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    Home » Articles and Carb Charts

    Top 11 Low Carb Myths (And Why They're Wrong)

    This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Top 10 Low Carb Myths and misconceptions. See why low carb is so healthy and nutritious and see what low carb can do for you. #lowcarb #sugarfree #lchf | ditchthecarbs.com

    The top 11 low carb myths, I bet you've heard them already - low-carb is dangerous, keto is unhealthy, it's unsustainable, it's restrictive.

    Well, there's no evidence for any of these keto myths - let me explain why all those low carb myths are unfounded, and in fact, I can show you how each of the low carb myths can be counter-argued.

    Collage of the Top 10 low carb myths about low carb diet images
    Jump to:
    • 1: Low-carb diets are zero carbs and no fruit and vegetables
    • 2: Keto diet has far too much meat and protein
    • 3: Low-carb and keto diet isn't varied
    • 4: Low-carb and keto are restrictive
    • 5: Low-carb diet isn't sustainable long term
    • 6: Low-carb and keto diets make you tired because you need carbs for energy
    • 7: Low-carb and keto are fad diets
    • 8: All that fat will give you heart disease
    • 9: Keto diet doesn't provide enough fiber
    • 10: Ketosis is dangerous
    • 11: Your brain needs glucose as fuel
    • Is low carb is dangerous?
    • How does low-carb really improve your health?
    • 💬 Comments

    Generally, low carb myths are being circulated by those who may not have researched low carb and make assumptions, or by those who haven't caught up with the science.

    Studies continue to support the fact that low carb is an excellent choice for weight loss, heart health, diabetes (T1 and T2), nutrition, gut health, mental clarity, and more information is coming to light regarding the ketogenic diet in the role of adjunctive cancer therapy.

    1: Low-carb diets are zero carbs and no fruit and vegetables

    Firstly we are low-carb, not no-carb and secondly, there are no essential carbohydrates known. We have essential fatty acids and essential proteins, but there is no such thing as an essential carbohydrate.

    We eat fruit, but we choose nutrient-dense fruit such as berries but stay away from high sugar tropical fruits such as mango, bananas, and pineapple. When we do eat carbs, it is from nutrient-dense lower-carb vegetables, nuts, berries, and dairy.

    Our vegetable intake for most people actually increases. We remove the processed carbs from our diet and replace them with more vegetables. We no longer use carbs such as rice, pasta, and bread to bulk up our meals, we use vegetables.

    2: Keto diet has far too much meat and protein

    Sorry, another myth. Yes, we may eat moderate to higher protein, however, is this too much? The recommended protein intake is only enough to prevent a protein deficiency, it is not enough protein for optimal health.

    We also advocate eating meat that has had minimal intervention such as steaks, roasts, drumsticks, and organ meats.

    There is a vast difference between processed meat such as hotdogs and burgers to meat such as steak, roasts, chops, and ham on the bone. Protein is required for essential amino acids.

    3: Low-carb and keto diet isn't varied

    We eat a full variety of whole foods. When you take out the carbs what is left? Everything else.

    Take a look at the picture below. A high-carb diet actually crowds out nutrition. A low-carb diet crowds out junk. A sandwich has very little nutrition (with only a few scant nutritious ingredients inside) compared to a large salad.

    Diet Doctor shows how those on a low-carb diet may choose to eat 30g carbs compared to those who eat a standard diet. Remember, we are low carb NOT no carb. Spend your carbs wisely.

    Diagram showing what 30 g of carbs look like

    Having sushi, for example, is the equivalent of eating white bread (in terms of carbs) and very few nutritious fillings inside. Take a look at this sushi autopsy. In fact, when you go low carb, your diet will consist of meat, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats.

    Click on my recipe finder, you will see how varied our meals are. Many who have gone low carb say they have started cooking for themselves for the first time and love experimenting with new recipes and new foods.

    4: Low-carb and keto are restrictive

    Again another myth sorry. We restrict the products we eat.

