Weight Loss – Are low carb diets affecting your brain function?
Some studies are being conducted evaluating the effects of low carb diets, such as the Atkins diet, on cognitive ability. Brain function on a low carb diet may be impaired because glucose is the nutrient used by the brain for energy and the brain is not capable of storing glucose, but is depended on the bodies production of this nutrient.
Many low carb diets restrict intake to as little as 20 grams per day, while the RDA for carbs is at least 130 grams (taking into account the brains energy needs).
One study compared long and short term memory, spatial memory, and visual attention of women prior to beginning a low carb diet, post low carb diet, and after reintroduction of carbs. Those following a low carb diet had a gradual decline in memory performance and slower reaction time on all tests. Interestingly, attention span was improved on the low carb diet.
Fortunately, memory skills and scores returned to normal after carbohydrates were reintroduced.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
Be Heart Healthy and Lose Weight
Eating Breakfast Equals Weight Loss
Do you eat breakfast?
Well, a recent study backs up the claim that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Two groups of women were compared. The first group followed a low calorie diet (~1200 calories) that included a balanced protein/carbohydrate intake. This first group ate 50% of their daily calories in the morning (~600 calories). The second group followed a low calorie (~1000 calories), low carbohydrate diet and ate ~25% of their calories in the morning. The first group lost ~40 pounds over 6 months, while the second group lost ~10 pounds (28 pounds first 4 months, followed by 18 pound regain).
Balancing protein and carbohydrates in your breakfast is important. Here are some examples of quick and easy breakfast meals that include both protein and carbohydrates.
Whole wheat toast with peanut butter
Low fat cottage cheese with canned peaches (light syrup)
Banana with handful of mixed nuts
Whole grain cereal with low fat milk
Apple with hard-boiled egg
Low fat yogurt with granola
What are you going to eat for breakfast?
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD, LN
Heart Health and Weight Loss Tips
