There have been a lot of recent stories touting the benefits of a diet low in carbohydrates, and high in fat (LCHF).

These articles are supported not only by the anecdotal benefits achieved by the story subjects, but also by a growing body of research that further supports the purported benefits.

Other proponents include some high profile scientists and bloggers.

So what gives?  What’s the answer?

paleo food pyramidSome of the most interesting points made by these proponents (and others) is that

  • childhood obesity increased substantially and significantly after the introduction of the food pyramid (note, this is a correlation . . . no cause-effect; video games surely didn’t help the situation)
  • a high(er) carbohydrate diet forces endurance athletes to rely on glucose for fuel and not fat; the latter being in much greater supply
  • carbohydrates are not filling and drive hunger and caloric (over) consumption
  • all calories are not created equally

I am neither a nutritional nor epidemiological researcher, but I do have an appreciation for logic and how to read research.  Keep in mind, I generally learned that a low fat diet was the way to go so it’s hard for me to admit that the evidence is quite compelling, if not yet fully convincing, that a diet low in carbohydrates and high in fat.  Whether you agree with it or not, it is fun to read the beliefs and research in this area.

While I have dabbled with the paleo diet and I acknowledge that I’ve had some success, I’m looking forward (hopefully) to a more definitive conclusion soon!

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