How Do Low Carb Diets Work?

By now the term “low carb” is practically a household name, synonymous with loosing weight and getting in shape. The system is simple enough – eat lower carbs and lose weight. But what exactly are the mechanics that make low carb dieting effective?

For one thing, by removing carbohydrates from your diet you cut a ton of calories. In addition, skipping all of the starchy and sugary carbs, your body is now breaking down glycogen from the liver and from the muscles to free glucose. Glycogen is glucose that is stored in the muscles and liver.  This glycogen contains a ton of water. By converting it to glucose, water is released. So your initial weight loss, while almost all water, can be substantial.

After two weeks, your extreme weight loss begins to slow and your body will begin burning fat instead of releasing water. Your carbohydrate intake throughout this process should be lower than 50 or 60 grams daily.

The body is now burning fat as fuel for the duration of the diet.  When the body burns fat for fuel, ketones are produced.  Ketones are a byproduct caused when the body is burning fat for the fuel and energy. These Ketones are released from the body through your kidneys.  When the ketone level increases in your kidneys, your appetite is suppressed, aiding further in loosing more weight.

It’s highly recommended that you drink plenty of water during this phase of your low carb diet in order to prevent dehydration.

Not everyone can handle this eating plan. How long you stay on a low carb diet is a personal choice. As with any diet, it’s recommended that you consult your doctor or physician before embarking on such a sudden change in eating habits in order to promote weight loss.

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