In order to lose weight many Houstonians turn to a low carbohydrate (e.g. Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, Protein Power, The Carbohydrate Addict’s Lifestyle Plan) diet. Although there are many variations of this particular type of diet I would like to talk about what this diet should consist of.
As a certified personal trainer in Houston I’m always asked how much of my low carbohydrate (carb) diet should consist of fat. The answer is 60-70% of your daily calories should come from fat. Carbs should make up less than 10% and in some cases, less than 5% of their daily calories.
The problem with carbohydrates is that they are readily converted into fat by insulin. When eating carbs one causes the body to produce more insulin. The problem with insulin is that it causes fat to be stored, and it also stimulates your brain to produce hunger signals bad combination!
By reducing intake of carbs you stop the cycle of the body producing insulin; furthermore, levels of glycogen rise while insulin levels fall. Glycogen is a hormone that causes body fat to be burned and cholesterol to be removed from deposits in the arteries.
