I’ve been an ardent supporter of a low-carb lifestyle for the better part of the past decade. Like many, I embarked on my low-carb lifestyle for vanity’s sake. I wanted to lose weight. At the time, Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution had been revised and was quite popular. I picked up a copy and eagerly read it cover to cover. I was convinced this was the answer to weight loss and weight management for me. I did lose the vanity weight with little effort and have maintained a healthy and fit figure for a number of years*.
1. Myth: Low-Carb Diets Eliminate Fruits & Vegetables
Take a look at the graphic above. See that long list of vegetables? I eat them all. While some days I eat more than others, I strive to eat at least 5-7 servings of nutrient dense veggies a day. While the fruit list is a bit shorter than the veggie list, I indulge guilt-free in fruits that are low in sugar but high in phytonutrients.
2. Myth: Low-Carb Diets Cause Kidney Damage Due to High Protein
There has never been a study that has shown protein harms the kidneys in otherwise healthy persons. In fact, there are some studies that actually show that low-carb diets actually improve kidney function. Either way, I get annual lab work done and my kidney function has never been better. Besides, a properly designed low-carb plan is not high protein but moderate protein which research has shown to improve satiety and support lean body mass.
3. Myth: Low-Carb Diets Promote Cardiac Risk
As mentioned above I get annual lab work done and according to my latest labs, my blood pressure is low-normal, my fasting blood sugar is in the low 80′s, triglycerides are in the 50′s, inflammation measured via c-reactive protein is nil and HDL is high. I have no cardiac risk factors whatsoever.
4. Myth: Low-Carb Diets Do No Promote Fat Loss, Instead You Lose Water & Muscle
For the general population, studies have found that those following a low-carb plan have actually lost less muscle mass then their low-fat counterparts even without exercise. In my particular case, as a personal trainer and fitness enthusiast, I love my muscles and wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize them. I lift heavy weights and keep an eye on bodyfat percentage and have more lean body mass today than I did a decade ago.
5. Myth: Low-Carb Diets Are Not Suitable For The Long-Term As The Food Gets Boring
I’ve been living this low-carb lifestyle for a decade plus a few years and have no anticipation of living any other way. As far as the food goes, if you have been a regular reader for even the past few months, you know the food I eat is anything but boring.
Now it’s your turn….DO YOU LIVE A LOW-CARB LIFESTYLE?
Leave a comment below and let’s talk about it.
*I rapidly gained 25 pounds in 2007 when my adrenal glands decided I had stressed them to their breaking point. My body clung onto that weight for about three years until my metabolism and adrenals were restored. And then, as quickly as the weight piled on, it came back off. I plan to revisit this in another blog post.
Hi Vanessa,
Why is pumpkin o.k. , but not other winter squash?
The list isn’t meant to be “all inclusive”….pumpkin is the lowest carb/highest fiber winter squash. I’ve been enjoying both carnival and delicata squash this season. They are a little “carbier” than pumpkin, but not much. Butternut and acorn are going to be much higher in carbs.
Thanks for the list of fruit in that image. I’ve been struggling to wrap my head around the fact that i can’t have my favorite fruits. Even though bananas aren’t on the list, i guess being able to eat some type of fruit is better than no fruit.
I first tried the low carb diet several years ago with my daughter, and lost about 15 pounds the first month — but then life events happened, I went off the diet and never went back until last fall, when I learned that I am now a Type 2 diabetic. My first change was to eliminate all sugar and most wheat and grains from my diet, and within 3 weeks had dropped my BG by over 200 points. After that I took the changes more slowly, giving my body time to adjust. But after 3 months, I had lost 15 pounds, had my BP and cholesterol to “normal” levels and my BG approaching normal.
While eating low carb is a struggle at times, especially when cooking for a family that CAN and WANTS to eat carbs, I no longer feel like I am being deprived of favorite foods. I have learned to make wonderful treats with almond flour — I use it a lot. I have a recipe for LC crepes, using eggs and cream cheese, that is so delicious I almost feel guilty eating it, thinking surely I can’t have something this scrumptious on an LC diet. But I can!!
I use a lot of turmeric and curry in my cooking. I make Dr. Weil’s anit-inflammatory curried cauliflower soup that is really delicious. I have made Hellman’s baked parmesan chicken recipe, very delicious, and adapted it to make baked fish by adding lemon juice and capers. Yummy. We eat a lot of stir-fired vegetables now. And my grandson loves my low-carb meals.
I would make one suggestion — when buying mayonnaise, get the mayo made with olive oil, it’s much better for you.
I am gradually losing the belly fat, and all my pants are too big for me now 
Also we use Splenda syrups — such as DaVinci and Tourani sugar free syrups, in coffee and in some of the treats. And heavy cream — most people don’t realize that the higher the fat content in dairy — the less lactose.
I am 65, but I can honestly say since going low-carb, I am much healthier now than I was a year ago
I forgot to say — Vanessa I love your blog — it is always full of good information, and I love your recipes. You are an inspiration to many !! Keep up the great work!
Thank you Gretchen! I appreciate your encouragement!