Anti-Carb diets consist of consuming a high amount of protein and fats, but virtually no carbohydrates. This way of eating forces the body into ketosis, where the liver converts fats into fatty acids and ketones, a by-product of fat metabolism, to be used as the primary fuel source instead of glucose.
Generally, rapid weight loss occurs in the first six months, in the form of water weight, due to depletion of glycogen in the liver and muscle cells.
Anti-Carb diets became a mainstream craze through the popularity of low/no carb diet plans and books such as Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, Protein Power, The Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet and The South Beach Diet.
They have been widely used and beneficial in weight loss programs for the severely overweight and obese because of the initial rapid results. Anti-carb diets are also customary for the “cutting” phase for body builders, in an attempt to keep muscle mass while burning as much fat as possible.
Diets that force the body into a state of ketosis have also been successful in treating epilepsy as noted in the book The Ketogenic Diet: A Treatment for Children and Others with Epilepsy.
Sources:
1. “Carbohydrate Addicts.” carbohydrateaddicts.com. 2007.
2. “South Beach Diet.” southbeachdiet.com. 2011.
3. “6 Week Cure.” Proteinpower.com. 2008.
4. “Ketogenic Diet.” epilepsyfoundation.org. 2010.
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