Just got to thinking about the "flaws" of low carbing...specifically "lack of energy". (not something I've personally experienced but was still pondering the topic and my thoughts on it...why I havent experienced it etc.)
Then my mind began wandering around a "what if" scenario: (bear with me here)...
What if ...2 groups of people with the same overall physical characteristics...the same heights, same builds, same activity levels...both groups with members about 15 pounds over weight... were put into a closed and monitored program for a two weeks. The diet in this program would consist of only lc/whole/natural/ foods...no processed foods. Both groups contained people who had regularly eaten foods that would not be allowed for consumption in the study. (high carb and/or processed foods.
Group one consisted of people who knew they were
technically a bit overweight but had
great body image, and honestly enjoyed their lives as-is...with no desire to lose weight.
Group two consisted of people with poor body image and the desire/need to lose weight to be happy with ones self.
Isnt it
possible that...in this scenario...those in group one might experience the deprivation of their favorite foods with depression...wanting the unavailable foods...seeing little to no benefit to this period of 'deprivation'...and becoming slightly more lethargic from mild depression?
Meanwhile...isnt it
possible that group two:
*excited at the prospect of losing weight and improving their body image
*excited at being happier with themselves
*feeling that the 'deprivation' was
completely worth it to achieve the end results
...isnt it possible that this group might actually:
*experience a
boost in energy?
*might actually stop viewing the 'deprivation'
as 'deprivation'
*simply
enjoy this new way of eating after becoming accustomed to the perceived restrictions of their menus?
I know they're
not an experts thoughts...but found the whole subject very interesting. I
have, however, read a few articles that support the idea that "
perceived deprivation" can cause a response
equal to actual deprivation. This would be true in a
number of different scenarios...from perceived food deprivation, to perceived emotional deprivation, to perceived intellectual deprivation etc. In other words...if you
feel deprived...you will likely respond as though actually deprived...even if the reality shows no true deprivation.
I theorize that:
1)
Most people who begin Low-carb diets might experience a bit of lethargy...partially due to the body's physical adjustment to the new diet...partially due to "perceived deprivation".
2) Once the initial adjustment period has set in...(cravings lowered, appetite suppressed, familiarity with food choices etc)... energy levels return to normal or exceed previous levels
for those who dont continue to feel deprived.
3)
Response to a low-carb WOE is
very dependent on the person...the
individual...following the LC WOE, and may vary
greatly due to a number of factors...psychological reactions being one of those factors.
I know it's just me tossing thoughts around in my head...but I was wondering what others might think on the topic.