Oghomwen (Owen) Jones
Many people find the weight loss journey to be quite difficult. This is usually because they embark on various diets that require them to severely restrict foods. These ‘forbidden’ foods are often carbohydrates (carbs).
A reduced intake of carbs will certainly lead to weight loss. The big question is will this loss be sustainable. It often is not and typically will result in the weight that was lost regained plus some.
Let’s look at what causes weight loss with these low carb diets and why it is often unsustainable. A severely reduced carb diet, causes the body to go into ketosis. This is a process that occurs when there aren’t enough carbohydrates in the body to be utilised for energy. During ketosis, the body burns fat and uses it instead of glucose for energy. This causes weight loss.
Again, I am not disputing the efficacy of low carb diets in causing weight loss. All I am saying is that it is a difficult method to maintain, for sustained periods, as the carbs that are forbidden cause cravings. When an attempt is made to ignore these cravings, headaches, anxiety and crankiness can ensue. Eating this way is not enjoyable. This was certainly my experience. And I know many who have had a similar experience. Has this been your experience too?
Many are unable to cope without these foods for sustained periods, and really should not have to. I like the way the nutritionist Lisa Drayer, a CNN contributor, puts it. “The keto diet is just not sustainable over the long term. It doesn’t teach you how to acquire healthy eating habits. It’s good for a quick fix, but most people I know can hardly give up pasta and bread, let alone beans and fruit.”
Not all carbs are equal. Carbs can be healthy, not so healthy and unhealthy. A good example of the latter are those in processed foods. Please see my previous blog, titled ‘Overly processed foods the bane of good health.’
It is OK to consume in moderation healthy carbs, in combination with healthy proteins and healthy fats and lose weight. Examples of healthy carbs, are various fruits like papaya, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, strawberries, and apples. Vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, green beans, asparagus, artichokes, and aubergines. Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats.
The pitfalls mentioned above are by no means conclusive. There are others, some of which I will address in future blogs.
Our good God has graciously blessed us with a wide variety of healthy foods. Eating these in moderation can aid weight loss and/or maintenance.
Losing weight does not have to be a daunting experience, as it often is with eating plans in which carbs are severely reduced. IT IS POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE YOUR WEIGHT LOSS GOAL AND ENJOY YOUR FOOD AT THE SAME TIME. The key lies in eating moderate amounts of real foods…healthy carbs, healthy proteins and healthy fats and exercising too. Moderation is key.
Anyone want to share their weight loss experience? Was it unpleasant, pleasant, unsuccessful or otherwise?