    Do you know every year thousands of new products come into the marketplace? Do you also know that 85% of them have some form of added sugar?

    We eat a huge variety of foods, just not processed products. The problem in modern times is that so many products or fake foods contain sugars and grains, so it may appear that we are heavily restricted, but only because there are thousands of products available that we choose not to eat. 

    By removing processed food, you almost become low carb by default.

    5: Low-carb diet isn't sustainable long term

    Myth again. Studies continually show that once people go low carb and give up sugars and grains, they do it for good.

    That is part of the success of such a way of eating as once you learn how damaging these are to your bodies and appetite, you actually don't want to touch them again, rather than constantly fighting your willpower.

    Maybe that's why the sugar and grain industries are fighting back so vehemently. Once they lose a customer, they lose them for life.

    6: Low-carb and keto diets make you tired because you need carbs for energy

    Most people report that they have never had so much energy. Fat is a far more sustainable fuel than carbs.

    Once we use up all our stored carbs (glycogen) we switch to fat-burning mode. We have an almost unlimited supply of energy in our fat stores. You will no longer be on the sugar roller coaster, with afternoon slumps and evening munchies.

    7: Low-carb and keto are fad diets

    Humans have been eating low carb for thousands of generations, it is in fact our current high carb guidelines that should be seen as a fad diet.

    People tend to use the term 'fad diet' as a derogatory term when diets don't work, but low carb works and it works long term. Entire populations thrive on low-carb diets.

    The first book was published in 1862 by William Banting and Dr. Harvey who prescribed weight loss by eating no bread, no pasta, no sugar, no beer, no starch - only meat, fish, and vegetables. Ask your grandparents what they did to lose a little weight - they stopped eating bread and potatoes.

    8: All that fat will give you heart disease

    Nope. Study after study has repeatedly shown us that it is the carbs in our diet that increase inflammation, creates the dangerous form of LDL cholesterol carrier (tiny, angry oxidized LDL), raised triglycerides, raise our risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes (which is one of the biggest risk factors of heart disease).

    Eating low carb and healthy fats actually reduces every single risk factor. Reducing your carbs will reduce your triglycerides (best predictor of heart disease), reduce blood pressure, improves HDL, and improves the size and type of LDL.

    Read further on the cholesterol myth to really understand how important cholesterol is to us, and having a low level is just as much of a concern as having the wrong type.

    9: Keto diet doesn't provide enough fiber

    Hmm, all those leafy greens we're getting aren't enough? Nuts, seeds, coconut? But how much fiber is enough anyway? The myth of losing fiber from wholegrain bread is a persistent myth.

    Wholegrain bread is quite often processed then the fiber and grains are added back in and then fortified with vitamins. I'd rather get my fiber from whole foods with minimal human intervention.

    10: Ketosis is dangerous

    There is confusion between ketosis and ketoacidosis. Nutritional ketosis is a natural state of fat burning that your body switches in and out of all day long. Ketoacidosis is a dangerous medical condition that can affect some Type one diabetics for example.

    Firstly going low carb does not necessarily mean you will be in nutritional ketosis all the time, but actually, most people frequently are anyway and they don't realize it.

    Ever wonder how you survive your sleep and are not eating? Your body switches to fat-burning once all its glycogen stores are used and will run quite happily on fat. Fat is released from your fat cells into your bloodstream, these fatty acids are turned into ketones which fuel the body and brain. Ketosis is entirely different to ketoacidosis.

    Ketoacidosis is a condition that occurs in Type 1 diabetics where the level of ketones in the body cannot be controlled, it makes the blood acidic and can be fatal. See this infographic which illustrates the difference between ketosis vs ketoacidosis, then click here to be taken to an incredible article on ketosis.

    11: Your brain needs glucose as fuel

    Our brain can be fuelled by both glucose and ketones, which is how the human race has survived famines and periods of fasting since time immemorial. The brain can efficiently run on ketones, in fact, this is what gives many people such mental clarity and continuous concentration that they have never experienced before when on a high carb diet.

