Carbohydrate Addict

The Philosophy

Limit consumption of carbohydrates by having them less often and eating them more quickly (within one hour). Diet principles are based on the book "The Carbohydrate Addict's Healthy Heart Program'.

Our View

Does it meet the basic food groups? No. Even with a reward meal whereby you can eat anything in one hour, the grain products and fruits and vegetables permitted are minimal. Calcium-rich foods from the dairy products are not promoted.

What about balance and variety? Appropriate balance and variety in food choices are not recommended in this diet. Balancing the food groups at mealtime and adding variety to your food choices are not promoted here.

Risks? Unless all required portions from every food group are eaten during the reward meal, there is a very poor intake of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals: B vitamins, anti-oxidants, potassium & calcium, just to name a few. This diet may not meet daily energy (calorie) requirements. The body needs the appropriate amount of energy, even for weight loss. Also, overeating during the reward meal could cause discomfort and indigestion.

Our Comments

• Since amounts of carbohydrate are minimal and the brain needs a minimum of 150g of carbohydrate per day, the body may degrade lean muscle mass to make up for its requirements in carbohydrates especially since fat cannot generate the form of carbohydrate (i.e. glucose) that the brain needs. To spare and protect lean muscle mass, the body needs appropriate amounts of carbohydrates and 1gram of protein per kg of body weight. We don't want to lose lean muscle mass: it gives us power and keeps us healthy longer. After all, if we need to lose weight, we should aim for losing body fat.
• Overall, this diet does not favor heart health. It promotes unlimited protein intake, possibly a higher fat intake, poor fruit, vegetable and dietary fiber intake and poor balance.
• Large quantities of protein may also overwork the kidneys and cause damage.
• The absence of dietary fiber may cause intestinal disorders such as constipation.
• Weight loss on this diet is due to a calorie restriction from limiting carbohydrates. Unfortunately, other essential nutrients are restricted as well and the body may be losing more water weight than body fat.
• Decreasing calorie intake by restricting carbohydrates may lead to the production of chemicals called ketones. These are released into the bloodstream and may cause headaches, dizzy spells, fatigue, nausea and bad breath. If these symptoms occur, these are definite signs that there is something wrong.