Years ago, I started researching alternatives to low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets. I encountered a lot of confusing and conflicting information, but one thing became clear as I continued to sift through the material: not everyone agrees with the orthodox view of "fat bad, carbohydrates good". And since that time, research has reinforced the case for the alternative view.
I present this page as a resource for anyone who wants to find useful links to online information, avoiding the sites containing little original information. (In other words, these links are for the source sites where the details or original research can be found.)
As always, feedback is welcome. Any new or updated info is appreciated.
Low Carb Diet Resources
Looking for low-carb resources and stories? Check out Low Carb Compatible.
Glycemic Index
This one seems to have a lot going for it - Some researchers have found that different foods have a varying effect on the rise in blood sugar levels, and therefore, one should avoid the ones that tend to spike blood sugar quickly. Also, if one does eat high-carb, high-glycemic index foods that might spike your blood sugar level, fats consumed at the same time tend to modrate the blood sugar level increases.
Insulin Resistance and "Syndrome X"
This one is fascinating - according to the researchers, a significant percentage of the population react poorly to the simplistic low-fat, high-carb diets, and, for those people, some low-fat regimens can lead to worsening heart problems.
Ketogenic Diet
This one is interesting to me because it seems to help children who have chronic seizure problems. Apparently there's a link between carbohydrate intake and seizures in some children.
Again, not everyone benefits from high-carb diets. Human physiology and matabolism are too complex to be reduced to a simple food pyramid or other nutrition chart.
Low-Carb dieting
Well, there's nothing much new to say about the low-carb diet, it's been hammered by the press. Dismissed as a fad, ridiculed for decades, finally gaining some acceptance.
Recent studies provide partial validation of the low-carb approach, but one should still try to avoid a diet rich in red meats or certain types of fats for other health reasons.
We've had good luck with the Carbohydrate Addict's Diet - it's less extreme than the Atkins version, and it's a diet that most people can live with for an extended period (which is key to maintaining weight loss.)
Paleo Diet
Also known as the 'caveman diet' - I've not done much research on this one.
Glycemic Weight Loss
In a low Glycemic weight loss plan, you will feel less hunger and your metabolism won't slow down as much due to the lack of spikes in blood glucose and insulin levels. Up and down insulin levels are known to produce the feeling of hunger. Insulin keeps you from metabolizing fat you have already stored, and when you are hungry you have trouble burning that stored energy - and consequently you consume more energy. The low-glycemic diet avoids this pattern of eating-hunger-eating-hunger.