Benefits of a Low Carb Diet

In the Serotonin-Plus program we use a higher protein/low carb diet for the first few weeks. Many have asked, why do we do that? A low carb diet can help increase metabolism by forcing the body to temporarily use its fat stores for energy and can jumpstart the weight loss process. In our program, we generally see the most aggressive weight loss on phase 1. However, we give patients the choice of staying on phase 1 a little longer if they feel they want greater results quickly or moving to phase 2 which contains more carbs. More carbs will slow weight loss progress but the key is to burn off the carbs through activity and exercise.

A recent study done at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, UK, showed that a diet low in carbs and higher in protein was more effective at weight loss than a balanced protein to carb ratio. In the study, healthy, obese men were given two different diets during their stay in the Rowett’s specialized Human Nutrition Unit. Both diets had a high protein content (30% of total energy value of the diet) but they differed in the amount of carbohydrate: One diet was low in carbohydrate (4%) and the other contained a moderate amount of carbohydrate (35% total energy value). Weight loss during the four week study periods was greater on the high-protein low-carbohydrate diet, averaging 13.9 pounds per person, compared with 9.4 pounds on the moderate carbohydrate diet. It is well-known that excess carbs in the body become deposited as fat and lower overall metabolism. It is possible that the additional carbs caused a slowdown in metabolism causing fewer calories burned resulting in less weight loss.

It was reported that the study participants felt less hungry on the high-protein low-carbohydrate diet compared with the diet which contained high-protein but moderate amounts of carbohydrate. It is known that when people eat low carbohydrate diets, within a relatively short time their body has to switch from using glucose as a fuel to using ketone bodies from the breakdown of the fat stores. Ketone bodies are appetite suppressing and appear to have an effect on the appetite centers in the brain. Also it is suggested that the additional carbs cause larger peaks and valleys in blood sugar levels causing more hunger.

When you are in our program, you have control over your progress. Your intake and activity will dictate your success. If you feel you want to have carbs, watch your portions and do what you can so you are buring off not just the calories but the carbs themselves, as well, so they don't become deposited as fat.