opinion--no carb diet

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2004

What diet is a "no carb" diet?

There are plenty of *low* carb diets, such as Atkins and South Beach. But I've never heard of a *no* carb diet. Would that be eating only meat and nothing else?

CPB · Jan 12, 2004

Yes. I live in SC, and people around here are going crazy with this no carb thing. They're eating bacon and steaks three times a day and going into ketoacidosis because they arent's consuming anything but protein. I don't think they realize that even if they are losing weight, they're setting themselves up for CAD. It's ridiculous!!! My father recently had a physical and his doctor actually suggested this diet.

klone, MSN, RN · Jan 12, 2004

A *no carb* diet is impossible to maintain for long. The body needs carbs. No, that would not be healthy.

Low carb diets can be good. I think there's enough research out there to suggest that Atkins and other low carb diets are healthy. It's just a matter of what works for each individual. I tried low carb and couldn't do it. I love my carbs too much.

But I think that low carb diets can be a good thing, and especially those that espouse reduction/removal of refined carbs and simple sugars.

MiaLyse, APRN · Jan 12, 2004

I think it's smarter and healthier to cut down on carbs and make better carb choices than to completely remove them from your diet.>>

The low carb diets I've seen suggest the same thing. Never heard of any no carb diets.

Kelly

TiffyRN, BSN, PhD · Jan 12, 2004

May I preface everything by saying I've done low carb diets and hate them. Found myself ready to attach someone for a piece of toast. My husband (don't men always do better on diets?) has been on South Beach diet for about 3 months now and lost 24-25 pounds.

What I wanted to ask the OP is have you researched this diet any? I ask this not sarcastically at all, just curious if you have seen any non-biased research. I know that the Atkin's and other low-carbers claim their diets actually reduce cholesterol and normalize glucose/insulin release. The SouthBeach diet doctor claims to vastly improve HDL to LDL ratios which is considered one of the best ways to keep plaque from adhering to vessel walls. I know diabetics are using similar diets because it regulates their sugars and reduces the need for insulin (reduces insulin resistance).

Please anyone enlighten us if you can. I know what the Atkins & SouthBeach books say but naturally they have a vested interest.

DustinRN · Jan 12, 2004

I live in SC and there were a ton of people that were on the *low* carb diet, preferably Atkins diet. I don't see how you could go longer than a week without carbs. That is the only fuel your brain can use, correct?

LilRedRN1973 · Jan 12, 2004

Your brain is able to function on ketones (and actually loves to) but they destroy the myelin sheath surrounding the tissue. So although your brain can run on ketones, it's damaging to do so.

SnowymtnRN · Jan 12, 2004

But unless ALL you are eating is steak and bacon for example, its next to impossible to avoid all carbs. I mean carbs are in most everything. But like someone else said, there's a difference between good carbs and bad carbs. I personally don't see a NEED for pasta and rice in my diet, they make me feel horrible. But i get carbs in my veggie intake, even fruit, and condiments. Not to mention beverages, etc....

I think if people continue to ask you about "no carb" diets i'd tell them there's no such thing as a real no carb diet, only low carb and they need to read the Atkins book or the South Beach diet book. It explains everything VERY well.

DustinRN · Jan 12, 2004

I guess that answers the question of no carb diets. I don't want to walk around the rest of my life with dementia.

sbic56, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2004

Originally posted by RNnTraining1973
Your brain is able to function on ketones (and actually loves to) but they destroy the myelin sheath surrounding the tissue. So although your brain can run on ketones, it's damaging to do so.

Interesting. I never heard that. Got any reference to that? I predicted the other day that Atkins diet would be pretty much a thing of the past by this time next year. It has enjoyed a pretty good run, but I think people will realize it is just a panecea and a temporary fix when a long tern solution is needed.

SnowymtnRN · Jan 12, 2004

Originally posted by sbic56
Interesting. I never heard that. Got any reference to that? I predicted the other day that Atkins diet would be pretty much a thing of the past by this time next year. It has enjoyed a pretty good run, but I think people will realize it is just a panecea and a temporary fix when a long tern solution is needed.

I think a lot of people ARE using it as a quick fix, but as soon as they realize its a change of life, not a diet of the moment, they could really do well overall.