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To
try it, or not to try it. That is the question desperate dieters are faced with when
selecting a new slimming program.
Sometimes when we embark on a new diet journey, we find
some of its faults and flaws after we’ve invested too much time
and discipline to turn back.
If you haven’t begun a low-carb eating regime, now is a
good time to take a look at the pros and cons.
For
many, the cons will not apply. If you have no existing health issues, then this could quite
be the “perfect” diet.
| Pro:
Low
carbohydrate consumption makes for speedy weight loss. |
| Con:
Speedy weight loss can cause serious health problems. |
| Pro:
High protein consumption can help alleviate joint and muscle
pain. |
| Con:
High protein consumption can harm unhealthy or
unstable kidneys. |
|
Pro:
High fat intake can help with hormone regulation. |
|
Con:
High fat intake can cause heart-related illness in
people with existing heart conditions. |
| Pro:
There are MANY new foods being produced for low carb
dieters. |
| Con:
If you’re on a budget, you won’t be able to
afford to eat anything but eggs! |
| Pro:
Ketosis (burning fat for fuel) can make weight loss
result immediately. |
| Con:
Ketosis causes bad breath, sour sweat, and strongly
odored urine. |
| Pro:
Exercise during a carbohydrate-restricted diet is
highly effective. |
| Con:
During the first week, you don’t have enough energy
to get out of bed, let alone exercise. |
| Pro:
Bread and pasta cravings will subside within a
few days. |
| Con:
One taste off a friend’s plate can cause you to
fall off the wagon. |
| Pro:
Lactose intolerance becomes a thing of the past. |
| Con:
The first few days of ketosis cause painful acid
reflux. |
| Pro:
Increased water consumption helps the body’s
processes and helps to eliminate fluid retention. |
| Con:
With all the water you’re drinking, you’ll be
visiting the restroom frequently. |
| Pro:
You’ll see drastic results on the scale within a
week. |
| Con:
You’ll see drastic reverse results on the scale
within a week of eating normal again. |
Before
starting a diet, it’s always important to speak to other people
who have experience with it.
Some people experience side effects on a low-carbohydrate
diet. But taking
health precautions can eliminate these.
| Problem:
Spasms and very painful leg cramps |
| Solution:
Potassium supplement that contains calcium. |
| Problem:
Weakness when beginning the diet. |
| Solution:
Frequent high-protein, high-fat snacks.
Herbal teas which contain Ginseng. |
| Problem:
Inability to restrict caffeinated beverages due to
addiction. |
| Solution:
GRADUALLY decrease amount of caffeine.
Mix decaf and regular coffee and decrease caffeine
amounts slowly over a few weeks to avoid side effects. |
| Problem:
Work or school cafeteria only serves high-carb meals
and snacks. |
| Solution:
Pack your own snacks and lunches.
String cheese is very portable and has 0-2 carbs per
serving (depending on brand.) |
| Problem:
Not enough variety in the menu. |
| Solution:
There are MANY new cookbooks and foods on the
Internet. |
| Problem:
Family does not support this way of eating. |
| Solution:
Explain the health benefits (as outlined in “Dr.
Atkins’ New Diet Revolution”) If they can’t support
your decision, that’s OK.
Follow your heart.
Once they see the results, chances are they’ll
become interested. |
No
one can help you make a decision on what diet is right for you.
Always consult your physician before making any lifestyle
changes.
---Tiffany
is not a doctor and has written this article from conversations
and postings on message boards. |
