For anyone who has ever dieted before, you probably have heard time and time again about how the "low-carb" diet is the way to go.
But why?
A low-carb diet consists of eating foods high in protein and fat (think: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and vegetables). While avoiding foods like grains, legumes, pasta, bread, sweets, and (some) fruits.
Endless celebrities, athletes, nutritionists, and even doctors swear by a low-carb diet for weight loss or a way to lose belly fat, while others hesitate against cutting out grains, legumes, and specific fruits.
It's clear that there are a few myths and misconceptions around limiting carbohydrate intake and increasing protein and healthy fat intake. So, what really is the deal with a low carb diet?
Let us debunk some of those low-carb myths out there and get straight to the healthy (and effective) dieting facts, shall we?
MYTH: Low Carb Eating = No Healthy Plants
Never, ever jump on board a diet train that tells you not to eat your greens whatsoever! They're absolutely necessary for a healthy body, mind, and spirit. The low-carb diet doesn't mean removing any and all plant-based food from your fridge. It just means limiting carb consumption. Simple as that! Be sure to eat your fruits and veggies still.
MYTH: Low-Carb Diet Ruins Physical Performance
Nutrition studies show that low-carb diet could actually boost physical performance, not the opposite. Want a better workout? More muscle-mass? More strength? Better endurance? Well, it's all about that protein and healthy fats!
MYTH: Low-Carb Diet Is Not That Effective
Low-carb diets have a stigma of being a "trendy diet" that often comes and goes. Celebrities start claiming to be following the diet, everyone jumps on board, and then the diet trickles out of the spotlight again for a minute, earning the rep the diet doesn't actually work.
However, studies over the past few decades (long before Kim Kardashian claimed to consume fewer carbs) have proven the effectiveness of a low-carb diet and its numerous health benefits. So don’t say buh-bye to that “trend” so quickly. Stick with it and watch the results come!
MYTH: Low-Carb Diets Are Hard to Stick To
Much like a consistent gym or workout routine, most diets require will-power and determination. But if we're getting factual about it, following (and sticking to), a low-carb diet can reduce appetite so that you can eat until you feel satisfied while still losing weight! A win-win, if you ask us.
