Low Carb Versus Low Fat: Which Is Right For You

Looking to get started on a fat loss diet plan? If so, you may be wondering whether you would be best off going low carb or using a low fat approach. You’ve likely been doing your research and have read conflicting views of both types of diets. Some people argue that if you want to see fat loss success, no other approach but low carb will work. Others, however, claim that low carb diets are unhealthy and will leave you mentally ‘fuzzy’ and low on energy. Low fat is the far better way to go.rnSo which is the superior choice? Which is right for you? rnIn order to best determine which type of diet plan is going to set you up for a maximum level of success, it’s critical that you ask yourself a few key questions and understand the differences in approaches. Let’s have a look at what you should consider. Your Desired Activity Level rnThe very first thing that you’re going to want to take a look at and assess is your desired activity level. Are you performing intense exercise regularly or are you someone who doesn’t do too much formal exercising, but focuses on getting in walks whenever you can and just being active overall? The more intense exercise you include in your workout week, the more carbs you will need. Intense exercise can only use glucose as a fuel source so low carb diets don’t tend to be the best option for these individuals. They’ll find their exercise performance severely declines and they feel miserable on a day to day basis. If you aren’t doing intense activity though and moderate exercise is all you perform, then low carb will be fine for you. The body can use fat as a fuel source for moderate intensity work, so you should have no problem following a diet with this set-up. Your Preferred Eating Style rnThe second thing to think about is your preferred eating style. Do you like eating carbs over fats? Do you find that trying to go without carbs feels like mission impossible? rnRemember, no diet is going to be successful unless you can stick to it so if you absolutely hate the thought of giving up your morning bowl of cereal, you should rethink going ultra-low carb. Moderate carb may work, but not very low carb. On the flip side, if you naturally gravitate to wanting to consume higher fat foods, then you’ll love this lifestyle. Just be sure to get in some vegetables and fruit for nutrients and you can omit all grains and other carbs from your diet. It is important to note that if you do go lower carb however and are going to be bringing up your dietary fat intake, this does not mean you should eat any high fat foods you please. Remember that high fat foods are more calorie dense than lower fat foods, so practicing moderation is going to be a must. Measure out all the foods you eat so that you can be sure that you’re sticking with your target calorie requirements. Furthermore, also focus on healthy fat sources such as nuts, seeds, fatty fish, avocados, and oils rather than high saturated foods like fatty meats, high fat dairy, as well as cheese. These will just put your health at risk long-term, so not something that you want to be adding to your diet plan. How You Tolerate Carb Rich Foods rnAnother very critical thing to think about as you make the decision of which plan is right for you is how you feel after eating each type of food. Some people simply do not tolerate carbs all that well and end up feeling lethargic, tired, and rather miserable after eating them. rnIf you have a high carb meal and feel bloated and like you need a nap, lower carb dieting will be a better route for you to go. If, on the other hand you feel energized, alert, and lean, then you probably will do better on a lower fat, higher carb meal plan set-up. Each and every one is unique in how they handle different foods so think about your own body and assess which is the right choice from there. Your Ability To Deal With Hunger rnThe next thing to consider is how well you are able to deal with hunger. Carbohydrates do tend to increase the level of hunger you will feel throughout the day, so if you find that this causes you to fall off the diet plan, you’re probably a lot better off going without those carbs than having them in there. Carbohydrates will cause an increase in insulin levels, which then can cause a blood sugar low if the carbs are removed from the blood rapidly, driving the hunger sensation and wanting to make you eat more food. If you would prefer not to experience hunger while dieting, then a lower carb diet is the best route to take. Some carbs from vegetables should still be included as these won’t evoke hunger at all – in fact they may lower it, but stay away from any processed carbs, sugar, or even the more calorie dense grains and cereals. Your Solution rnSo what is your solution? Which diet plan is the best? rnAt the end of the day it really isn’t going to matter all that much which diet you choose as long as you get your calorie intake set, eat enough protein, and make sure that you stick with the plan. It’s when you try and force yourself onto a diet that doesn’t work for your body and that you hate just because you ‘heard’ it was the best approach that you are going to run into problems. Avoid this and you will be on route to success.