Are low carb diets really the best way to lose weight?

Question

Dr. Berg, a well know doctor on YouTube always endorses it. Is it really though? Or is calorie cutting & counting just as effective? Which out of the two is best for weight loss?

Кураж · Accepted Answer

Yes, low carb diets are the best way to lose weight because insulin is an inhibitor of fatty acid metabolism- the process that breaks down your body fat into it's constituents and turns them into energy.

Your insulin levels remain high if you continue to eat carbs.
Without carbs your insulin levels will fall sharply, so the inhibiting effects will be reduced to a minimum.

On a low carb diet, you can lose up to 30% more fat than you would by going on a diet with an EQUAL calorie deficit.
How is that possible? Because even though energy in VS energy out is a strict math, the actual chemical processes that transform fat into energy are limited by the availability of various chemicals in your body.

Where does the energy "go"?
Nowhere, you simply won't have energy on a higher carb diet because it won't be metabolized as efficiently, you will feel worse, you will feel weaker, you will feel hungry faster.

Always cut carbs first on a diet, it's very important.

HighlyVolatile · Accepted Answer

I think among all the conflicting ideas of health, at least refined carbs (low in fiber) are something that most seem to agree we should avoid/moderate. Besides all this fancy stuff delving into insulin sensitivity, for example, I think far more people are carb addicts (addicted to bread, pasta, pizza, french fries, etc) than protein or fat addicts. The usual MO of someone overweight is that they are consuming like 60% more of their calories in carbs, and so that's why I think low-carb might work for so many beyond hormones. Most people's favorite junk is carb-heavy.

wheresmrcunnunglis · Accepted Answer

Nothing beats exercise. Specifically strength training with weights. You don't have to go heavy. Try and make your goal to lift 20 lbs per arm and when doing squats and you will see major results in 6 months. When it comes to the frequency don't get rigid about which specific day you of the week you go. Just strive to workout at least once a week to build the confidence within yourself that you can do it and take it from there.

I feel strength training is the way to go due to how much calories and fat it burns during and after session up to 48 to 72 hours. That has been my experience and I consider myself a casual exerciser since my schedule with working out fluctuates depending on how I feel.

sunflower00 · Accepted Answer

No. We need carbs. Obviously 100% of your diet should not be carbs but we need a healthy balance and it all depends on your goals - I aim for 40% carbs, 35% protein & 25% fat, but carbs should be anywhere between 40-65% of your daily intake I believe.

Massageman · Answer

Depends on the type of calories since the quality and type of carbs/calories you eat is important too.
If most people were to just eliminate most "junk" calories- highly refined white bread, junk candy (chocolate is an exception), soda pop every day, etc., that would be a significant start right there.
The body has to have "complete protein" with all of the "essential amino acids" available simultaneously for the body to maintain and build muscle most effectively.

After they get their plan cleared by their medical doctor and/or dietician, I suggest that a my clients start an exercise routing that includes some cardio, but also includes 6-day per week strength building- lower body, upper body, core, lower body, upper body, core, rest day.
After a month or two of exercising, then start to work some rational changes into your eating plan.

VinnyMac · Answer

I cannot keep track of how many diets there are any more. Not everyone's body reacts the same way to different foods. There are people who would benefit from talking to a dietician, nutritionist, Doctor or someone who specializes in natural foods, herbal remedies and vitamins.

I don't know much about low carb diets; however, I do know many people who have really benefited from being on it.

I've always felt though that the key to staying healthy and keeping your weight down is all about moderation.

genericname85 · Answer

yes, they absolutely are. the less carbs the better. because carbs (which basically metabolize into the same shit as sugar does) is what actually ends up being stored in the fat cells. and while your body is busy putting the sugars into the fat cells, it can physiologically not at the same time take from that storage at the same time, cause the bio-chemical path ways are blocked by the storing process.

so that bullshit narrative in the food industry that "fat makes you fat and unhealthy" sounds actually very logical and convincing. but it is factually untrue. fat is good for you. if youir body runs on fat, it won't store fat. sugar (and carbs) is the killer for every diet.

not only will you lose yor body fat quicker on a low carb diet. you will also be more sated and less hungry while you're doing it.

gfedcba · Answer

I've studied meditation since I was a kid, so the diet brought up urges and cravings, but I knew how to use my thoughts to re-wire my brain, like a drug addict in recovery, over time, my brain lost its craving, but when I'm abusing drugs (food), this process can never take place, so a diet with discipline, sacrifice, and focus will work, as you already know what to do, the issue is doing it to a sufficient extent to produce/maintain results.

For Keto in particular, it does wonders for teeth, as no carbs makes it impossible for plaque from sugar to sustain itself, once the habit is wired in. The process, once applied as a whole, and mastered, but like a musician, takes time, patience, and discipline, creates a complete atmosphere to success.

Anonymous · Answer

Before doing any diets it’s. Best to consult with a dietician.

