“Top 10 benefits of eating low carb”

Pat

What are the top 10 benefits of eating low carb? Here’s Pat’s list:

The e-mail

Recently, I received a Diet Doctor email titled “Share Your Success – Inspire Someone to Change His or Her Life”.

To be honest, when I read that, I wasn’t immediately compelled to write something back, but already the dialog in my brain began chirping away and I couldn’t stop the thoughts even if I wanted to. I have to admit, it’s just way too exciting not to think about how much I love my new way of life – my new way of eating, and then I read the next part in that email that said:

“About six months ago you signed up for our free low-carb challenge. Has low carb been helpful to you? Do you want to let someone else in a similar situation know the possible benefits of it?”

Well, again. I got as far as… “Has low carb been helpful to you?” and I just couldn’t help it. Of course I have to answer that, and if in the process I can help someone who is in the challenge right now, or who is even thinking perhaps “can I do this and can this help?”, then how awesome would that be? So I hit the reply button, and my response began something like this: “So what has happened in 6 months of making LCHF food choices? A LOT!!”

Since I am not in the habit of writing inspirational stories I decided I would reply in the form of a top 10 list. So, I hope my list will help others like me that have turned to this site, looking for a new way (that is really an OLD way) to live healthier – and with that, here’s my ‘Top 10 Benefits of Eating Low Carb’:

1. It doesn’t feel like I am dieting…at all – Ok, so to be completely honest, maybe the first two weeks when your body is fighting you because you are no longer feeding it all the extra carbs (read: sugar), was tough for sure. But if you can stick that out and get through a few headaches, and the grumpiness etc.), then the rest of the journey is really all down hill.

2. I don’t feel like I want to be eating ALL OF THE TIME – By eating way fewer carbs each day, I no longer experience the insulin swings that used to put me into a continuous vicious cycle of: Eating (probably something with way too much sugar), then feeling ok for a very short time, then crashing and feeling unwell, until the whole cycle repeated itself over and over again, and each day was the same for me.

I never felt like I was really getting enough food to eat, and then when I did eat, I just never felt that great. I was always craving more and more (and usually something with carbs and sugar in it). With LCHF, I no longer experience this insulin rollercoaster. This to me is so important in being able to stick with this way of eating for a very long time – and hopefully for the rest of my life.

Note that currently, and it’s summer time here, I am averaging a maximum of 50 carbs a day, which is not as strict as you can be on low carb, but having said that, anything under 50 carbs a day, means you will lose weight! Which is a nice lead into my favourite benefit of low carb…..

3. Weight loss! – So since February, I’ve dropped 30 pounds (14 kg). I’ve learned not to fixate too heavily on how long it takes to lose the weight because in the end, as long as I to stick to it, I know I will lose the weight… and before you know it 6 months will fly by and you will think: “wow that was fast and I’ve lost 30 pounds (14 kg)!” That really didn’t feel like a long time!!”… and it feels great to fit into clothes the right way again. No pinch or tugging here and there! It’s awesome.

4. Less inflammation – Eating low carb means you are saying no to so many foods that have so much extra sugar added. Less sugar means way less inflammation in our body’s joints and that feels – well, like 20 again!!!

5. Skin and complexion improves – By cutting out all the highly-processed, high-carb and sugary foods, (which you do as part of low carb to stay within the weight-loss threshold), and eating real food instead, really makes your skin glow! Even at 47 ;-)

6. Feel way more energetic – Another positive about not eating high amounts of extra sugar is that you feel so much brighter, stronger and full of energy. I no longer feel lifeless after eating meals or disconnected, which is like having brain fog.

7. NO gas and bloating – This one was noticeable for me immediately. Something about eating higher carb foods just didn’t keep my digestive system happy. I can’t explain the science here (but I am sure that Dr. A can!), but what a huge difference it makes to eat LCHF when it comes to having a healthy digestive tract. I am not saying I have less gas and bloating and upset stomach than before, I am saying that I RARELY, if ever, get that anymore.

8. Better mental focus – This may sound like a slight repeat of number 6, but this is what low carb does. It gives you that amazing overall feeling of wellness. Again, the concept is simple. By removing the unnatural highly-processed and high-carb foods from your diet, your mind will thank you for it!

9. Better SELF-ESTEEM – When you are losing weight and you are able do that in a way that doesn’t make you feel deprived or starving, you are just happier and that makes you feel good about yourself and what you are doing – and it is much, much easier to stick to.

On the other hand if you are trying to lose weight, and it’s a constant battle of counting calories, or counting points and you are STARVING in the process, and you are still not getting anywhere, well, how does that feel?

10… and the best part that happens – Better Health! – So what makes low carb a really, really good thing? Well for me, since I’ve adopted this lifestyle, I have been getting blood work done every three months (this is the science nerd in me!) and performing an InBody test (you can google that for more information) every month and the numbers speak for themselves.

This is what is happening as my weight is dropping, BMI is down, lean body mass up, cholesterol levels are healthy, indicators for heart attack are really low (my last visit I was told it was nill!!) and I am no longer on the OBESE side of that “chart”.

The proof is in the pudding (but please don’t eat the pudding!!) For me, I will continue this journey under the supervision of my doctor and I know with certainty I will eventually meet my next weight-loss goal in the process.

So this is just a very off-the-top-of-my head quick top-10 list that I was able to come up with, but I am certain that I could easily come up with a top 20 list for next time!

Everyone lately is asking me what I am doing and my reply is this: “dietdoctor.com”.

It’s so much simpler for me to say that instead of “low carb”, because people just don’t always understand or think, can that really be good? Low carb? But it is, and you can find out everything you need to know on the dietdoctor.com website. It’s where I started and the information is endless and did I mention all the FREE recipes and the wonderful support you get during the 2-week low-carb challenge? Do it with a friend like I did so you can support each other and have fun in the process.

Go for it, you have nothing to lose…(pun unintended!) Until then, good luck on your journey!

Pat

(Disclaimer: The article above is based on my personal opinions only, and does not attempt to make any medical claims that should be used as medical advice, suggestions, or other. I also do not make any claims to accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this site, and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.)

Comments

Thanks Pat, for sharing your thoughts with us in such an interesting format!

What is your top benefit of low carb? Feel free to share it in the comments below.

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