The Problem with High Protein/ Low Carbohydrate Diets

The Problem with High Protein/ Low Carbohydrate Diets

If you cut carbohydrates drastically and add
corresponding amount of protein, your body is forced to turn to an
inferior fuel source: protein metabolites called ketones. Because
ketones are toxic, your kidneys go into overdrive to flush them out of
your system. In the process, you drain water from your tissues. Since a
litre of water weighs about a kilogram, you can lose a lot of weight
very quickly on a high / protein / low- carbohydrate diet. And you may
drop an additional kilogram or two because you’re eating less.

There’s good news on the scales, perhaps, but
bad news for your body. You’ve lost mainly water – along with calcium
from your bones and protein from your muscles, but not as much fat as
you think. Your kidneys are under stress, you may become dehydrated,
which puts an extra strain on your heart. Few people can or should stay
on this kind of diet in the long run. The weight usually returns quickly
as the body’s water supply is restored.

IDEAS TO KEEP YOU MOTIVATED

·         Exercise with a partner

·         Vary your exercise activities

·         Look for other exercise facilities such as parks or pools

·         Use an exercise bike whilst watching TV

·         Try an exercise class

·         Di-arise your exercise daily

·         Choose an exercise that you enjoy

·         When jogging or walking or cycling vary your exercise route

·         Go for a morning or afternoon walks along the beach

·         Take up a team sport

·         Buy some new exercise gear

·         JOIN A GYM OR FITNESS CENTER