NEWS, VIEWS, AND REVIEWS

The low-carb lifestyle has a very broad base, which includes – among others! – Zero Carb (only fatty meats, eggs, and water), Keto (Ketogenic: very low carb, very high fat), LCHF (low carb, healthy fat), Paleo (eating as our ancestors did before agriculture) and Atkins (some processed foods, grains, dairy).

These various ways of eating are all slightly different from one another: some include dairy, others don’t. Some allow a little honey or fruit, others don’t. Some allow occasional low-carb grains, others don’t – and so on.

Many low-carb believers actually cycle between one or two of the above: if they reach a plateau in their weight loss, for instance, they might eat Keto or Zero Carb for a while before reverting to the one they find easiest to sustain; or if they’re training for a marathon they might eat more or fewer carbs for a while, depending on their preference.

Although even within each of these ways of eating there will be variations, they fit broadly under the low-carb umbrella because the basic unifying factors are the same: eating whole, real foods (i.e. unprocessed), forgoing sugar, eating only nutrient-dense carbohydrates (in varying quantities), sleeping as much as your body needs and reducing your stress levels.

And, of course, they are all fundamentally about getting your health back, sleeping better, losing excess weight and increasing your energy levels.

The one that is gaining most traction internationally is Paleo, which is generally low-to-medium carb.

These are very broad strokes, but the main difference between Paleo and regular low-carb eating is that all dairy other than butter is discouraged, and more veggies and fruits are allowed. Interestingly, we’ve found, over the years, that dairy can be a stumbling block in terms of both health and weight loss, particularly for women. And we suspect that many of you are finding the same thing. Which is why, for the first time, we’re including Paleo recipes in this issue, along with our regular selection of gorgeous low-carb fare.

Let us know what you think, and what works best for you: we’re all different, and it might not be exactly the same as what works for your partner or your friend. After all, the most important part of the low-carb lifestyle is learning to know yourself, really listening to what your own body needs and making the best choices you can based on that information.

And while you’re doing all that, please don’t forget to have a very happy Christmas and relaxing holidays! Let’s do this!

The LOSE IT team