Carbohydrates are the only source of energy (fuel) for many vital organs, including the brain, central nervous system and kidneys. The digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into glucose and the pancreas secretes a hormone called insulin to help the glucose move from the blood into the cells.

Low carbohydrate diets

These days, many people tend to follow the 'low carbohydrate' diet regime to fast track their goal of losing unwanted fat. These diets contain less than 100g of carbohydrates per day. Such drastic measures can actually backfire because these diets have a high-fat content (particularly saturated fat) and restrict fruit, vegetables and high fiber breads and cereals. Vital organs of the body including the brain (which uses carbohydrate as fuel) can lose healthy cells at double the normal rate.

Very low carbohydrate diets do not meet your daily nutritional needs. To be healthy, your daily diet should include at least:

The long-term safety of a diet very low on carbohydrates but high in saturated fat is still uncertain. Some experts believe it's the perfect recipe for a heart attack. Follow-up studies are needed over years to determine the safety of very low-carbohydrate diets.

You gain weight by eating too many calories, not carbs

The basic principle of any low-carbohydrate diet is to restrict the calories coming from carbohydrate foods so that the weight gain is minimised. This is misleading. You gain weight if you consume too many calories--it doesn't matter whether they are from carbohydrates, proteins or fats.

There's nothing special about a low-carb diet

Low carbohydrate diets cause you to lose weight because they restrict calories or energy. This approach to eating starves the body of important nutrients it needs on a daily basis and can cause major metabolic disturbances in the body.There are just fewer calories consumed in these diets, which causes the weight loss and not by eating less carbs.

Yoyo dieting

Our body stores excess carbohydrates (glucose) as glycogen and converts glycogen back into glucose to use as fuel if there is not enough carbohydrate in the diet. Around 3gm of water is needed to release one gram of glycogen, so the rapid initial weight loss on a low carbohydrate diet is mostly water, not the body fat.When a normal diet is resumed, some muscle tissue is rebuilt, water is restored and weight quickly returns, mostly as fat.

Women often fall prey to this vicious circle of dieting. The feel-good factor is short-lived when their lost body weight comes back. Such kind of dieting is called 'yoyo' dieting.

Healthy approach is the key

Vegetarians and people who consume predominantly plant-based diets are generally slimmer and have much lower rates of obesity, heart disease and cancer than people who eat meat-based diets. This supports current thinking that diets high in unrefined carbohydrates help prevent weight gain and obesity.

Short-term side effects of low-carb diets

Within a short period of time, the effects of a very low carbohydrate diet include nausea, dizziness, constipation, lethargy, dehydration, bad breath, loss of appetite, loss of libido, excessive fatigue, depression, memory loss (forgetfulness), irritated personality and under-nourished look (pale).

Ketones

If the body doesn't receive enough carbohydrate, it breaks down muscle and other tissue to produce glucose. This causes a build-up of waste product called Ketones. This state, known as 'ketosis', is commonly seen in people who are starving, suffering from anorexia nervosa or with untreated insulin-dependent diabetes.

Ketones make the blood highly acidic. Ketosis can be fatal in severe conditions, particularly for pregnant women, their unborn babies and for people with diabetes. There is also evidence that the heart may not be able to function to its full capacity when ketone bodies are its main source of fuel.

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Giving up on carbs is just the wrong way to lose weight - India Today

Youve heard (over and over again) that gradual weight loss is sustainable weight loss. And youre totally going to incorporate all of those healthy lifestyle changes that will help you shed your extra pounds and keep them off for good.

But youll start all that next month. This month, youve got your friends wedding and a beach weekend to worry about. So whats the best way to lose five pounds fast?

Start by ditching salt, says Dana Hunnes, a senior clinical dietitian at UCLA Medical Center. The average American eats about 4,000 mg of sodium a day , and that can cause you to retain a lot of water weight, she explains. Just cutting your sodium way down can help you lose three, four, five pounds very quickly.

