It’s that time of year again!! Candy, cookies, and alcohol are just a few of the holiday treats that will be adding some additional weight to that mid-section. If you are like most Americans, the guilt will be kicking in as soon as the New Year comes. It may be time for a New Year’s diet. One of the more common diets today is the “no carb diet.” This diet is known for its fast results, but is it actually effective?

While a no carb diet will give you quick results, don’t be fooled by this illusion. Carbohydrates absorb water when they are in your body. When these carbohydrates are taken out of your diet, your body no longer holds this water. When the water retention leaves your body, it creates the illusion that you’ve lost fat. This is why your biggest results tend to be found within the first couple weeks. This however is not fat loss. Fat is lost at almost the exact same pace with a low carb diet as it is with a no carb diet, so why punish yourself by taking all of the carbohydrates out of your diet. Is this a sacrifice you’re willing to make for the rest of your life? If you want to keep that weight off, it better be. The moment you put carbohydrates back into your diet, the weight will come right back on, and it will come back on quicker than usual. This is because a no carb diet creates a carbohydrate sensitivity when they are reintroduced into your diet.

I know a no carb diet seems like the way to go when you’re looking for that quick fat loss, but it’s not the best long term decision for results or health. Carbohydrates are needed in your diet for energy, mental acuity, and even health related reasons. A low carb diet is the ultimate way to go for long term fat loss and overall happiness. If you’ve ever been around someone on a no carb diet, they most likely weren’t in the cheeriest of moods. Don’t make this same mistake.

-Tom