Low-Fat and Low-Carbohydrate Diets

Following a diet plan can be an effective way for a person to lose weight and increase his overall health. There are many different types of diets, and many people are confused over which one would be best for them. Two of the most popular weight-loss diets are the low-fat diet and the low-carbohydrate diet.

Low-Fat Diet

• A diet low in fat can have many health benefits. Excess fat in our foods can be a contributing factor to heart disease and being overweight. Most low-fat diet plans suggest cutting back on the amount of fat that is consumed but not eliminating it altogether. Low-fat diets emphasize avoiding foods that have trans fats and saturated fats. This can have a very positive impact on cardiovascular health.

Downsides to a Low-Fat Diet

• While there are many benefits to a diet low in fat, there are also some drawbacks. Some companies that make products that are "low fat" replace the fat with sugar. This can lead to high amounts of calories in foods, even if they're low in fat. Reading labels is crucial to following any diet.

  Some people may also think that all fats are bad and should be avoided. Fat, in limited quantities, is crucial to mineral and vitamin absorption. A low-fat diet should include healthy fats such as omega-3 and unsaturated fats.

Low-Carbohydrate Diet

• Low-carbohydrate diets became a fast fad due the popularity of the Atkins Diet. The plan was rumored to allow all of the meat and fat consumption a person wanted, as long as she avoided starches and sugars. This wasn't actually the case, but many people associate low-carbohydrate diets with being unhealthy.

  Carbohydrates are a form of sugar found in many foods. Low-carbohydrate diets focus on meat and nonstarchy vegetables, while limiting or eliminating grains, baked goods, pasta and sugars. The idea is that limiting carbohydrates will cause the body to burn stored fat. Some research, specifically by the Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.com), has found that people who follow a low-carbohydrate diet actually just take in fewer calories.

Downsides to Low-Carbohydrate Diets

• While diets low in carbohydrates can help people to lose weight, there can be drawbacks. If you restrict your carbohydrate intake too severely, you may experience headaches, body aches and loss of energy. People following a low-carbohydrate diet may avoid healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables and may increase the amount of unhealthy fats that they consume. This can have a negative impact on overall health.