Taste: The Carb Debate - 31 Days

I have heard many, many positive things about a low-carb diet.  Most recently I heard someone say that he cut out carbs and lost 30 pounds in six months.  Sounds pretty good.

However ... these are my five favorite foods that come to mind:

1. Chocolate
2. Pasta
3. Bread
4. Salty snacks
5. Cake

If I give up all of those, I will not be happy--or pleasant to live with!

But beyond that, I have another concern.  I've heard from multiple sources that consuming carbs increases the level of serotonin in our bodies.  Serotonin is the natural chemical that gives us a sense of well-being.  I am already taking a medication to boost serotonin levels, so why would I want to eliminate the food that helps my body produce it?

I would be happy to lose 30 pounds in six months, but not at the sacrifice of serotonin and the serenity it brings.  I don't see a low-carb diet in my short-term future.  I can certainly appreciate what it's done for some people, but no pasta?  No cake?  No chocolate?

What do you think?  Have you tried a low-carb diet?  What have been your experiences?

If you'd like to catch up with my 31 Days posts so far, here's the full list:

September 29:  Intro
October 1:  Which Way Are You Moving?
October 2:  Views (breast cancer)
October 3:  Shiny New
October 4:  Learning (breast cancer)
October 5:  Stuck
October 6:  We Think We Know (breast cancer)
October 7:  Just GO
October 8:  Say It (public speaking)
October 9:  When It's Hard to Join (public speaking)
October 10:  Why Do I Care?
October 11:  One-Way Street
October 12:  Rest For My Soul
October 13:  Housework:  Friend or Foe?
October 14:  Getting Away
October 15: Twenty-Five Seven
October 16: Life Adjustments
October 17: The Longing

photo credit: Magic Madzik via photopin cc