If you have followed this blog at all you will know that I am not a big fan of low card diets. Despite my beliefs, almost everyone that I talk with who is trying to lose weight is scared of eating carbohydrates. Because of many of the fad diets, people feel that the only way to lose weight is by not eating foods like bread, pasta, rice, and other grains.
If you look at the food pyramid that we learn in elementary school you will notice that the bottom piece of the pyramid is made up of these carbs. This means that it really should be the foundation of a balanced diet. Instead people try to eliminate these foods from their diets.
I like to share the story I often hear from many clients. They will tell me that they went out to eat and got some sort of burger or sandwich, but to justify it they tell me they didn't eat the bun or bread. I think this is funny when the bread was probably the most nutritious part of the meal. The burger is full of saturated fat and most likely covered with bacon, cheese, and mayo. Next time they should just eat the bun and throw away the rest. I've argued my case over and over but have a hard time winning. I explain my diet with clients saying I eat whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat pasta most days of the week and still can see all my abs. Is it the carbs that cause obesity or everything else in the diet that does it?
Either way if logic won't work with you maybe fear will. I found an extremely interesting research article on this topic. In the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition there was a study that compared High Protein Low Carb Diets (which you find in most weight loss programs) vs a Moderate Protein and Moderate Carb Diet.
The results were amazing. What they found was after four weeks on the low carb high protein diets there was a significant decrease in fecal cancer protective metabolites and an increased concentrations of hazardous metabolites. What this means is that those that followed this diet program saw bacteria that helps fight against cancer decrease with an increase in bacteria that may cause cancer.
Now I'm not saying that if you follow a low carb diet you will get colon cancer, but it seems that by decreasing your carbs you may be increasing your chances of running into problems in the future. I do think that following a proper diet program will prevent many diseases and issues from occurring. If there is a history of issues in your family you might want to re-evaluate your program.
Instead of stressing about eating carbs just focus on a well balanced diet. If you need assistance with any part of your diet program I am offering a 30 day nutrition counseling program. Please just email me at mike@sandiegopremiertraining.com for more information.
You Stay Healthy San Diego!
Mike Deibler MS, CSCS
San Diego Premier Training
My Workout Creator