    A ketogenic diet has an anti-seizure effect for those with epilepsy. Ketosis is also a better environment for neuronal recovery and repair, reduction of seizures, and prevention of Alzheimer's.

    If any glucose is required by certain parts of the brain, our bodies can produce it from protein through gluconeogenesis. So it appears that glucose is not the preferred fuel for the brain at all.

    Is low carb is dangerous?

    By reading all the low-carb myths and research that counter-argues them, hopefully, I have managed to put some uncertainty at rest. Why do others claim low carb is dangerous?

    The above myths just aren't true. What is dangerous however, is eating processed food, and the incredible high carb diet which the majority eat, leading to obesity, heart disease, insulin resistance, Alzheimer's and if that hasn't convinced you, here's another 30 reasons why sugar and carbs are bad for us.

    How does low-carb really improve your health?

    Weight loss reduces hunger, improves metabolic syndrome, improves blood lipid profiles, reduces the risk of heart disease, reduces blood pressure, improves insulin sensitivity and improves glycemic control, reduces triglycerides, reduces the risk of T2 diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's, and low carb diets are easier to adhere to versus low-fat diets.

    Reducing our carb intake and preventing insulin resistance can be one of the most powerful things we can do to live a long and healthy life.

    Below is what many consider to be a 'healthy' diet. Now you tell me if eating all of these sugars and carbs is good for our health?

    Diagram showing actually how much sugar is in a healthy diet

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    mockups of low-carb meal plans and templates
    Libby Jenkinson in her garden

    I'm Libby Jenkinson MPS. A registered pharmacist, Health Coach, Cert.Adv Nutrition, mother of 3 and founder of Ditch The Carbs and Low-Carb Practitioners.

    Learn more about me →

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    1. Zena

      August 18, 2020 at 9:11 am

      I would like to know are the recipes written in Aus or Nz measurements, i am trying to find a keto plan that is not written in usa lbs and ounzes, but in Australian grams and cups.

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        August 19, 2020 at 11:37 am

        Al my recipes here are written in both - yay. Simply click the big red buttons in any recipe and you can switch between grams, cups, ounces etc 🙂

        Reply
    2. Robin

      March 07, 2018 at 10:52 am

      This just popped up in my pinterest feed again. I've been eating the keto way for nearly 1 year now. Excellent article. One myth you could have added (and made an even dozen 🙂 ) is "Eating fat is bad for you / will make you fat". We know that certain fats are indeed unhealthy, but many others are quite the opposite, and the most efficient energy source.
      Sharing. . .

      Reply
    3. Lorna-Jean Thompson Anderson

      February 09, 2018 at 4:14 am

      I do a low carb diet that includes one fresh orange in the morning and one slice of Ezekiel sprouted grain toast either with 2 eggs or 2 T. almond butter This is the only way low-carb is sustainable for ME. When I did a fully ketogenic diet I was MISERABLE and suffered from leg cramps day and night no matter how much magnesium potassium, and sodium I made sure I got. I felt deprived and a relentless craving for fruit and bread. By tweaking my diet to include one piece of fruit and one slice of sprouted grain bread, I continued on to lose 138 pounds at age 48 with hypothyroidism. I am no longer pre-diabetic and my blood pressure, triglycerides, C-Reactive HS Protein levels (inflammation markers) and my Magnesium RBC are all in the normal range. I've had no feelings of deprivation, no cramps, no lethargy, no more bad breath or re-occurring flu-like symptoms. I no longer listen to any "talking heads" or self-proclaimed gurus. I have found what works for me, and that's all that matters!

