At last estimate as many as 30 million Americans are following a low carb diet. Advocates contend that the high amount of carbs in our diets has led to the increase in such health problems as obesity and diabetes.
Some diets restrict carbohydrates to a point where the body becomes ketogenic. Ketosis is a physiological condition in response to chronic starvation and causes most of the body to utilize fatty acids as an alternative source of energy.
Most of us don't need to reach such an extreme. Most of us just need to follow a few simple rules.
And most often these rules won't mean total abstinence from the foods you love. Just a small deviation from your normal dietary routine. Better choices when it comes to which breads you choose and which snacks you choose too.
It's not totally off limits to snack, just know that what most people consider snack food's definitely out of the question.
With that in mind here's a few ideas as to what sho uld and shouldn't be included in your low carb diet plan.
Cut out the processed fats including hydrogenated fats, polyunsaturated oils that have been heated, and fats that are combined with junk carbs. Processed fats are the culprits that put on flab and clog your arteries.
Cut the simple carbs like sugar, fructose, bleached flour, cornstarch and fruit juice. Stick with the whole fruit instead, with its fiber intact.
What you want to include are natural proteins, vegetables and whole fruits along with complex carbs such as whole grain breads.
Simple carbs are converted into fat which is stored by the body. This is exactly the problem that causes weight gain. Your body stores the fat for use later, when it thinks you are starving.
Complex carbs, on the other hand, are used for energy. These are good carbs. Yes, there are good carbs too.
This gives you a well balanced low carb diet that doesn't completely rob you of energy produci ng carbs. Also by eating high fiber whole grains you'll keep your insides clean and healthy and you'll be more regular.
Personally, I like to snack on cheese and pepperoni slices. You get a good amount of protein and fat and virtually no carbs.
Drink plenty of water, excercise regularly and make a low carb diet a part of an overall lifestyle and you'll surely lose weight, look better and improve your overall health.