What are low-carbohydrate diets?
The meaning of “low carbohydrate” varies from diet to diet. Some diets recommend extreme restriction of all carbohydrates, while others merely limit carbohydrates to primarily whole grains. What “low carbohydrate” means really depends on the diet and how it is followed. Two of the most popular diets, the Atkins and South Beach diets, show this contrast. Dr. Atkins’ New Diet RevolutionTM The main objectives of the Atkins Diet are to remove “carbohydrate cravings,” “reset” the body’s metabolism, and induce fat loss by eliminating carbohydrate-containing foods. The premise is that all carbohydrate-containing foods, regardless of whether they are high in fiber, contain whole grains, or have vitamins and minerals, are responsible for weight gain because of the way they affect blood sugar and the hormone insulin. Insulin regulates blood glucose levels and is released by the body after a person eats carbohydrates. The diet contends that insulin, not the types or quantity of foods, leads to an
