Despite the popularity of low-carbohydrate diets, there is no need for a person to drastically reduce carbohydrate consumption to lose fat. Weight loss or weight gain is dependent on total caloric intake, not the macronutrient (protein, carbohydrates, fat) profile of a diet.
So why do low-carb diets appear to work so effectively?
When one begins dropping carbohydrate-rich foods from their diet, it is inevitable that calorie intake is reduced. Added to the caloric reduction are dwindling glycogen stores (energy). For every gram of glucose taken out of glycogen, it brings with it 2.7 grams of water. This loss of muscle glycogen and water can be quite significant in the first week of a low carbohydrate diet and adds to the pounds lost on the scale!
In short, don't believe the hype!
Long term success in weight loss is associated with a realistic eating style, not one that severely limits or omits one of the macronutrients.
Via: National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
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