Low-carb diets are diets that allow only limited amounts of carbohydrates. The most popular low-carb diet is the Atkins diet, which the late Dr. Robert Atkins developed for weight-loss and weight-maintenance purposes. The diet does not require any restrictions of calories. According to Atkins, the diet still can lead to weight loss despite not cutting total food intake, as a restriction of carbohydrates forces the body to burn fat. Critics of the diet, including the American Medical Association, say that despite Atkins' claims, the diet works by leading to a restriction of calories.
Atkins Diet Basics
As described on the official Atkins site, following the Atkins diet requires going through different phases of carbohydrate restriction. In the beginning phases, the permissible amount of carbs is very low. In later phases, a slightly higher intake of carbs is allowed. Carbs can be found in many foods you might ordinarily consume in large amounts, including doughnuts, bagels, sandwiches, baked potatoes, potato chips, cake, ice cream, candy, soda and alcohol. Permissible foods on the Atkins diet include meats, fish, eggs, butter, vegetable oils, milk, whipped cream and many soy products.
Function
The brain needs energy to function. Ordinarily, the brain uses glucose that enters the bloodstream from the digestive tract. According to Atkins, when glucose is limited, the brain is forced to switch to a different brain fuel. Ketone bodies, which come from burned fat, can supply adequate amounts of energy to the brain when glucose is restricted. As carbs are the main source of glucose, Atkins says, restricting carbs forces the body to burn fat.
Protein and Fat Metabolism
According to the American Medical Association, however, this explanation is not quite right. When carbs are severely restricted, these molecules do not supply glucose for the body to use. But when there are adequate amounts of fats and proteins, the body can convert these into glucose. Proteins are converted into amino acids, and some of these can be converted into glucose. Fats are converted into fatty acids and glycerol. Fatty acids cannot be converted into glucose, but glycerol can, so when you consume few carbs, but large amounts of protein and fat, the body can turn the protein and fat into glucose, and any excess glucose will be stored as fat.
Eating Less for Success
Many people are able to lose weight on the Atkins diet. How is that possible when the diet allows unlimited fats and proteins? Spokespeople from the American Medical Association say it is because foods high in protein and fat often are more filling than foods high in carbs. If you feel full on less food, you might eat less. Unless you do a lot of creative cooking, the food choices on the Atkins diet are also very limited, which might make you eat less. When you eat less, you consume fewer calories than your body needs for maintenance and movement, so the body will burn fat to supply the extra calories. This will result in weight loss.
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