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It's seen as a fad because of the large initial water weight loss and the numerous myths about it, e.g.: 1) it's impossible to gain weight while in ketosis 2)

by rjh29 13y ago

It's seen as a fad because of the large initial water weight loss and the numerous myths about it, e.g.: 1) it's impossible to gain weight while in ketosis 2) the first time you go into ketosis, it has magical fat-burning effects that are lost after you go out of ketosis and back in 3) that ketosis is in fact magical in any way, and in any way better than simply -moderating- carb intake (as opposed to cutting it to 50g or under, and giving up delicious things that you enjoy). Fact is, plenty of people have tried it as a magic bullet and eaten copious amounts of cheese and bacon only to find that, surprise, fats are insanely calorie-dense and things like salt can still happily make you hungry enough to overeat. On the positive side, trying keto also permanently changed the way I felt about food - I permanently reduced my carb intake, increased protein and fat, and have a much better understanding of how high-carb foods create 'hunger'. And it happens to work very well for some people, which is awesome.

crusso 13y ago
People misunderstand General Relativity too... doesn't make it a fad. A fad is a short-lived craze. Generally it's something that's done for fashion/popularity sake, but has little underlying benefit or scientific basis. Atkins published in the 1970's. Low carb diets have been popular for almost a decade now - and the evidence for their efficacy appears to be mounting. It's no longer a fad. Regarding your points: 1) I've never heard that claim and I've been on some form or other of a low carb diet for the last ten years. 2) Magical? Hardly. The first time I forced my body into ketosis was the most difficult, though. When my metabolism switched to burning fat, I woke up that day feeling very different. That difference was a bit euphoric. 3) Being in ketosis isn't like being pregnant. There are varying degrees - hence the spectrum of colors on the ketostix. That said, there is a slippery slope where indulging "delicious things" can quickly lead to carb cravings that wreck your low carb eating regimen. Some people are better off just avoiding the treats because it makes sticking with their eating plan easier.

by rjh29 13y ago

crusso 13y ago

People misunderstand General Relativity too... doesn't make it a fad. A fad is a short-lived craze. Generally it's something that's done for fashion/popularity sake, but has little underlying benefit or scientific basis. Atkins published in the 1970's. Low carb diets have been popular for almost a decade now - and the evidence for their efficacy appears to be mounting. It's no longer a fad. Regarding your points: 1) I've never heard that claim and I've been on some form or other of a low carb diet for the last ten years. 2) Magical? Hardly. The first time I forced my body into ketosis was the most difficult, though. When my metabolism switched to burning fat, I woke up that day feeling very different. That difference was a bit euphoric. 3) Being in ketosis isn't like being pregnant. There are varying degrees - hence the spectrum of colors on the ketostix. That said, there is a slippery slope where indulging "delicious things" can quickly lead to carb cravings that wreck your low carb eating regimen. Some people are better off just avoiding the treats because it makes sticking with their eating plan easier.