Carbo-phobic

by Paul Dexter

Many people are trying to make money with fad diets these days. There’s the Atkins diet, the South Beach diet, and the Zone diet to name a few of the more popular ones. All of the diets floating around these days seem to claim they can bring off the weight people can’t seem to lose.

The current trend is based on the belief that carbohydrates make people fat. This is not true. Too many calories make people fat. Weight loss is possible regardless of the type of diet someone uses as long as fewer calories are consumed than what the body uses. Boiled chicken doesn’t make someone lose weight, a reduction in calories does.

The body naturally burns carbohydrates as its main source of energy; therefore the majority of calories taken in should actually be from carbohydrates. A diet low in carbohydrates with mostly protein and fat would likely result in low energy levels. A diet consisting of approximately 60% of total calories in carbohydrates, 20-25% of total calories in protein, and 15-20% in fats is a good average to shoot for.

Keep in mind that a productive weight loss program is one that’s consistent. Therefore, a diet that’s easier to stay on should be chosen. Dieting isn’t easy, but it will be harder to reach goals if the time and effort put into weight loss is dreaded.

The body is changed by a lifestyle change in diet and/or exercise. Many people go to the gym but don’t seem to change in appearance. Often it’s due to thinking they can eat whatever they want as long as they workout.

There is no magic pill for losing weight. It takes consistent work. Don’t be drawn in by the gimmicks. Something worth having doesn’t come easy. It doesn’t get any simpler than this: Eat less food; lose weight. Remember, carbohydrates are not the enemy – excess calories are.

Paul Dexter
‘02 ANBC New England Natural Champion
Dexter Training Concepts – Owner
Dextraining.com