Do Low-Carb Diets Work?

The short answer is yes, they work.

Would I recommend a low-carb diet? No. Read on and I can give you a couple of reasons to let your miserable low-carb diet go.

The United States Department of Agriculture updated the old Food Guide Pyramid. Today, the USDA calls it MyPlate. Before you roll your eyes, hear me out, because it was created for a reason. That is to give you an idea of what your body needs to function properly and it looks something like this:

You can certainly go on a low-carb diet like Atkins. You can probably even sustain it for a long time. But what you need to know...you are insanely depriving your body of essential micronutrients like Vitamin B1, B2, B6, folate, magnesium, calcium, iron, vitamin D, potassium, zinc, and iodine. These are all micros found in foods like whole grains, legumes, seeds, and dark chocolate, and yes, they contain carbohydrates - but the good kind. The kind your body is looking for.

There are more than 20 essential micronutrients and I just listed 11 that the average low-carber is likely to become deficient in. You can maybe supplement IF you know how much your Adequate Daily Intake (ADI) is, and more specifically, which ones you are not getting enough of. I'm getting indigestion just thinking about all of that.

Something else to consider - where you are getting your macronutrients and micronutrients from? You can get them from a supplement but your body will thank you for getting the right amount from foods that are locally grown and sourced.

In summary, just eat healthy. Eat in a calorie deficit. Eat balanced plates. Support your local farmers.

Fuel Well,

Sources: https://www.myplate.gov/