Low-carb diets take the focus away from calories, but this doesn't mean that calories are inconsequential on this type of diet. In reality, low-carb diets employ tactics that make dieters eat less, so the calorie count goes down even when the dieter isn't specifically trying to reduce the number of calories consumed. Some people who have trouble losing weight on a low-carb diet might want to consider modifying their diet to include calorie counting in addition to reducing the amount of carbs eaten.
Low Carb
The premise behind a low-carb diet is that carb consumption raises insulin levels and leads to fat storage and food cravings. Low-carb diets typically restrict carb intake to less than 150 g a day. Foods commonly restricted on a low-carb diet include bread, pasta, rice, fruits, beans, cereals, cakes, candy, sodas and some vegetables. People on a low-carb diet often feel less hungry throughout the day, since protein and fat tend to provide higher levels of satiety than carbs do.
Calorie Counting
The premise behind traditional weight-loss plans involves consuming fewer calories than you expend. This means keeping track of all the calories you eat in a day and all of the calories you burn during exercise or daily activity. Techniques for counting calories include controlling the portions of the foods you eat and choosing lower-calorie options over foods high in calories.
Calories and Low Carb
Because a low-carb diet focuses on carb intake instead of caloric intake, dieters on this type of plan do not typically count calories. Some low-carb diets specifically regulate the number of grams of carbs you should eat. On these low-carb plans, dieters may count carbs, paying attention to the specific number of grams of carbohydrate consumed each day. Other low-carb diets don't require counting at all, but instead block out certain carb-rich foods as forbidden during specific phases of the diet and allow unlimited amounts of other foods.
Practical Effects
Although people on a low-carb diet do not count calories, at least part of the weight loss achieved on these diets stems from consuming a lower calorie intake than the dieter expends. The high level of satiety after eating protein and fat causes most low-carb dieters to eat fewer calories overall throughout the day. The specific calorie level of a low-carb diet also depends on the specific food choices made on the diet. People who have trouble losing weight on a low-carb diet might find that choosing lower-calorie, low-carb foods could help. For example, choosing chicken or fish instead of beef or bacon offers a lower calorie load.
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