To do that, youll want to avoid all packaged productsincluding cured or deli meatsall of which tend to be loaded with salt. Hunnes says anything under 1,500 mg a day is "really good, but if you can go lower sticking with fresh foods, even better.

Also on the chopping block: processed carbohydrates. Think breads, pastas, fruit juices and pretty much all snack or dessert foods. Carbs are hydrophilic molecules, meaning they love water, Hunnes says. They make it more difficult for your body to release water from your kidneys through metabolism.

By ditching both processed carbs and cutting way back on sodium, youll lose weight, and it will be the kind around your midsection that people will really be able to notice. With water weight, you can be bloated and not realize it, Hunnes says. I have people do this and say, I can see my abs for the first time!'"

Two important warnings here: If youre not completely healthy, talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet, Hunnes says.

Also, if youre exercising a lot while youre trying to lose weightespecially if you sweat a ton when you work outyou need to be careful about slashing salt too severely. Sodium is one of the electrolytes your body loses when you sweat. If youre adding an intense exercise program to your low-salt diet in order to lose weight, you could be at risk for hyponatremia , a potentially life-threatening condition linked with heavy sweating, heavy water intake and too-little sodium consumption.

MORE : 9 Science-Backed Weight Loss Tips

The risk for hyponatremia is very low, but its something to be aware of if youre really pushing yourself hard by exercising for hours a day while drinking a lot of water and consuming little salt, Hunnes says.

What if youre already disciplined when it comes salt and processed carbs? You can lose five pounds in two weeks by restricting your diet to one meal and three protein-powder shakes a day, says Dr. Zhaoping Li, director of the Center for Human Nutrition at UCLAs School of Medicine.

Your one meal should be non-starchy vegetablesso no beans or potatoes or riceand lean protein like chicken, fish or eggs, Li says. You also want to cook your vegetables, and make them the dominant part of your meal. Cooking veggies helps your body absorb more of their nutrients, and the protein in your meat and shakes will help keep your hunger in check. Your lone meal should include about three cups of food, and it doesnt matter if you have it at lunch or dinner, she says.

When it comes to protein shakes, the type of proteinwhey or plant-baseddoesnt matter much either. Its the amount that counts. Women should have one scoop, or 20 grams of protein, with each shake, Li says. Men should aim for 30 grams. Mix that protein powder with water or almond milk, but skip dairy milk. (While dairy fat can help you lose weight , its not ideal if your goal is short-term rapid weight loss.) You can have black coffee or water, Li adds. But skip the cappuccinos or alcohol, which tend to pack a lot of calories per ounce.

When next month (finally) rolls around and you decide to reach a healthy weight for good, doctors have advice about how to do that, too. Here's everything you need to know about long-term weight loss , from the people who study it and those who have done it .

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You Asked: What's the Best Way to Lose 5 Pounds Fast? - TIME

When it comes to losing weight, there isnt a person out there that doesnt want to see results as soon as possible. So naturally, it is tempting to be drawn toward quick and easy methods whether it be a diet pill or a medical procedure that claim to slim you down in a hurry. The problem with that, of course, is many of these methods are also hazardous to your health.

But that doesnt mean that you cant shed some extra poundage in a shorter time span. Lucky for you, therearehealthy ways to lose weight fast. In fact, many of the healthier approaches are so easy, you will have no problem implementing them into your daily routine. Here are 10 to get you started.

Youre probably scratching your head and thinking, how can keeping busy be a key to losing weight?As it turns out, one of the worst eating habits out there is snacking out of boredom, which is a surefire way to pack on extra pounds. And when your kitchen is stocked with guilty goodies (more on fixing that later) you are at an even bigger risk of eating mindlessly. So instead of vegging on the couch in your downtime run errands and engage in activities that will keep your mind off of snacking. You might be surprised how quickly this method helps you loseweight.

