In current days, when you talk about weight loss, carbohydrates are seen as bad guys in the picture. The consequence? Tons of diets emerged where this macro nutrient is almost fully prohibited…

So, what is a Low Carb Diet?

Just as the name points out, it’s a diet where a very low intake of carbohydrates occurs. Low Carb Diet don’t mean zero carbs, they just limit their daily consumption. Normally, very generally speaking, they are diets that allow below 130g of carbs per day

What can you eat?

There are no banned foods at this points, but of course foods high in carbs are limited. That means that food like bread, pasta, rice, sweets and even a few fruits are severely restricted.

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Meal examples:

• Breakfast: Omelet  with peppers, onion, light cheese and a side of fruit.
• Lunch: A generous salad bowl, containing different types of raw leaves with pieces of meat or fish. Depending on the carbohydrates available for that diet, the salad might have some croutons or fruit.
• Dinner: A protein source rich in fat, like salmon, beef or pork with sautéed vegetables and some type of low carb vegetable/tuber like carrots or pumpkin.
• Snacks: Nuts, cheese, dried meat, protein bars…

Now let’s take a look at the pros and cons!

Pros:

1. Since carbohydrates make up for a large percentage of the calories that a person eats throughout the day, cutting carbs is a simple way to cut calories. This calorie cut will contribute to fat loss, and that’s why many people think that this type of diet is more efficient.
2. By reducing carbohydrates, most people tend to increase their intake of fiber and protein, which helps both in fat loss and hunger satiety.

Cons:

1. The crucial aspect to retain is that carbohydrates aren’t monsters.
2. Carbs are our main source of energy, even though it’s possible to obtain energy from carbs and fats, carbs are by far the most efficient way to fill up the tank.
3. By cutting carbs you’ll feel more fatigued and lose performance during your workouts. If strength and muscle mass are concerns of yours, you shouldn’t ban this macro nutrient.
4. Even if you’re in a low carb diet, you can still gain fat, since those diets are normally higher in fat.
5. Carbohydrate levels should be based on a person’s weight and physical activity.

With that being said…

Here is where the superiority of flexible dieting is revealed, since it allows a customization to each person’s needs. By having control/goals regarding macro nutrients, we are able to understand what our body requires to achieve a certain result or goal. It’s like preparing a formula 1 racing car for a specific race. Each person is an independent and unique body, so it makes perfect sense that their diet should be so as well.

Have the best of both world with no diabolical sacrifices.