Can You Lose Weight with High Carb Diets?

With so many people caught on Atkins at Atkins like diets, you have to wonder, is there any way to lose weight with a high-carb diet?

The Atkins mind set screams no. Carbs, when not used, will accordingly turn to fat. As where eating little to no carbs forces the body into ketosis, where it will burn fat (body fat) for energy, and will more quickly diminish excess weight.

Atkins evidence and results seem to speak for themselves, but again we have to wonder, is there any way to lose weight while eating a mainly carb diet? The answer is a surprising yes. Even more surprising, studies show that it is more effective.

Now, before getting into the study results, let's look at what the groups were fed. In one group, the Atkins equivalent, they were fed mainly sausage, beef, and other meats (prescribed by the Atkins diet) to result in fat loss. While the other group were fed on primarily carbs. The carbs though were not white bread and sugar (it's still true that you won't lose weight with that junk), but a full course of complex carbs. Wheat bread and spaghetti, skimmed milk, fruits and vegetables, etc. All the "good" carbs.

The study showed that between the two (this study consisted of elderly people 60 years or older, so expect the results to be even better if you are younger) that the carb dieters, with OR without additional exercise, lost more weight than the Atkins equivalent.

What does that spell for the common consumer? You have been tricked. While the Atkins diet does make you lose weight, that is a fact, it is not as effective as a diet rich is healthy carbs and low in fat.

How do you know which carbs are good? Whole wheat carbs have a rougher and more robust texture, and will not digest quite as easily, hence why they have higher fiber. The best way to tell if a carb is good or not for you, put it in your mouth. If it melts quickly (such as white bread) on your tongue, it is a simple carb. If it stands up to your saliva, chances are it is a good, complex carb, and is good for your body.

Now, do I suggest skipping out on exercise because the study showed they still lost more weight? Absolutely not. To maximize your results, I would still say you should exercise.

So Atkins practitioners, maybe it's time to rethink your diet and your health.

(study published on: http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/High-carbs-for-weight-loss)