Low carbohydrate diets are in fashion but the results don't really add up

Nutritionist Says Lack of Food Variety could be part of the diet problem

Low carbohydrate diets can be hard to follow and have mixed results both in the long and short term, says Melinda Manore, Ph.D., R.D. The restriction of certain food groups can make the specialized diets

difficult to live with because of the lack of food variety, even though the " low carb." trend has created awareness of the negative weight effects of eating too many processed carbohydrates, like those in some cereals, breads and other food containing refined white flour.

Low carbohydrate diets appear to be safe and potentially effective for weight loss in the short-term for those under the age of fifty, but Manore emphasized the data does not yet exist on potential health risks associated with long-term use of these diets.

"The low carbohydrate high-protein diets brought a sensitivity to our intake of processed carbohydrates, which is good,” said Manore. “Yet eliminating so many foods with minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals and other nutrients could have a negative impact on a person's health as well as significantly reducing meal options. It doesn’t help a dieter to have so few options that they get tired of eating the same thing over and over, and ultimately give up.”

Manore pointed out recent consumer research, in which about sixty-seven percent of consumers said they were moderate users of low-carbohydrate  diets Of that group, only 5 percent indicated they were dedicated low-carbohydrate users. Most respondents said they used the diet for short-term results; that is, rapid weight loss.