Does Low-Carb Slow Metabolism?

A common fear is "starvation mode." People worry that if they diet, their body will shut down and they will never burn calories again. The reality of low-carb is actually the opposite.

Calorie Restriction vs. Hormone Optimization

In a traditional "eat less, move more" diet, you are hungry. Your body senses a famine. It lowers your body temperature and slows you down to conserve energy. This is why you get cold and tired.

In a low-carb diet, you are eating plenty of calories from fat. Your body doesn't think there is a famine. It has plenty of fuel (both from food and your own body fat access). Studies show that low-carb dieters often burn roughly 300 more calories per day at rest compared to low-fat dieters.

The Thermic Effect of Food

Low-carb diets are usually higher in protein. It takes a lot of energy to digest protein (20-30% of the calories in protein are burned just digesting it). Fat and carbs are much easier to digest. So eating steak literally revs up your engine.