lost.
   The best way to drop unwanted pounds is to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors that include eating a variety of healthy foods, physical activity, patience and a game plan. Not creating a step by step plan is why nearly all people who start weight loss programs fail to reach their goals. Starting a weight loss program takes discipline, motivation, and a desire to make behavioral changes and finding support can be very helpful. Experts can help you with certain strategies that will make the process less stressful then it has to be. 
   Food itself can be used to relieve stress, but when food is restricted, something else should take its place. In general, dieting alone is not all that useful. You also need to be active for life. Eating foods of higher overall nutritional value will fill you up,and there will be no need the deprive yourself  or starve while trying to change your life for the better. 

LIKE I ALWAYS PREACH: EAT RIGHT, LIVE RIGHT, TRAIN WITH WAYNE.  


 Information gathered from:
Janet Tomiyama- University of California at San Francisco 
Samantha Heller- Dietitian, Nutritionist, and Exercise Physiologist
Dr. David L. Katz- Yale University