One eternal question is whether it is better to opt for low carb or low calorie if you really wish to lose weight?
Low carb
Eating carbohydrate is one most sinful act for weight watchers. You will find many dieters taking pride in leaving roti or rice. But is it worth the effort? Maybe not.
Carbohydrates are the main energy source for your body. On an average, 40-60% of calorie intake should come from carbs. However, it is important to identify the kind of carb you are consuming. There are namely two kinds in the weight loss universe, healthy and unhealthy.
Healthy carbs are roti, rice, lentils, pulses, vegetables and fruits. Unhealthy refers to breads, pastas, refined sugar, and any other refined flour preparation. In most cases, omitting carbs is the numero uno for weight loss and hence rice, roti, fruits such as banana go outside the window.
As per experts, carbs should not be eliminated at any cost. Major processes of the human body take place with the help of carbs and getting rid of them completely is definitely not a wise option. Not only are you attracting a lifetime of permanent diseases but will also not be able to lose the gained weight post the dieting process.
Low carb or no carb diet plans are the hottest weight loss trend of the decade, but should be given enough thought before trying them out.
Low calories
An average calorie count for a healthy body is 1800 calories. Calorie intake should entirely depend on the person’s weight, height, lifestyle habits and existing body parameters such as BMI and visceral fat. In recent years, calorie in and calorie out concept has caught major attention and hence low calorie diets have a front runner for some time now. By reducing the calorie intake of a person, the end product is inevitably weight loss. But, this idea should depend on the quality of calories and not the quantity. For example, a slice of pizza or an apple, which is a wholesome nutritious meal, good enough to fill your stomach? The answer is none. Thus, weight loss requires careful consideration when it comes to calories and not empty justification of the same.
Sustainable weight loss
Weight loss, at the end of the day, should ideally be about sustainability and nothing else. Short term weight loss plans may make you fit into the perfect dress or bikini but do not promise a healthy day post this glorious moment. It is important to recognise that your body needs nutrition to survive and be healthy. Dark circles, sagging skin, horrible immunity, and issues like thyroid or diabetes are definitely not worth the bet. And these are permanent lifestyle damages which come with short term weight loss plans.
Verdict
Low carb is a better deal than low calories. Having said that, invest in healthy carbs such paranthas, rotis, rice, sattu, besan, fruits, and vegetables. Do not give up on these, rather exercise to burn excess calories. Burning unhealthy calories such as that of pizza slices and french fries is any day tougher and also lead to weight gain.