      Reply
      • Robin

        March 07, 2018 at 11:04 am

        and that's the wonder of keto! we can tweak it to fit our needs! I started just about 11 months ago, because I was finally desperate enough to do something about the chronic (literally all day every day, 4-6 excedrin daily), to give keto a try. That was 4 months after deciding I should at least cut carbs, due to diabetes showing up on both sides of my family tree.) During that time, I started looking for low carb recipes, and kept tripping over keto blogs (and a TED talk). In weeks, the headaches were down 75+%, where it stays, but I have yet to figure out how to avoid changes in the weather, or monthly cycles (at least until the change, lol). I had given up on ever losing weight (I'm 41, and wasn't obese, but I was overweight, and not happy with my size, or physical fitness). Cutting portions and exercising, or one or the other, had ever helped. To my surprise, keto took off the pounds. Incidentally, I have never been diagnosed with hypothyroid, but based on symptom matching, I believe I was low-normal, and that the secondary test would have called it low.

        After this much time, I have no cravings for breads (though walking past a bakery still smells good), and find that some sugary foods that I used to enjoy have no pull on me--in fact, some even repel me.
        Discovering that there was a keto friendly chocolate, make this way of eating, EASY! 🙂

        Reply
        • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

          March 07, 2018 at 10:58 pm

          Wow Robin, this is an amazing testimony for the power of low-carb and keto way of living. You must feel absolutely incredible. And all your symptoms are gone! The power of eating real whole food that is low in carbs and nutrient dense, never ceases to amaze me. The current food pyramid is so out of whack with current science and common sense, it is unbelievable. I think it is fair to say that all of us who have discovered low carb and are following this path, there is no going back. The transformation in our health and reduced risk of the big 4 (heart disease, obesity, cancer and T2 diabetes) is incredible. Well done, and I am glad my website and recipes are helping your journey, and yes, the chocolate certainly helps 😉

          Reply
      • Angie

        February 20, 2019 at 4:23 am

        Did you exercise? Very happy for you

        Reply
    4. Linda

      June 02, 2017 at 5:07 am

      Such a timely article for me. Going to cardiologist June 7th and we know how they are about high fat low carb! I just started and plan to keep it up. My weight and diabetes are my problem and I have no doubt that with weight loss, everything else will be corrected! This article will certainly help me present educated info about the diet.

      Reply
    5. Matt

      November 05, 2016 at 12:12 am

      The information in this article is.....

      Spot On!! Thank You Libby. : )

      Reply
    6. Judy

      October 11, 2016 at 12:28 am

      Great article! Doesn´t matter how many time I have read this info, it keeps me inspired.

      Reply
    7. dave

      August 23, 2016 at 12:14 pm

      Sorry but it didn't work for me. After six months I was hungry all the time. I was doing 20g carbs, 150g fat, and 75 g protein every day and did not lose 1 pound or a fraction of an inch. And, did I mention, I started wanting to eat constantly after the second month. I was also tired all the time. I was ready for a nap within 2 hours of getting up. Moderate carb low fat high protein works better for me. Not all diet plans are good for all people.

      Reply
      • Lauren

        August 25, 2016 at 1:40 pm

        20 carbs is pretty low. I eat about 80-100 per day and have been slowing steadily.

        Reply
        • Lauren

          August 25, 2016 at 1:41 pm

          *losing steadily

          Reply
        • Connie

          September 24, 2016 at 12:43 am

          Lauren, can I ask how much fat an protein you have? I have been trying super low carb but it's getting me too depressed. So I was wondering how I would tweak my macros if I increased the carbs to about 80- 100

          Reply
      • dolfyn

        September 01, 2016 at 2:59 am

        Hey Dave. Only 150g of fats? That's not much! The problem was probably that you were restricting your intake of fats, & in fact restricting your food to 245g per meal. On this way of eating your meals should each consist of 75% fats, 20% protein (about a palm-sized amount), & 5% carbs. When in doubt, add more fats. Still hungry? Eat more fats. Eat only when hungry; eat until satisfied; don't eat again until hungry again. Doing it that way frees you from set meal times & allows your body to tell you when it needs food, which will usually naturally end up being only 1 or 2 meals a day & no snacks. It didn't work for you because you weren't doing it right.

