The Theory of Low-Carb Diets

The general premise of high-protein/low carb diets is that by cutting carbs and increasing protein, you can lose weight fast. Their key selling point is that you can eat large quantities of meat, fish, eggs, cheese and dairy products if you cut out grains and carbohydrate-dense foods.

Promoters of the diets explain that you lose weight because your body switches from carbohydrate metabolism to fat metabolism; in other words, when you cut out carbohydrates as a source of energy, your body burns its stores of fat instead. This process of burning stored fat for energy is called ketosis. High-protein diets sell themselves by advertising ketosis inducement as a way to lose weight without cutting down on fat intake.