How Healthy is Your Diet, Really?

Photo by: R29

Low-Carb

What It Is
Take away the carbs and pack on the protein (from meat and nuts) or fat, or both. The most popular versions include Atkins and the South Beach Diet, which essentially follow the basic put-down-the-baguette idea, but go to another level by giving the green light to have as much greasy meat as you want - BACON! - and OD on peanut butter.

Pros
Plenty of protein and no carbs can equal major weight loss. "Protein ... more 

Photo by: R29

Low-Carb

What It Is
Take away the carbs and pack on the protein (from meat and nuts) or fat, or both. The most popular versions include Atkins and the South Beach Diet, which essentially follow the basic put-down-the-baguette idea, but go to another level by giving the green light to have as much greasy meat as you want - BACON! - and OD on peanut butter.

Pros
Plenty of protein and no carbs can equal major weight loss. "Protein is essential in maintaining lean mass and recovering from exercise, since it requires far more energy to digest than fat or carbohydrates, and is also the most satiating of all macronutrients," says St. Pierre. Plus, taking away carbs, which skyrockets insulin as well as sets off dopamine receptors in your brain and leaves you craving more (especially the bad kind like pizza, pasta and French fries) - can make you healthier and leave your brain clearer.

Cons
It can be easy to shift your focus and your plate more on protein and away from greens. And if this happens, you could wind up lacking fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, all of which are essential to vital health, says St. Pierre. Also, not all carbs are bad - whole grain options such as brown rice (pending the resolution of the arsenic issue we just talked about) and quinoa, give you the good energy you need to power through the workday or a SoulCycle class.
less