        Reply
        • Diane

          February 14, 2017 at 5:36 pm

          Hi I am doing low carb but am sure i sm not eating enougg fat. How can I increase my fat intAke?

          Reply
      • SMARS

        September 07, 2016 at 2:43 pm

        assuming dave ate EXACTLY as he says he did for 6 months straight (no straying, right?), then he consumed EXACTLY 1,810 cals/day (based upon the composition that he listed (1g fat - 9 cals, 1g protein = 4 cals, 1g carb = 4 cals). Not knowing how much he weighed when he started, or what his BMI was, it's hard to gauge how poorly this diet approach worked for him. However, if he was only consuming 20g of carbs/day, he most likely was in ketosis (perhaps there are exceptions to that rule, but they are very rare). If he was in ketosis, and he was consuming what would sensibly be a calorie deficit of some kind for 180 days straight, then it would be impossible for him to not lose weight (primarily weight from fat). Either he isn't telling the complete truth, or he has a medical condition that has gone undiagnosed. Also, the concept of being hungry "all of the time" for 6 months straight and not caving would make him the most disciplined person in history. If you are in ketosis, hunger is reduced. something just doesn't add up in all of that. it's basic math. If he didn't lose any weight under these conditions, then there is something incredibly unique about his current physiology. the average male needs to consume about 2500 cals/day to maintain their current weight. If Dave (assumed to be average) actually consumed 1810 calories/day, he would be achieving a deficit of 690 calories/day. 690 x 180 days equals a calorie deficit of 124,200 calories. since there are 3500 calories in a pound of fat, he should have lost 35.48 pounds(again, this assumes he is average. Maybe he is a small person. If he is a small person, then maybe 1810 cals is too much to lose anything). Instead, he somehow lost nothing. Hard to fathom. perhaps he should be studied by scientists. The good news is that he doesn't need as many calories as a normal human. he could (if he wanted to) save a LOT of money on expensive groceries.

        Reply
      • Krystal

        September 24, 2016 at 1:48 pm

        150g/fat that's well over 900 calories in fat alone. Eating that much added fat won't make you lose fat, you'd just maintain it.

        Reply
      • Tom Le

        October 19, 2016 at 7:34 pm

        Hey Dave, being in a low carb, moderate protein, and high fat diet has lots of other great benefits besides losing weight. You will be able to have better mental focus, anti muscle inflammation, muscle preservation, controlled appetite, physical endurance and balanced blood sugar level. First of all, your body is transitioning from burning glucose to burning fat. This may take anywhere from weeks to months which is different for everyone. It is very important that you consume 80% of your macros from fat like grass feed butter, coconut oil, olive oil, avacado. 15% are high quality protein such as grass feed cows, pasture raised whole eggs, bacon. 5% grain free carbs from leafy vegetables, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, and no starchy vegetables like potatoes or yams. Also most importantly you need to read the ingredient labels. It is where most sugar are hidden. 80% of the foods at your grocery store are hidden with sugar. Please stay away from all processed foods and low fat products. They are filled with sugar! Consuming sugar is the biggest reason why you're not seeing results. Sugar is hidden in condiments, dairy (yes milk!) cured meat, yogurt, cereal, pastas, breads, proteins shakes, protein bars, and fruits (please don't consume any fruits unless it's from strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries). Also all fruit juices are high in sugar wether it's store bought or fresh squeezed. You will need to purchase a glucose/ketone monitor to keep track daily in the beginning. (Amazon sells the monitor called Precision Xtra for about $26) Once you are in the zone then you won't have to continue to measure your glucose/ketone level everyday. I can assure you that you will accomplish your health goals if you follow these rules. Good luck and I hope this helps!

