What are the negative effects of a low calorie diet? ( I am ...

What are the negative effects of a low calorie diet? ( I am trying to talk myself out of going down that road again...)

How Low is Low Calorie?

If they're low enough I guess the most obvious effect would be death. (JK) But seriously,I think that the dieter that is restricting calories is setting themselves up to fail.When you don't eat enough, your body makes up for it by basically using its own muscle for fuel. You are also most likely not getting enough nutrients from day to day. AND once you stop restricting calories your weight will shoot right back up(and because you have less muscle than before the likely hood of you having MORE body fat than when you began is very real).

Instead, eat sensibly. Get someone to assist you if you need to. An easy way to eat is to understand that there are good carbs (slower burning) and bad carbs (everything else). (as a general rule, if you consume a "bad" carb you should also consume a serving of good carbs. Then there's the question of how your body responds to Sugar in the bloodstream. Are all important factors to consider if you want to take it that far.It's so much easier in the long run that you live a healthy lifestyle, get lots of rest and Workout.

I thought all carbs were bad carbs. What are good carbs? Isn't it more about quantity?
Thanks for answering me, it gives me food for thought.

No! Absolutely not. Carbs are you body's preferred energy source. even before using fat foe energy. Carbs are converted into glucose for energy and stored in the muscles as glycogen. The body requires carbs to the point that if you don't eat enough of them, your body will convert proteins into carbs to use to survive ( a process called gluconeogenesis). you don't want this to happen because it will screw up your metabolism. The idea for healthy weight loss is to preserve the muscle protein, not lose it.

Good carbs generally speaking are those that are frpm whole grains and the carbs in some fruits and most veggies. a good place to start is to look up the glycemic index. although not a perfect answer, it will get you on the road to knowing which foods to eat. Generally you want to eat foods with a better glycemic index. the glycemic index determines how quickly foods are converted into sugar in the blood stream. Processed foods and fast converting carbs put excess sugar into the blood stream, screws up your insulin response, and the excess energy must go somewhere (read hips, gut and thighs).

There is more but I'm typing on my phone and need to drive. be glad to give more info here on ther board or visit www.scottgregorysmith.com