If you're considering cutting out carbs to lose weight, please take 4 minutes & read this whole post.
Ask yourself....Why have you decided to cut carbs?
I'm guessing it's because you think you need to.
OR...
Because you think you'll lose weight FASTER if you cut carbs.
But I'm willing to bet that it's not because you dislike the taste of carbs.
I haven't met anyone yet who's told me they hate fruit, rice, pasta, or bread.
But if that's you....By all means, cut them out.
I don't have a problem with taking out foods you dislike from your diet to make it more sustainable.
But if you want to lose mainly body fat to improve your physique & keep it off long term...
I don't recommend eliminating carbs altogether.
Here's why....
1. Very few people can go the rest of their life without eating some carbs. Meaning, it's not an approach you can stick to.
2. Carbs can help you to look & feel your best.
They're a main source of energy,
help have better training sessions,
& play a role in maintaining muscle.
Plus, they'll make your journey more enjoyable.
Those who enjoy their fitness journey are way more likely to see great progress & sustain it long term.
But if you're treating carbs like anthrax, I'm willing to bet that you aren't enjoying your diet too much.
Some final thoughts...
When you go from eating a normal diet with some carbs.....to no carbs at all,
You'll drop a bunch of water weight fast. You may even lose 10 lbs in a week and get excited.
Which is one reason why eliminating carbs is still so popular.
People see those immediate results and think they're losing fat.
But unfortunately, it's mostly water weight.
Eventually, they go back to eating a normal diet again and that water weight comes right back.
The goal should be to lose purely fat.
NOT to lose any and all scale weight as fast as possible.
So if you have a long term mindset,
and want to improve your physique by dropping actual body fat, aim to lose 0.5-2.0 lbs per week on average.
Instead of expecting immediate and drastic weight loss.
And focus on overall calorie intake instead of specifically carbs.
Total calories should be your #1 priority when trying to lose fat.
And lastly, remember to be patient throughout the journey. You won't lose weight every week.
Which is totally normal and that doesn't mean you aren't still making progress.
-- Jesse
CPT | Online Fitness Coach