Low Carb Isn't No Carb 

The low carb "diet" has been controversial since its earliest introduction to twentieth century society. Recently, however, "low carb" has exploded into mainstream awareness. This is evident by the numerous, and growing, array of new low carb friendly products. 

Actually, "low carb" has gone even further than that; it has become a mainstream diet and even trend. With all the advancements, popularity and celebrity endorsements, and all the proof that the low carb lifestyles work and are safe, why are there are still many people who hear the words "low carb" and cringe?

For those of us who live the low carb lifestyle, this has been a mixed blessing. There has been a greater acceptance, variety of foods, availability of information, and perhaps best of all, a wider community we can easily find people to share our lifestyle with and no longer feel like social outcasts. However, even with these positives, a serious misunderstanding has developed. Somewhere along the societal path of low carb enlightenment, a division has threatened the truth of the low carb lifestyle.

So, let me state it here, clear and loud: Low carb is not no carb. The media began reporting on low carb plans and lifestyles before they fully understood the basic principles. As a result, terms "low carb" and "no carb" were used interchangeably. This is an unfortunate oversight, to say the least, as the low carb truth is suffering for the difference between low and no carb is blurred, even non-existent, to many people!

I am always a little surprised when I meet someone who does not see the difference between "no carbohydrates in the diet" and "low carbohydrate eating plans." There is a vast, huge, definitive difference! First and foremost is the health factor.

The entire purpose of the low carb lifestyle is health and wellness. Losing weight is a terrific by-product, but the core principle of "low carbing" is for improved health, stamina, vigor, improved blood sugar levels, cholesterol, glucose regulation, more energy, sleeping better, increased overall well-being, and many other physical benefits. The “Low Carb Lifestyle. I think could easily be renamed, The Wellness Eating Principle. The most basic premise of the low carb principle is, eating healthy, nutrition-rich, fiber dense, physically sustaining and efficient foods. The more natural and wholesome, the better.

Common sense, along with healthcare professionals who advocate low carb principles, agree that to eat healthy, you need a moderate amount of nutritionally-rich foods. This definitely includes carbohydrates! All foods, except pure meats and fats (generally speaking), have some type of carbs. The low carb eating lifestyle includes carbohydrates, but healthy carbs. We are supposed to eat green, fresh, rich veggies, along with fruits, nuts, and yes, even grains! The crucial distinction here is to eat healthy, effective carbohydrates in moderation. Balance, nutrition and low carbohydrates are what a low carb plan centers on.

The idea is to find the amount of healthy carbohydrates that works best for your body. To lose weight, for instance, you would want to find a level of carbs that will provide you with maximum nutrition, while losing about one to two pounds per week. Individual lifestyle factors must be considered in this equation as well. Exercise and/or activity levels, amount of weight to lose, health issues and age are just some of the elements that dictate how many grams of carbohydrates you should eat per day. A doctor that practices pro low carb nutrition will able to help you determine the right levels for your needs. It is always advised to check with your healthcare professional before changing your health and nutritional routines.

Generally, 20 grams of carbohydrates per day is considered very low and usually just for "jump starting" the process. Maintenance carb grams, to stay at a desired weight, can range widely between individuals, from under 50 grams per day to as high as 100 or more. The bottom line is, a low carb way of eating is focused on health and balance. Eat good proteins, good fats, and good carbs.

On the reverse, no carbohydrate plans are dangerous. Every low carb plan I have read acknowledges this essential fact and being that I am a low carb book reviewer I have read many. I do not know of any low carb plan that encourages no carbs at all for anything more than a very short time or for a specific purpose. And if you find one, avoid it, for your health's sake. The body cannot maintain health without carbohydrates. This is a simple, fundamental, biological fact.

How did the "no carb/low carb" misunderstanding start? There are programs that advocate a short-term, severely low or no carb introduction period, for cleansing the body, getting a fresh start with the new lifestyle, and other reasons. The news media, along with partially informed public opinions seemed to focus on this particular restricted part of one or two popular programs, and did not seem to realize that there is so much more to the low carb lifestyle.

For starters low carb plans encourage a lifestyle that means cutting out artificial foods, trans fats, and refined carbohydrates, what are known as "white carbs." These include refined white sugar, bleached wheat flour, white rice, etc. Eating low carb does not mean eliminating nutrient-rich, low-starch vegetables or fresh fruits. And finally low carb plans teach that eating controlled amounts of good carbs and eliminating bad carbs are essential to a healthy lifestyle.

The next time someone says they think no carb diets are bad, agree with them! "No carb" diets are very bad, but a "low carb plan" is nutritionally sound, scientifically valid and has improved the health and waistlines of millions of people! And those are the facts.