High-Fat Low-Carb Diets

A high fat low carbohydrate diet is composed of high amount of fats and proteins and significantly low carbohydrates amount. Fat, protein and carbohydrates are the three fundamental food macronutrients. A high carbohydrate in-take is associated with increased level of insulin in the blood. Insulin helps in maintaining the level of sugar in the blood. Diabetes mellitus has been connected to increase in insulin levels. Even other medical conditions such as obesity and cardiovascular disease are blamed on increased insulin levels.

The stages of a high fat low carb diet

A high fat low carb diet plan usually has three stages or more stages with different carbohydrate intake amounts.  The initial stages takes about two weeks, during this time the least amount of carbohydrate consumption is permitted. In the second stage the level of carbohydrate in-take is increased a little then kept constant until the preferred loss in weight has been reached. In the last stages the carbohydrate in-take is slowly increased until the dieter stops losing weight and starts gaining weight. The whole idea is to stabilize your weight at this point therefore the level of carbohydrate in-take is again decreased until that is achieved. 

Depending on the high fat low carb diet plan the amount of carbohydrates permitted will differ. Generally the amount of carbohydrates that will allow one to lose weight in most plans is between 25 and 45 grams each day. Once the desired weight has been achieved then the carbohydrate consumption after that will correspond to ones age, gender and size. In general carbohydrate consumption in the range of 45 and 100 grams is appropriate for somebody on a low carb diet with healthy weight and maintains exercise.

Shedding excess weight on this diet

During metabolism fat, protein and carbohydrate the three vital macronutrients are converted into energy. The body requires protein and fat for nourishment. Both protein and fat are energy sources. Carbohydrate is broken down into glucose as the pancreas releases the insulin hormone. The excess glucose is stored in the cells as fat unless they are straight away utilized by the body.

Vitamins are the essential nutrients that fruits and vegetables contain and are basically carbohydrates with a minute or no amount of protein or fat. It is possible to live on carbohydrate free diet because the body doesn’t in fact require carbohydrates to stay alive. In many cultures people have lived primarily on meat and water for instance the Eskimos.

When you decrease the level of carbohydrate consumption in a high fat low carb diet you will begin losing weight. This is because the body will utilize the fat reserves in the body. The point where the body breaks down its own fat reserves for energy is referred to as ketosis. Since there is no insulin production during ketosis is a very a suitable energy production form. As long the insulin levels are not increased the excess energy is not kept in the body’s fat reserves. It is unhealthy insulin cycles that play a very large part in being overweight.

According to nutritionists, a high fat low carb diet will result in weight loss similar to other diets getting rid of a complete food group from your diet and not just a specific metabolic alteration.

A high fat low carb diet is preferred for quick weight loss decreased cholesterol levels in blood and energy boost.

The dangers associated with a high fat low carb diet

The following precaution is to be observed while on this diet; drinking lots of water. The water will help to wash out the ketones. Ketones are the byproducts of fat burning by the body usually waste products.

Remember you risk kidney failure if you have kidney problems and you stick to this diet. Increased fat consumption may also increase chances of gout and coronary artery disease or worsen these conditions. Once you are on a high fat low carb diet and eliminate vegetables and fruits from your diet you also risk coronary heart disease, cancer and stroke. There have been isolated cases of too much acid in the blood.