You have possibly heard this one before: Drinking more water will help you lose weight. As WebMD explains, water consumption increases the rate at which people burn calories. Authority Nutritionadds that drinking water before a meal may result in you taking in fewer calories. And if you are taking in fewer calories, then you will probably see better results for having less to burn off. While we are on the topic of burning calories

Flat abs arent just created in the kitchen. A sweat-inducing workout regimen is key to toning your body and keeping you in optimal shape. When it comes to shedding the most extra baggage in a shorter period of time, a high-intensity workout is the way to go. Think circuit training, highly-aerobic classes, or simply a good mix of both cardio and weight training. For an effective full-body workout that mixes both cardio and toning into one workout, add a couple of CrossFit moves to your repertoire. (We have a great guideto help you get started.)

Cutting out unnecessary eating is a step to losing weight quickly. This cant be said about breakfast, however, which is crucial when it comes to shedding pounds. According to a study published in 2016, those who skip breakfast are more likely to consume empty calories later in the day and at night, which drives weight gain. Having a healthy breakfast, on the other hand, helps jump-start your metabolism for the day and helps to curb hunger. So reach for that whole-grain toast or scrambled eggs since protein is better at making you feel full and eat your way to weight loss.

Using caffeine as a means of losing weight is a bit tricky, because a little bit can go a long way. According toMayo Clinic, a modest amount caffeine can help suppress appetite and burn calories. However too much caffeine can have a negative effect. When used in moderation (400 milligrams or less) by healthy adults, caffeine is generally safe, the article says. But too much caffeine might cause nervousness, insomnia, nausea, increased blood pressure and other problems. (Not to forget that some of us put too much sugar in our caffeinated beverages, which will lead to an assortment of health problems.) But in the end, having black coffee in the morning or a green tea in the afternoon is a quick and safe way to aid your weight loss regimen.

In fine-tuning your eating habits to fit your weight loss goals, you also have to considerthe way you are eating. As FitWatch explains, eating more slowly and enjoying your food can lead to you eating less, and therefore consuming fewer calories. This gives your stomach more time to signal to your brain that you are full before you can shovel too much food into your face. Implement this practice into every meal you eat yes, even the ones you have to eat on the run and see how easy it is to consume less food. It could become a great habit with benefits that stretch way beyond weight loss.

Okay okay, so sometimes an afternoon snack is crucial , notoutof boredom. So when you need that food pick-me-up, its important to have the right snacks on hand. Take a cue from WebMD and rid your kitchen of any thingthat will derail your weight loss plan. But dont worry this doesnt mean you have to stop snacking all together! If you need to refuel in the afternoon, reach for a healthier option, like some lean protein or a little bit of fruit. (Healthhas a couple of weight-loss-friendly snack ideas, like a banana with peanut butter or an apple with a slice of cheese.)

No, missing out on happy hour cocktails probably isnt your idea of fun. But you will have to kick the bottle to the curb if you want to drop a pant size. This can help you lose weight in a fast and healthy manner for a number of reasons. For starters, youll be consuming fewer liquid calories. Plus, as Livestrong.com points out, studies have shown consuming alcohol before or during a meal can increase calorie consumption. So if its a healthy weight-loss plan you want, ditching the booze is a good bet.

Getting enough Zsdoes more than just put you in a good mood. Among its many health benefits, sleepalso helps you drop pounds. As Womens Health breaks down, getting enough sleep helps burn calories and boost fat loss. And of course, if you are sleeping, then you wont be reaching for a diet-crushing midnight snack. While were on that subject

So now that youve made eating breakfast a top priority and made your snacking choices healthier, its time to tackle that bad habit of eating late at night. U.S. News & World Reportexplains, Research consistently shows that people who eat late at night weigh more than those who eat all of their food earlier in the day. The reason? Since your body uses less sugar as fuel when youre lying in bed as opposed to running around, potentially more sugar winds up in your fat cells when you eat those foods late at night.

The solution here is simple: Cut out the late-night munching altogether by eating a satisfying dinner. You will be amazed at how quickly you can shed pounds just by making wiser food choices.

