The Low Carb Pyramid

Here is a picture of the low carb pyramid that is recommended for those on a low-carb diet. The optimal amount of carbs varies for individuals, but it seems likely that most people can still receive the benefits by starting at a higher carb level, and avoiding some of the problems. While Kimkins and Atkins starts people at 20 grams of daily carbohydrate, the Eades of Protein Power say 30 grams, Diana Schwarzbein of The Schwarzbein Principle says at least 60, the Zone says 100 to 150, and Sugar Busters would probably be around 140 to 200 grams. All of these are considerably under standard nutritional advice, which is generally around 250 to 300 grams of carbohydrate daily (depending upon calories and other factors), and certainly you hear people on all these plans who are saying essentially the same thing about the positive effects –- decreased cravings, increased energy, etc.