        Reply
        • Petra

          August 11, 2017 at 2:55 pm

          At least you've given poor Dave some reasonable advice instead of saying what a medical anomaly he is! I'm a little understanding of Dave, I too did Keto for an entire year, felt great but didn't loose an inch... I'm still on low carb as I've found it a more nutritional way of eating but I do find myself fairly often having hungry days! Even after I've just finished eating a hearty meal my belly full I'm not satisfied?! I push through but I find it unexplainable.
          Good luck to everyone who tries it, hopefully it opens your eyes to more wholesome foods!

          Reply
          • Kayla

            February 08, 2018 at 2:54 pm

            Same problem. The mental hunger never goes away. I'm currently eating 10-20g carbs per day, but upping it to about 80 to allow for more fruits and vegetables and happiness. My body is starting to look gross on high fat, looked niced before. Plus I feel terrible, heavy, constipated, and suck at the gym

            Reply
    8. Lynn Freedman

      July 25, 2016 at 3:37 am

      Libby- Truly outstanding article! You answered just about every question there is... With scientific data links for those who remain brainwashed.
      BTW-- How do I link this article to my FB page? I want to get the word out. Thanks for all you do. (Especially the recipes! YumYum!!)

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        July 26, 2016 at 9:39 am

        Brilliant! I am so glad this has answered all those myths everyone throws at us. The one I have yet to answer is why some people won't even ask about our LCHF way of eating as they truly think we have gone bonkers and crossed to the dark side! I'm convinced if I went vegan, everyone I know would ask about it and say well done for following my convictions. Strange old world huh?
        To share any of my posts on Facebook, every page has a set of sharing buttons at the bottom, click on those and it will include the link for you. Spread this far and wide. Let's remove the LCHF myths once and for all. Fingers crossed.

        Reply
    9. Clair Leary

      July 11, 2016 at 12:32 am

      I love my lchf diet and I am a vegetarian. I will eat this way for the rest of my life, I never feel deprived, hungry or unwell anymore. I don't crave bad foods or struggle to concentrate. I have perfect cholesterol levels and glucose levels. Oh and I have lost 33kgs as a bonus!

      Reply
    10. Kassie

      June 03, 2016 at 1:37 am

      Loved this article as there is so much confusing information out there. Am I correct in saying that what LC is a low glycemic plan. Also, how many carbs per day is advised, in my case, for a woman with A LOT to lose lol

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        June 03, 2016 at 12:06 pm

        Similar but subtly different. Low glycemic is merely a representation of how slow the carbs are released into your blood stream, but they are still carbs. LCHF is low carb real food, first and foremost. This page may help explain GI. Knowing the GI of foods is a useful tool, but do not think that if the food is low in GI it is low in carbs, it just means it is absorbed slower. For example, a banana has a low GI of 54 yet contains a whopping 30.8g carbohydrate!!!

        Reply
        • Kathy Gilchrist

          June 03, 2016 at 11:29 pm

          Thanks Libby for the info...it was helpful in understanding the difference but disappointing as I love bananas !! What do most people use as a guide for #of carb gms they use per day ?

          Reply
          • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

            June 07, 2016 at 11:51 am

            How many carbs you eat in a day is up to you, depending on your goals - weight loss, appetite control, diabetes, heart disease etc. Most would regard 50g carbs per day as low carb, less can be regarded as keto, and 50g-100g per day would be considered 'lower carb' than the average person would consume but you would still see some benefit. The lower the carbs, the large the benefit and quicker results, but extremely low carb is not for everyone long term. Find what works for you and is sustainable long term. I don't count anything any more and instinctively know what to eat and how much.

            Reply
            • Kathy Gilchrist

              June 08, 2016 at 10:23 pm

              Awesome Libby, your info is so helpful...
              thank you so much. I really have no excuse to get myself in gear once & for all !! Low carb looks like my ideal solution ...here's hoping !!!

