Dieting: Low-Fat VS Low-Carb

Among different forms of diet, low-fat and low-carb diets are the most popular.

The low-fat diet follows a simple principle that, as your intake of fat increases you tend to become fatter and this increases problems of heart disease. Low-carb diet operates a simple principle that our bodies will be forced to use fat stores as energy, if we limit our immediate energy.

Both Low-fat and Low-carb diets worked equally well and finally it was proved that weight can be lost by any diet, by maintaining a low calorie intake, and thereby energy in, energy out principle worked appropriately.

Undoubtedly these diets maintain low level of calories, but the menu becomes repetitive. These diets are beneficial over temporary periods only. Your choice of food becomes limited as you have to severely restrict any one of the 3 macronutrients i.e., carbohydrates, protein or fats.

Low-Fat Diets

Risks of heart disease increases when your diet includes high amounts of fat especially saturated fat. In low fat diets your intake of butter, fish, fried foods, meats, modern fast food, processed foods and everything else high in fat is to be restricted. All these products produce lots of energy that is not needed, so it is better to maintain a safe distance from the above products.

However, moderate amounts of fat play an important role in our life. They are concentrated in the nervous system and the basis of every cell membrane in our body is comprised of fat. Some types of cholesterol are good and they are chemical bases for hormones. If all fat is eliminated from the body, then along with the unneeded fat even the essential fat is removed.

Health deteriorates with fried and processed food and saturated fat. Whereas Essential Fatty Acids like mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fatty acids decrease the risk of heart disease and are beneficial to the body. Cold pressed oils, flaxseed-oil, extra virgin, olive oil, fish and nuts are rich sources of good fats. If your diet fails to provide you with sufficient (good) fat, you can include supplements of Essential Fatty Acids in your diet.

Low Carb Diets

Atkins Diet is one of the most popular low-carb-diet currently. In this bread, grains, pasta, potatoes, rice, sugar and all other forms of carbohydrate-intake is restricted severely. It is basically popular for short-term weight loss. And a low caloric intake (about 1500 calories per day) produces direct results here.

Low caloric intake restricts variety and the menu becomes monotonous. Hence it becomes impossible to continue this diet over a lifetime. Samples of Atkins menu when examined showed 59% fat composition (containing too much of unhealthy and saturated fats). So it was proved that risks of heart disease and some cancer increased if one followed Atkins Diet for a lifetime.

Some carbohydrates are beneficial for our health and others are not. Flours, pastas, white sugar and other modern refined carbohydrates are the greatest contributing factors for over-weight and obesity. Natural substances in the food slow digestion, but when the products are refined digestion is faster, too much of energy is released within a short span of time and you tend to feel hungry within brief periods.

Restricting the intake of any of the macronutrients helps in weight loss for a short period. There are other satisfying alternative’s that help create a healthy lifestyle (that controls weight naturally) and helps balance energy. Your appetite is satisfied and the release of caloric energy is also slowed down, if you maintain a balanced intake of the 3 macronutrients.