When your friends, family, colleagues, healthcare professionals, the media and everyone you know are claiming low carb diets are dangerous, not effective or boring. Stand up and just say “It Ain’t So!”
I am soooooo tired of hearing and reading about how calories, not carbohydrate management, is the best way to lose weight or that meat eaters are more likely to die than those who abstain from eating meat. G-d only knows what’s coming next.
When researchers do not keep their studies objective, crazy things happen. For example, unhealthy meats that contain known cancer causing ingredients (such as nitrites) are put in the same category as other meats; the media attention reports “all meats are unhealthy”. The reality is that nothing new was proven, we know nitrates and nitrates can cause cancer but the responsible message should be “avoid meats that contain cancer causing ingredients”.
We have seen the headlines touting, “the real answer is calories matter more than the distribution of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.” However when looking at the research closely, you can see that the group following a low carb diet (one that was actually low enough to ignite fat burning) was not lowering carbs enough to be considered compliant with the plan.
When the truth is trumped by sensational headlines, it is difficult to stay true to yourself and your beliefs with all the hype. Pressure to conform can outweigh what you believe is vital to your weight and health.
I guess there is always room for theoretical discussions and debates, but many are debating about a subject they have little experience with. Just because you have no experience with low carb diets, it is not reason to abolish the whole philosophy. To just sweep low carb eating under the table or turn the other way when low carb is mentioned is like burying your head in the sand especially when it comes to all the research out there on the safety, efficacy and consumer support of low carb eating. The low carb way of eating is not going to disappear.
When objective research is done, we know that proper use of a low carb diet works more times than not. It is a healthy, delicious and nutritious option. Well at least that is why I started eating low carb…at least that was only after being ready to keep an open mind and I opened my eyes and ears to the truth. Only then could I free myself from believing the hype of big business, corrupt opinion leaders, less than objective researchers and unsuspecting healthcare professionals who still only see one side of the fence.
There are too many reserach studies published that support low carbohydrate diets to list all of them. These studies are being published around the world. Yet, for some reason they are not plastered ALL over the media.
Just to name a few researchers around the globe: Jörgen V Nielsen (Sweden), Katherine Morrison (England), Jay Wortman (Canada) and we cannot forget about the good ‘ole USA.
Dr. Richard Feinman, a researcher and professor of biochemistry at the Brooklyn, NY-based SUNY Downstate Medical Center, uses low carb diets to teach metabolism to medical students. He believes that very low carbohydrate diets should be “the one diet” to try first. Yep, you read right, try the low carb diet before any other diet to help treat metabolic conditions and promote good health.
He agrees that the burden of proof should be on low fat recommendations or, worse, those who say only calories count but, of course, things are turned around. A guide to the science behind the importance of carbohydrate restriction (available without subscription):
http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.co…-7075-2-31.pdf
http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.co…-7075-3-24.pdf
http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.co…3-7075-5-9.pdf
Results from research conducted by Darlene Dreon suggests that low fat diets for some people with a specific genetic predisposition can increase risk factors for heart disease.
Do you know any doctors that warn people of the potential risk found in Dreon’s study? Maybe physicians have not heard about it, it certainly did not make the headlines.
Medical doctors in the U.S. use low carbohydrate diets to help patients manage diabetes without the blood sugar high’s and low’s that medication can cause. This is also true for metabolic syndrome, high cholesterol, stomach complaints and many other medical conditions, so if you need a doctor look them up.
1. Eric Westman
2. Richard Wood
3. Keith Berkowitz
4. Richard K. Bernstein
5. Mary Vernon
This is big news. This should be headline news!
Dr. Jeff Volek, who is a registered dietitian from the University of Connecticut has demonstrated that low carb diets are more effective for all markers of metabolic syndrome. This is big news! Where are the headlines?
There is no low fat/low carb argument for the people who experience cravings, an increase in appetite or low energy levels after eating sugar laden foods or high carbohydrate low fat foods? I think most of you can attest to that!
The truth is that carbohydrate is the nutrient that has the most affect on internal eating cues and satiety switches? Excess carbohydrates more than any other nutrient triggers a hormonal cascade that starts with insulin. Insulin is a fat storing hormone and one that lowers blood sugar which in turn flips the “I’m hungry” switch. Leptin and ghrelin also affect the urge to eat.
It’s a good feeling to be able to help people who are following low carb diets. I tell it like it is from my heart and soul, from the very roots of my nutrition and medical education and experience. But most importantly, I feel comfortable thinking outside the box to help others find the path that works for them; whether it is for better health and nutrition, more self confidence in their choices, positive social and emotional support. I can make a difference and I am making a difference. You can make a difference too, stay true to yourself and “Don’t Believe the Hype”.
So please join me in saying, “It Ain’t So” when you hear crazy outrageous claims that make you concerned about your low carb eating regimen.
