What exactly does ‘low-carb’ infer? 30% carbs or 20% carbs or 5% carbs relative to 70% or 80% or 95% fats and proteins, respectively? Suggesting someone eat low carb is as vague as suggesting someone drive at low speeds, cook at low temperatures and exercise at a low intensity all to achieve a healthier outcome. Where does one start to be “low” at something?
Here’s an article explaining the negative impacts of high blood sugar and the relevance it has with the occurrence of disease; primarily type 2 diabetes. Since the Balance Factor is all about stabilizing blood sugar, we support the notion of a LOWER carbohydrate (rather than a LOW carbohydrate) diet for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Since lowering carbs and going low carb are not the same thing we suggest using the Balance Factor to gauge your carb intake and adjust accordingly. The Balance Factor will help you know where your carbohydrate intake is relative to your fats/proteins intake. A Balance Factor of 0 means you are eating at about 42% carbohydrates and 58% combined fats and proteins. A Balance Factor greater than 0 means you are eating greater than 42% carbs while a Balance Factor less than 0 means you are eating less than 42% carbs. The further away a number is from a Balance Factor of 0 (either positively or negatively) the more or less the carbohydrates are compared to the fats and proteins.
For some, lower carbs will mean bringing their carb intake down from 75% of their total daily calories to 60% of their total daily calories. For others, lower carb will mean bringing their intake down from 60% to 42% of their total daily calories. Just bringing carbs down in order to achieve the minimal requirements of fats and proteins will have a significant impact on health. So, when you read this article, try replacing the words “low-carbohydrate diet” with “lower-carbohydrate diet” and see if a diet “lower” in carbohydrates than fats and proteins doesn’t seem a little less daunting. With the help of the Balance Factor, you’ll be on your way to stabilizing blood sugar, reducing your risk of disease, and achieving your ideal body size.
