Atkins & Low Carb Part 6In this series of articles we have focused on low-carb dieting. Is it right for YOU? We have looked at some of the concerns with low-carbing, we've examined the diets of bodybuilders, and we've explained exactly how carbohydrates react in the body. In this final article on the topic of carbs, we will attempt to answer the million dollar question: should YOU start a low-carb diet? * THE EXPERTS On the other hand, there are some doctors who look at the results achieved on low-carb or no-carb diets and say (like some of us have): you can't argue with results! * THE RESEARCH The Atkins group has well-done studies proving that their diet results in weight loss and lower cholesterol. The South Beach folks can quote even more studies. Both groups also do a very good job of trotting out some very convincing before-and-after pictures of people (just like us!) who have seen results on the low-carb diets. On the other hand, there is no shortage of research proving that low-carb diets are unsafe and ineffective. A study by Linda van Horn of Northwestern University in Chicago assessed more than 4,000 people in the United States, Britain, Japan and China, asking them to write down everything they had eaten over two 24-hour periods. "Lo and behold, what we did find is that without exception, a high complex-carbohydrate, high-fiber, high vegetable-protein diet was associated with low body-mass index (the standard measure of healthy weight)," Van Horn said. The more animal protein a person ate, the higher his or her weight, she said. It's easy to see that the research conflicts on this issue, as it does on many topics. * THE ROLE MODELS Bodybuilders and fitness models get their carbs from QUALITY sources including brown rice, vegetables, fruit and yams. * PHONE A FRIEND! Most of us have a friend or family member that has lost weight on a low-carb plan. Sometimes they've even lost a SIGNIFICANT amount of weight. All that anecdotal evidence can't be wrong, can it? As we learned in a previous article on this topic, low-carb diets will help you lose weight! There's enough research and evidence out there now to fully support that claim. But is it the 'right' weight, and is it 'safe' weight? Especially during the first two weeks on a low-carb diet, much of the weight loss is attributable to water loss. Falling off the diet, or introducing carbohydrates back into the body, will result in faster-than-normal weight gain from replenished glycogen stores. Another HUGE concern with low-carb weight loss success is whether or not it is 'safe' weight loss. We're not talking about heart health or cholesterol levels, but right now we're discussing fat loss vs. muscle loss. After all, nobody wants to lose muscle, do they? When we talk about wanting to lose weight, it's just understood that we want to lose FAT! On a low-carb diet, it is very possible to lose far too much weight from muscle and not enough weight from fat. (For more information on the distinction between fat loss and muscle loss, go to www.letspickupthepace.com and check out the e-book titled "The #1 Mistake People Make In Their Weight Loss Efforts"). So although our friends and family may have experienced weight loss on a low-carb diet, that fact alone is not enough to convince US to try it too. * CAN WE STICK WITH IT? Before attempting to lose weight on a low-carb (or ANY) diet, you simply must ask yourself 'Can I stick with it?'. If you love pasta and pizza, then the answer is probably no. * THE MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION Sorry to disappoint you, but NOBODY can answer that question for you. You, and only you, know if a low-carb diet is something you can stick with for life. There is, however, a list of questions you can (and should!) ask yourself before taking the plunge into low-carb mania: Low-carb (or even no-carb) dieting MAY be safe and effective for you. Only your doctor can help you answer that question. In addition, Low-carb (or even no-carb) dieting MAY be something you can stick with for life. Only you can answer that question. * OUR FINAL ANSWER Melanie Polk, RD, is the Director of Nutrition Education at the American Institute for Cancer Research. "We already know how to lose weight and keep it off," said Polk. "It's not a secret: eat less, EXERCISE MORE. Instead of eliminating all carbohydrates, choose whole-grain options and beans with the fiber to fill you up and provide energy throughout the day. Add vegetables and fruits while cutting back on animal protein and fat." Doctors agree that exercise is critical to achieving a healthy fitness level for life. Not just a healthy weight, but a healthy fitness level!! * Copyright 2005 Pick Up The Pace. Permission is not required for the distribution of Pick Up The Pace articles as long as they are used in their entirety, are properly credited to Pick Up The Pace, and are accompanied by our website link: www.letspickupthepace.com. * The information in this article and on this site is for general reference purposes only and not intended to address specific medical conditions. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Prior to participating in any exercise program or activity, you should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional. No information in this article or on www.letspickupthepace.com should be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. Tracie Johanson is the founder of Pick Up The Pace, a 30-minute exercise studio for women, focusing on fitness, health and nutrition for maximum weight loss. 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