There is a growing trend of celebrity chefs and influencers advocating a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet for weight loss. The diet was created by Dr. Robert Atkins many years ago and has been adapted by various people and organizations for their own reasons. One of the most prominent proponents of the diet is Megan Jayne Crabbe, better known as @meganjaynecrabbe on Twitter. She has published several articles on the topic, including this one in which she argues that there is “scientific evidence” that a high-fat diet can be better for your health than a conventional low-fat diet.
While there is some truth to Crabbe’s statement, the evidence that she presents in support of it is limited. To begin with, while we know that a high-fat diet can increase the levels of HDLs (good cholesterol) and decrease the levels of LDLs (bad cholesterol), there is little scientific evidence to suggest that it can combat obesity or diabetes. Additionally, we need to keep in mind that just because a diet has been scientifically proven to be beneficial to our health, it does not necessarily follow that it’s the best option for everyone.
Where Do I Start?
If you’re looking to start your diet journey, the most vital thing to do is to consult with a registered dietitian. They can help you choose the right foods for your body and adjust your menu according to your personal nutritional needs. Additionally, they can help you formulate a plan for exercising as well. There is no replacement for personalized nutritional advice when it comes to successfully accomplishing your diet goals.
The Science Behind a High-Fat Diet
As mentioned above, a high-fat diet can increase your HDLs and decrease your LDLs. This is extremely beneficial as it helps control your cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a substance that is vital for the human body’s function, but too much of it can be harmful. The main types of cholesterol that are bad for your health are LDLs and saturated fats. There is now evidence that suggests that a high-fat intake can cause Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Additionally, heart disease and some types of cancer have been linked to an excess of cholesterol intake. People who consume lots of eggs, meat, dairy, and organ meats have higher cholesterol levels than those who mainly eat fruit and vegetables.
The good news is that there is actually no need to avoid carbohydrates to achieve healthy cholesterol levels. In fact, the American Heart Association and other reputable health organizations recommend that you include plenty of high-quality carbohydrates in your diet. This includes things like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Whole grains are wonderful sources of carbohydrates and they have many advantages for our health. They provide fiber, which helps prevent constipation as well as heart disease and diabetes. They also provide a convenient source of energy, which is needed for our daily activities. These are just some of the advantages of whole grains that you need to know about!
In conclusion, while a high-fat diet can be beneficial for some people, the evidence that supports it is actually not very strong. In fact, there are other low-cost and convenient ways to increase your HDLs that do not involve eating more fat. That being said, it is also not advisable to go overboard and consume large amounts of saturated fats without medical supervision. These are vital nutrients for your body and you must get your daily intake, but you don’t want to overexpose yourself to them either. The main takeaway from this article is that you must be careful about what type of fat you consume and how much of it you consume. If you’re looking to shed some pounds, it would be wise to avoid diets that include a lot of fats and carbohydrates. Instead, focus on foods that are high in fiber and low in calories.