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Want to Lose Weight Fast? Here Are the Healthiest Ways - The Cheat Sheet

Jackson, MS, June 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) As we head into summertime, countless low-calorie fad diets are scheduled to pop up, promising dieters a lean, beach body just in time for the season. What all these diets fail to take into account, however are the massive hunger pangs and cravings that naturally occur while trying to adhere to sudden caloric restrictions. Hunger is one of the biggest culprits preventing the average citizen from seeing steady weight loss results. Diet Docs medical team is always on the cutting edge of weight loss solutions and has created their newly-formulated prescription, Contrave to curb these insatiable hunger pangs and cravings. Contrave is an FDA-approved weight-loss medication containing a proprietary combination of Naltrexone HCl and Bupropion HCl. This weight loss prescription keeps one feeling satiated so one can finally lose weight and keep it off. Contrave helps people succeed with dieting, as cravings are eliminated or drastically reduced.Diet Docs medical experts have studied the links between hunger and the human brain. Basically, the brain seeks to repeat rewarding experiences to trigger feelings of pleasure, which can cause an individual to crave food even when they arent hungry. Contraves two active ingredients, naltrexone and bupropion, target two areas of the brain: the hypothalamus and the mesolimbic reward center. The hypothalamus regulates hunger while the mesolimbic reward system triggers a sense of pleasure during experiences such as eating. Bupropion stimulates the POMC neurons of the hypothalamus, which fire neurotransmitters to reduce feelings of hunger. Naltrexone helps to keep these neurons active so that you dont feel hungry between meals. Naltrexone and bupropion also regulate neurotransmitters in the mesolimbic reward system that are associated with cravings.The safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of the FDA-approved Contrave prescription have been well-studied. Across three long-term studies, participants who took Contrave lost approximately two to three times more weight on average than participants who used diet and exercise alone. Contrave may be effective for weight loss on its own, or it may be used as part of a complete weight loss program, as determined by your doctor.Diet Doc makes it easy to access the prescription weight loss medications, such as Contrave, that you need when diet and exercise just arent enough. Simply give us a call orsend us a messagefor a free, no-obligation consultation, and ask about our medically-supervised weight loss plans. Well get you on the path towards a better you! Diet Doc offers a team of doctors, nurses, nutritionists and motivational coaches, Diet Doc products and individualized coaching help individuals lose weight fast and keep it off. Existing patients are losing up to 20 pounds per month safely and effectively. New patients can get started immediately, with materials shipped directly to their home or office. They can also maintain weight loss in the long-term through weekly consultations, customized diet plans, motivational coaches and a powerful prescription program. With Diet Doc, the doctor is only a short phone call away and a fully dedicated team of qualified professionals is available 6 days per week to answer questions, address concerns and support patients.Getting started with Diet Doc is very simple and affordable. New patients can easily visit https://www.dietdoc.com to quickly complete a health questionnaire and schedule an immediate, free online consultation.About the Company:Diet Doc Weight Loss is the nations leader in medical, weight loss offering a full line of prescription medication, doctor, nurse and nutritional coaching support. For over a decade, Diet Doc has produced a sophisticated, doctor designed weight loss program that addresses each individual specific health need to promote fast, safe and long term weight loss.Twitter: https://twitter.com/DietDocMedicalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DietDocMedicalWeightLoss/LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/company/diet-doc-weight-loss?trk=biz-brand-tree-co-logoCONTACT INFORMATIONDiet Doc Contact Information:Providing care across the USAHeadquarters:San Diego, CA(800) 581-5038Info@DietDoc.comhttps://www.dietdoc.comAttachments:A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5ceb71a0-5070-4904-a6aa-743393049a2aTiffany King Diet Doc 7027487526 contact@tiffanysedits.com

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Diet Doc's New Contrave Prescription Addresses Weight Loss' Main Obstacle Insatiable Cravings and Hunger Pangs - satPRnews (press release)