Medical expert of the article
New publications
Pros and cons of carbohydrate and low-fat diets
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
[ Pros and cons of the carbohydrate cycling diet
The carbohydrate diet was developed specifically for body shaping during fitness activities in the 90s by American sports nutritionists.
The Secret of Carbohydrate Cycling
The carbohydrate diet is very good for athletes, it helps to highlight the muscle definition and dry out fat from the body so that everything looks aesthetically pleasing and correct.
The diet schedule is calculated as follows
The first and second day - 1 gram of carbohydrates and 3 grams of proteins. You should weigh yourself beforehand, as the amount is indicated per 1 kg of your weight.
On the third day, everything changes. Consume 5-6 grams of carbohydrates and, accordingly, 1 gram of protein.
On the fourth day of this diet - 4 grams of carbohydrates and one and a half grams of protein.
If you want to stretch the diet, then turn the schedule of the first two days into three days, the third day can be observed for two days and the fourth day can also be observed for 1-2 days. The only thing is to have a moral attitude and willpower.
What's good about low carb cycling?
This diet is best suited for fitness.
On the negative side, we note:
It is ineffective if a person moves little throughout life; there should be activity here.
Low fat diet
The very idea of such a diet came to us from India and continues to be popular all over the world. The diet is based on vegetarianism.
The logic behind the diet is pretty simple: if you're worried about excess fat, don't eat it. Minimize your fat intake and eat only low-fat foods.
Benefits of a Low-Fat Diet
By reducing calories, the body burns fat cells and you lose weight.
The diet is quite complete and can be followed all the time as a way of life. It is enough to exclude fatty foods or reduce to 60 grams per day. There is nothing wrong if you replace animal fat with fish or vegetable oil.
Disadvantages of a low-fat diet
Do not give up fats completely under any circumstances, they are necessary to replenish the body with various vitamins, improve immunity and also help in the synthesis of hormones.
Agree, dishes that do not contain fat taste terrible.
The "Don't Eat After..." Diet
The diet was properly formed in the 80s and continues to this day.
The principle is elementary and known to everyone. You can't eat after a certain time. For example, after 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM.
Positive Diet
If your body is strong and can easily tolerate dietary restrictions, you will be able to lose weight.
If you have a busy schedule and you get up as early as you go to bed, this is your diet.
Negative aspects of the diet
The diet is not balanced, does not have a list of products and, if followed, you can disrupt your metabolism for the worse.
If you are a night owl and are used to falling asleep in the early morning, then it will be extremely difficult for you to cope with not eating after the evening hours.