http://www.carveoutcarbs.com/counting-carbs.html Counting carbs is a popular way for people to lose weight. But is counting carbs the best way? en-us Thu, 30 Mar 2006 17:33:13 EST Thu, 30 Mar 2006 17:33:13 EST Weblog Editor 2.0 Are you counting carbs? If not, you probably know someone who is or who has tried it. What makes this form of dieting so popular? Probably the rapid weight loss that occurs in the beginning. Facts About Counting Carbs Some diets that focus on counting carbs replace carbs in your diet with protein that your body can use for fuel instead. Others that are less restrictive allow whole grains, veggies, fruits and low-fat dairy foods. And some carb counting diets will increase your fat intake and won't allow foods like grains and fruits. (Doctors do not recommend this last form of a low carb diet.) Some people feel more satisfied when counting carbs, which enables them to stick to it better. But people who are self-proclaimed "carb addicts" might find it difficult to stick to a diet where their carb intake is so restrictive. Regardless of which type of person you are, you still need to burn more calories than you take in to lose weight. Normally this requires exercise, but when you're counting carbs, you might find that you don't have the energy you once had. Yes, your body is still getting fuel from protein and fats, but carbs are the body's main source of energy. You wouldn't put regular gas in a car that runs on unleaded, would you? And the long-term effects of a low carb diet are still unknown, although heart disease and kidney damage seem to be more prevalent among those who are counting carbs and cut their carb intake too much. This is because of the high amount of fat and the fact that your kidneys are working harder to expel ketones from your system that build up when your body is burning fat. If you want to watch your carb intake, that's probably an excellent idea. But certainly do not go below 130 grams of carbs a day. You'd probably be surprised at how many grams of carbs you eat in a day. Try keeping track of the carbs in your normal diet for a week before you determine if you're able to cut back to only 20-40 grams a day. You might just find that a balanced diet is more your speed. Thu, 30 Mar 2006 17:33:13 EST http://www.carveoutcarbs.com/carb-counting.html Carb counting insanity is off the hook up in here. Why have you not started carb counting?! en-us Fri, 31 Mar 2006 07:23:14 EST Fri, 31 Mar 2006 07:23:14 EST Weblog Editor 2.0