Low Carb

Most low carb diets emphasize eating a lot of protein. But too much protein can be bad for you. Find out the best way to go low carb.

Low Carb

Low Carb, High Protein Diets

Most people on a low carb diet are encouraged to eat a lot of protein. Why? Because your body uses carbohydrates for fuel, and if there are no carbs to burn, your body turns to burning fat and protein. Most high-protein foods are meats, most of which have a lot of cholesterol and saturated fat. The fat makes you feel full really fast, so you eat less at a meal overall. Being on a low carb diet and eating a lot of protein over a long period of time can raise your LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and lower your HDL (good cholesterol) levels. This puts you at risk for heart disease.

We're not saying protein is entirely bad, either. Its amino acids are essential to help build and repair muscles, and it's good for your internal organs, your hair and your nails. In addition, it aids in tissue formation and gets oxygen through your blood. The problem is that a lot of people, especially those on low carb diets, are consuming far more than what they really need. In fact, people on low carb diets get 34% of their calories from protein and 53% of their calories from fat. (You really only need to get 10-12% of your total calories from protein.) Other than the aforementioned heart disease, eating too much protein can lead to osteoporosis and kidney stones.

So What's the Best Way to Lose Weight?

By eating a balanced diet, including fruit and vegetables. In addition, you need to exercise. Exercise alone will not make you lose weight, but exercise combined with a balanced diet (in moderation) and cutting back on the bad carbs (anything made with white flour or refined sugars) and replace them with the good ones (whole wheat or whole grain breads, tortillas, cereals, whole wheat pasta, fruits and vegetables and long grain or brown rice. If you think you need to go low carb, this is the best way to do it.