When it comes to weight loss, many people wonder whether they should focus on portion control or cutting carbs. Both approaches have passionate supporters and proven results, but they work in different ways. The best choice depends on several factors, including your lifestyle, goals, and personal preferences. Here, we'll explore the pros and cons of each method, how low carb compares to keto, and how to choose a sustainable plan that will support your weight loss goals.
Portion control: pros and cons
Portion control is a simple concept: you can eat most foods you enjoy, just in smaller amounts. Portion control diet plans focus on calorie awareness without requiring major dietary restrictions. Typically, portion control plans require you to stay under a certain caloric limit each day.
There are many positives that can come with a portion control approach, including:
- Flexibility. You can enjoy all food groups, including carbs, sweets, and fats, in moderation. This can make it easier to stick to your nutrition plan long-term.
- No food is off-limits. When you're able to enjoy your favorite foods, you might not experience the same feelings of deprivation that might occur on other long-term weight loss plans.
- Simplicity. You don't have to change your whole lifestyle or follow a strict set of rules — you simply need to stick to your caloric limit for the day.
While there are many pros to following a portion control plan, there are also some issues that may make it a poor fit for some, including:
- Tracking. You'll likely need to measure food, count calories, or use visual portion cues. It's important that you're consistent when it comes to tracking your meals.
- Slower weight loss. Some people find that weight loss is slower with portion control plans than with other plans, as you likely aren't going to be eliminating high-calorie or processed foods.
- Temptation. If you struggle with food addiction or emotional eating, even enjoying small portions of certain foods may lead to binging.
Portion control works well if you're ready to slow down, build awareness, and practice moderation, but it takes discipline and consistency. If you struggle with binge eating tendencies, a different type of nutrition plan may be a better fit for your needs.
Low carb: pros and cons
A low carb diet involves reducing the intake of carbohydrates, while focusing on fulfilling your caloric needs with fats and proteins. Low carb diets often specifically focus on removing processed or starchy carbs, including sugar, bread, pasta, and starchy vegetables (like potatoes).
There are many reasons why low carb diets are popular, including:
- Faster initial weight loss. Cutting carbs can reduce water retention and insulin levels, leading to quick early results.
- Improved blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. Low carb diets can be a good fit for those living with prediabetes, insulin resistance, PCOS, and other conditions related to blood sugar and insulin.
- Reduced hunger. Proteins and fats can be more satiating, which can lead to reduced hunger.
- Freedom from sugar addiction. For some, eliminating simple carbs and processed snacks can reduce constant hunger and energy crashes.
While low carb diets often result in quick weight loss, they aren't the right fit for everyone. Some of the cons of a low carb diet include:
- Restriction. If you're sticking to a low carb diet, you'll likely need to cut out or limit certain foods like bread, fruit, and pasta.
- Sustainability challenges. Social events and meal planning can get tricky on a long-term low carb diet.
- Side effects. Some people who follow a low carb diet experience unpleasant side effects like fatigue, constipation, headaches, nausea, and mood changes.
- Nutrient gaps. In some cases, low carb diets can lack fiber and certain nutrients found in fruits and grains.
- Low carb diets can be powerful, especially if you're looking for fast results or are working to fight metabolic issues, but this eating style isn't a good fit for everyone.
The difference between low carb and keto
While low carb and keto diets often get lumped together, they're not the same thing. Both eating styles limit carbohydrates, but keto is far more restrictive. Low carb diets usually recommend eating between 50 and 150 grams of carbs per day. Keto diets recommend 20 to 50 grams of carbs per day in an effort to force the body into ketosis, where it burns fat (instead of glucose) for fuel. Bread and pasta are not allowed at all on most keto diets, and fruit is only allowed in very limited amounts. Most people find it very difficult to stick to the keto diet long-term.
Choosing the best sustainable diet for you
When it comes to deciding between portion control vs. low carb, it's all about understanding what style works best for your unique lifestyle. You'll want to consider what's sustainable for you.
Consider these factors when choosing whether you want to go with a portion control or low-carb approach to weight loss:
- Your lifestyle. If you regularly go out to eat or attend social events, you may find it easier to stick to a portion control plan. If you're OK with meal prepping and eliminating most carbs, a low-carb diet may be the right fit for you.
- Medical needs. If you have blood sugar issues, insulin resistance, PCOS, or another condition that requires you to pay close attention to the amount of sugar you eat, low carb may be a good fit for you. If you don't have specific medical needs, portion control is usually the easiest to integrate.
- Your personality. If you enjoy structure and thrive with limits, you may work well on a low-carb plan. If you prefer variety and flexibility, portion control may be a better fit for you.
- Your relationship with food. If you've interested in learning moderation, portion control may be a good fit for you. If you deal with sugar addiction or intense cravings, a low carb plan may be a better choice.
At Evidation, we're here to help you take control of your health
No matter which plan you choose, tracking your progress is essential, and Evidation can help. The Evidation app helps you build healthy habits, one decision at a time. When you download the Evidation app, you'll be prompted to share the health information that you're already tracking. We'll use the data you choose to share to find personalized insights and provide you with the content-based insights you need to drive your health forward. Click here to learn more and explore the Evidation app today.
