Think the low-carb diet is the way to go? Can you really eat all you want? Will you lose weight faster? Should it be a way of life?

Here's some food for thought.

According to Snopes.com, the death of Dr. Robert Atkins has not been proven to be caused by cardiac arrest. However, it has been proven that he did suffer a heart attack in 2002. Atkins stated it was a result of an infection of the heart. Atkins was never given an autopsy, so actal proof of reason of death is difficult to assess.

You cannot actually eat as much as you want on Atkins' low-carb diet. An abundance of protein causes body temperature to rise. Because of that, your caloric intake is not unlimited. You can consume slightly more calories, but consuming an unlimited abundance of calories will still cause you to store fat.

Long term studies prove that you don't lose weight faster on low-carbohydrate diets. Medium and low carb diets work about the same in the long term. Medium carb diets are, in fact, easier to stick to than low carb ones. The best percentage rate to follow is 40 percent protein, 40 percent carbohydrates, and 20 percent fat.

While short term effects of low-carb eating habits show weight loss, mainly due to water, long term use is not recommended, as the weight will eventually return once the dieter returns to more normal eating patterns.

Ketosis can develop during extended low carbohydrate dieting. The effect of ketone buildup is larger secretions of sodium and water, that's where the weight loss originates. Other side effects include fatigue, menstrual disruption, buildup of protein in the body, constipation, and gas, and possibly slower mental processing capabilities. These symptoms, fortunately, are reversible. Once carbohydrates are again consumed, the symptoms will dissipate.

Low carb programs will not change the body's form. You will not gain muscle mass, or build a better body simply by eating. No diet does that. You must exercise in order to become physically fit. There's no way around that.

Short-term-you'll lose some weight-mostly water. Long-term, the diet doesn't work any better or any longer than other fad diets. You will not get a fit body merely by consuming large quantities of proteins. Losing weight faster does not mean that you will keep it off. Scientific studies continue to support the idea that the best key to weight loss is a healthy diet with lower calorie intake, combined with an exercise program.

Sources:

Vanderbilt University

Snopes.com

www.snopes.com/p> www.snopes.com

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