Myself? I am 6’3 and was 290lbs. 40% body fat.

Had blood pressure of 140/110 and was pre diabetic.

I tried a keto diet, went down to 270lbs but went up to 300lbs within 2 months as soon as I stopped.

3 years ago, I moved to Norway and followed this very simple plan.

Breakfast : almond milk, avocado, flaxseed meal, Greek yoghurt and blueberries.

Lunch : Grilled chicken with 2 cups of broccoli.

Dinner : Meat and 2 vegetables.

I walked 3km to work, rain, snow or shine.

Weekends did breakfast as a brunch and dinner as per normal. Then did a hike or a bicycle ride somewhere that lasted at least 2 hours.

Lost 10lbs each month and all my size 44” pants could no longer be worn.

sheikalana · Answer

For me what works the best is eating really healthy foods and in small portions combined with intermittent fasting. I cannot eat a big portion of carbs as my body doesn't digest carbs very well and I easily get constipated but I still need to eat carbs once in a while so I can have some energy.

Quidthonian · Answer

I have lost my weight by sheer calorie counting. I didn't cut anything out of my diet. I signed up for an app and weighed everything I ate. The app added up the calories.

Recently, I returned to the process. I am in the first stage where my weight is holding still. However, my self-discipline is not how I want it.

Guy13 · Answer

Low Calorie with no carbs, pure protein at 1700 calories with 250 Wirk calories daily except Wednesday and Sunday‼️ Rest, Recovery, and Good Sleep are super important. Don’t need the stupid powder con…

LivingExample · Answer

Calorie Cutting and Counting are both important. Counting is important because people Underestimate how much they really eat. Cutting is important because intake must Lower than what is needed to lose weight. Low carb just makes Protein and Fat more important, but people still need carbs!

bamesjond0069 · Answer

Depends on your exercise. If you exercise a lot id say keep the carbs. If you dont then cut them. Reason being carbs are basically empty calories. They are primarily for energy. If you aren't exercising you aren't expending much energy so little need for a lot of carbs.

Anonymous · Answer

It varies by person. Usually low carb people end up snacking more and eating sweets. Best thing to do is shrink your stomach by eating one meal a day, regardless of how unhealthy it is, and don’t drink or smoke. Even if you don’t want to exercise your stomach will shrink. Your body will burn fat. People need self control.

Levin · Answer

I eat loads of (complex) carbs dude, and lots of food in general.  And I have a six pack, and 11% body fat.

lrina · Answer

i don't think there is such a thing as the "best diet", since different diets work differently on different people.

dovendyret · Answer

I don't think diets are a good way to lose weight & most importantly maintain the desired weight - at least not when it comes to big weight losses.

Anonymous · Answer

For me yes I'm on a keto diet and it really helps but it depends on your body if you wanna go on a low carb diet I suggest keto it is very easy it seems hard but uts not that hard when you get used to it ther is sweets and everything on keto but the only bad thing is you can have up to Luke 20 carbs a day

Cuminginside · Answer

If your protein source is animal-based you are risking triggering gout so be careful. And spend the extra dollars on plant-based protein. Good luck

CJT13 · Answer

Look up coach Greg Doucette on YouTube. He likes to yell a lot but he has a lot of good fitness advice especially when it comes to dieting.

Kelly6 · Answer

carb are fuel for body to work. low carb supply to body will force body to use body fat as a alternative fuel to energize body. think as switching from gas car to electric car.

JohnO45 · Answer

In ny opinion yes, but only because you're eating less calories overall. Just don't go super low as you need fiber and some carbs to have a strong body and be able to shit lol. I wouldn't go under 60g carbs a day.

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

Carbs are the worst thing to make one gain weight so I believe he's right

Iron_Man · Answer

The best way is just to eat very healthy cut out the sweets and potato chips and get on the track every day and walk

Anonymous · Answer

Well I lost 70 lbs. In 7 months just strictly counting calories and doing 30 minutes of cardio a day.   I'm not saying it'll work for everybody but it worked for me.

In_Trance · Answer

You realize Dr Berg is not an actual Doctor? Accepting advice from his is no different than anyone else.

tponderingundead · Answer

i've heard they can be dangerous but are efficient if you really wanna lose weight.

Babygirl_S · Answer

Depends on the person. If you have a high metabolism then you don't need low carb diets.

VikingWarLord · Answer

Do 48 to 72 hour fasts once every week for a whole month.

Anonymous · Answer

Yes, but be careful not to starve your body of carbs.

TheSpaceGnome · Answer

Eating carbohydrates is the only way to get fat.

exitseven · Answer

It seems to work with me.

Staximus · Answer

Calories are calories.

EaterPeter · Answer

Body type and age matters too.

TsAubreyKate · Answer

No just go for a brisk jog everyday

Anonymous · Answer

low carb

Anonymous · Answer

Try keto

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