Articles Index

What is a Low-Carb Diet?

Basic description of a low-carb diet, with a description of the three main low-carb approaches.

What is the Glycemic Load?

The Glycemic Index and Load are related, but different concepts. A diet with a low glycemic load has been shown to protect the body from heart disease and diabetes.

What is Ketosis?

What is Ketosis? This is a lot of confusion about this term. Ketosis merely means that our bodies are using fat for energy. Learn more about this commonly misunderstood process.

How do low-carb diets affect cholesterol and triglycerides?

What is the effect of low-carb diets on cholesterol and triglycerides? The scientific research summarized.

Do low-carb diets cause bone loss?

Research regarding low-carb and high-protein diets and bone loss and risk for osteoporosis.

What is the connection between low-carb diets and blood sugar?

Low-carb diets are all about blood sugar. Basically, we eat low-carb diets to keep our blood sugar normal and stable. Learn why this is important.

Why do people go on/stay on low carb diets?

Reasons why people are drawn to low-carb diets, and why they like them enough to stay on them.

What is the Glycemic Index?

An explanation and examples of the glycemic index, what affects the glycemic index in food, and criticisms to the glycemic index.

Do I need extra potassium on a low carb diet?

People sometimes here they should take extra potassium. Is this necessary?

Which Foods are High In Carbohydrates?

Descriptions and examples of high carb foods.

What about “no-carb" diets?

Discussion of the concept of "no-carb diets" (a misnomer).

Why Are There Calories in Soluble Fiber?

How can fiber have calories? The special case of soluble fiber (and oligosaccharides).

I felt lousy on a previous low carb diet. Does that mean they aren't for me?

Evaluating low carb diets and dealing with negative reactions in the first few days.

How Much Protein Do I Really Need?

A reader asks a question about protein needs and how they fit with the Dietary Guidelines (Food Pyramid).

Are High Protein Diets and Low Carb Diets the Same Thing?

Explaination of high protein diets and low carb diets.

Can I lose weight by eating low-carb, and then switch to a low fat diet?

Some suggest it, but I don't think so.

Can I eat a diet that is both low carb and low fat?

Most can't, but that's OK.

Are Low Carb Diets for Everyone?

Brief discussion about who might most benefit from low carb diets.

Are low carb diets bad for the kidneys?

It probably depends - are your kidneys healthy now?

What is the theory behind low carb diets?

This is why most proponents of low carb diets believe the diets work.