    11. Nikkii

      May 22, 2016 at 10:11 am

      I changed over to LCHF with all my work colleagues thinking they couldn't do it because it's way too restrictive, I've lost 12kg so far with no exercise at all, now they are messaging me for information and recipes etc. I think they are blown away by the fact that I'm never hungry and have never felt better 🙂 only downside is the taste in my mouth when im in ketosis. With weight falling off though, I think I can live with that lol

      Reply
      • Umaira Sarwar

        December 18, 2016 at 12:19 am

        Can you guide me please.im 82kg 157cm withhypothyriod and pco.im on low carb nut have not lost.since 3 weeks

        Reply
    12. Shirley

      May 13, 2016 at 11:53 am

      I struggle with keeping my protein at or around 60 grams. Any tips? Trying to lose about 10 lbs.

      Reply
    13. Kelli

      April 05, 2016 at 7:16 am

      Sheeesh, when I tell people I'm eating LCHF they immediately say HOW UNHEALTHY! WHAT DO YOU EAT DONUTS ALL DAY?????? Arrrrrghhhhh. Society is so behind the times regarding diet.

      Reply
      • Laura

        May 12, 2016 at 4:47 am

        Same 4 me. I avoid telling ppl why i avoid certain foods. Some ppl are so in past???? still thinking that fat is BAD.

        Reply
    14. annieohk

      April 05, 2016 at 12:20 am

      Libby you missed a typo in Myth #1 - second sentence, esential should be essential. I'm just a grammar geek! ? thank you for the information. One question - I have high blood pressure and am on meds - can LC help to lower my BP? I also have a lot of weight to lose. ?

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        April 05, 2016 at 10:51 am

        Thank you Annie, it's amazing how many times spellcheck doesn't pick up my typo's (I think I type too fast to get the words from my frazzled head into each post). I welcome any corrections, it's only me here 🙂 Yes low carb has been well known to lower your BP (to normal range) so be aware of this as your medication may need to be lowered. A friend fainted because she didn't monitor her BP and reduce her medication accordingly. So keep under the watchful eye of your GP or similar.

        Reply
    15. monika

      April 04, 2016 at 5:12 am

      I'm with you on this and thank you for the myth-busting. I would, however, be curious on your stance about the fact that glucose/carbs is necessary for the conversion of inactive T4 hormone into active T3 hormone...

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        April 04, 2016 at 12:27 pm

        There are scientists that can offer far more advice this than I ever could, but what I hear from numerous lectures I have attended is that this is not actually seen in practice. Whilst you need insulin for T3 T4 conversion, we are low carb not no carb and still produce enough insulin for the conversion to take place.

        Reply
    16. Terri Hamilton

      February 23, 2016 at 12:04 pm

      The other day I suggested keto to someone and she said, "I can't do the keto diet, I only eat plant-based foods."

      Reply
    17. Martin

      January 20, 2016 at 11:02 pm

      Another cracker, Libby - very plain and succinct .

      Reply
      • demon

        February 17, 2016 at 6:41 am

        Aren't there lots of carbs in crackers ??

        Reply
    18. Sue

      January 10, 2016 at 10:13 am

      Thank you so much for writing this great, informative article. I will be linking to it from my blog. Low carb is healthy. I struggle to eat all the veggies that 's recommended on the new atkins program. So much so that there's no place for other food anyway.

      I've even started to give healthier low carb foods to my husband and he also enjoys this way of eating. I no longer buy him bread, but make healthier breads.

      Keep up the good work with your blog. I wish mine looked as good as yours. 🙂

      Reply
    19. Lesley

      January 05, 2016 at 11:33 pm

      Thanks for sharing this fantastic article. If people are not convinced by what they read then they never will be. I have been doing this lifestyle for nearly 4 years and it's the only lifestyle I will follow. Yes, I fall off the wagon now and again it happens. Love all the amazing recipes that are shared !

