A wide spectrum of approaches, and what's actually doing the work within them.
"Low-carb" covers a wide spectrum, from modestly reducing refined carbs to a strict, near-keto approach. Most of what makes low-carb eating effective for the people it works for is the removal of refined sugar and starch — not carbohydrates as a category.
| Dimension | Low-Carb | THE FAD |
|---|---|---|
| Core rule | Reduce carbohydrate intake below a set threshold, without necessarily going as far as keto | No macro threshold — tracks food quality and pattern instead |
| Spectrum | Ranges from moderate (100-150g/day) to strict (under 50g/day, bordering on keto) | Works the same regardless of where on that spectrum you land |
| Common overlap | Cutting refined carbs and added sugar is central to most low-carb approaches | The same cut is exactly what improves a Food score |
A low-carb diet built around vegetables, legumes (in moderation) and whole food sources would generally score well. One built mainly around processed meat and low-carb packaged snacks would not — the "low-carb" label alone doesn't determine the score.
The best way to understand the difference is to see what a real day scores.
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