The advantage of low carbohydrate dieting, is that when it’s been studied, the average patient loses 10-12
pounds in a year and keeps it off. The disadvantage is that the 10-12 pounds usually come off in the first month
or two, and then you just weight cycle. The problem is that over time, most patients start eating way too many
calories to continue to lose weight on a low carb diet. If you want to follow a low carb diet, you have got to
restrict your calories. Freely feeding does not work, because after 10-12 pounds, the bet is you’ll lose no more
weight. I tell all my patients to try to stay under 1500 calories a day on low carb programs. The easy way to do
this is not to use butter or oil, limit cheese to 2-4 slices a day (200-400 calories), and no absolutely nuts (nut
have way too many calories and way too much carbohydrate). Most patients can freely feed on as much meat,
fish and poultry as they want following thsese guidlines and stay under 1500 calories a day. Fast weight loss is
always good, because it keeps you motivanted. The faster you lose weight, the more likely you’ll stay on your
diet.