      Reply
    20. Jae Davis

      December 30, 2015 at 8:55 pm

      I lost 60 lbs. in the past year and want to lose another 35 to get on the doctor's chart for my height. The past 2 months I have neglected eating low carb as strictly as I had in the past due to stress eating and compensating for nerves in the sickness of my spouse. I must get back to what I did for the entire year and eat healthy low carb, including my Xocai healthy chocolate for controlling my fibro pain. The healthy chocolate has 11 carbs for the 3 pieces I need to eat to control my pain. On the days I eat the chocolate, I have to eat almost no carbs for that day.

      Reply
      • Kathleen Czinner

        January 01, 2016 at 9:31 pm

        I'm very new to the site, please tell me what is Xocai chocolate used to help fibro myalgia pain. I also suffer from this awful problem.
        Thanks Kathleen Czinner

        Reply
      • mike

        January 06, 2016 at 9:49 am

        11 grams? I eat between 18-50 grams a day of carbs. Every night 2 squares of dark chocolate @9 grams. The rest from food. In excellent health on lchf

        Reply
    21. Sudeepti

      December 30, 2015 at 2:15 am

      Hey Libby
      This article is very well written and very well explained...
      I started LCHF diet just a month back..
      I never been this energetic and so so happy and positive about everything...
      I feel so good.
      And these kind of articles pushes us furthermore to leave that junk behind and live life to fullest.

      Reply
    22. Kathleen Czinner

      December 29, 2015 at 12:53 pm

      Hello Libby, found your site a mere 3 weeks ago and really appreciate it. I've been searching for answers to health issues for nearly 40 years. Like many others I've done the rounds of medicos - GPs, specialists & every test they could think of as well as dietitians, nutritionists + the alternative lot with the same results - little lasting improvement with worsening conditions. Heard about Banting and began the search. I've begun the change to LCHF/HFLC and even though I've fallen off the wagon during special events, I plan to make 2016 my DTC year and know that health benefits will come. Thanks so much for all you are doing for everyone interested in better health and energy.
      Kathleen Czinner

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        December 29, 2015 at 8:12 pm

        Wow Kathleen, what a fabulous comment to leave. I am so happy that you have found LCHF, my website, and it is working for you. We all fall off the wagon at the beginning but as time goes on it gets less and less (rather than more and more which is all too common on low fat diets). 2016 will certainly be a fabulous year for you and I am certain you will stick with it and be successful. Reading lovely comments like yours really makes all my time here worthwhile. Wishing you a very happy new year, Libby.

        Reply
    23. Simone

      December 29, 2015 at 11:42 am

      Hi Libby. Please can I have permission to use that low carb misconception image on my Facebook page (The Happy Banter). Thank you.

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        December 29, 2015 at 8:30 pm

        Hi Simone, Yes you can share my misconception image as long as you credit and link back to my website and correct URL. I do not allow reproduction of my written work without prior consent. Take a look at what I allow to be shared and copyright rules at the bottom of this page . Thank you for asking, Libby.

        Reply
    24. toni muse

      December 29, 2015 at 10:52 am

      hooray for common sense, i have lost 18kg since jan this year, this is the best way to eat, and you dont feel hungry at all, because you can eat as much as you like if you want to,of low carb food,still lose weight and feel great,people dont believe it when i tell them all i have done is low carb,i dont exersize due to no time, i have just lived my usual life ,but cut right back on the carbs,yes i think the sugar industry should be very worried, the picture at the bottom of the article sums it up very neatly,we just dont need that many carbs to live a healthy life.

      Reply
    25. trekkiemaiden

      December 29, 2015 at 9:53 am

      Great article - I have bookmarked it as it is so succinct and clear. However watch your typos! In point no. 1, you have berries and diary ( bit chewy them there diaries!!) and in point no. 5, there's no such word as veirmently - it's vehemently. Just thought you'd like to know xxx

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        December 29, 2015 at 8:20 pm

        Thanks for spotting the typos. No matter how many times I read a post before it goes live, I seem to miss something. All corrected now 🙂

        Reply

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