Low Carb Diet Plans

If you are in the quest for weight loss and good health, join the many people who are fervent believers in low-carb dieting systems. Switching to foods that are higher in fats and proteins is said to give you more energy, a better disposition and fewer food cravings, in addition to weight loss.

How a low-carb diet helps you lose weight

Low-carb diets work by putting your body into a metabolic state known as ketosis. On a typical American, high-carbohydrate diet, people burn carbohydrates for energy instead of burning fat, making weight loss difficult. When carbohydrate intake is reduced, your body begins to burn fat for energy instead.

Always check with your doctor before starting any diet plan. He or she can advise you on the risks and benefits of the diet and check with you regularly to make sure you are getting the nutrition your body needs.

Low-carb plans

Two of the most popular low-carb plans are the South Beach Diet and the Atkins diet. More information can be found at http://www.atkins.com/Homepage.aspx and http://www.southbeachdiet.com/sbd/publicsite/index.aspx. The main differences between the two are in the fats that are allowed and in the way carbohydrate intake is counted. The Atkins Diet recommends eating a variety of fats and allows more saturated fats than the South Beach Diet. The South Beach Diet counts carbohydrates based on portion sizes while the Atkins Diet counts grams. Other low-carb plans include the Zone Diet, the Sonoma Diet, Paleo Diet, Sugar Busters!, Protein Power and Bernstein's Diabetes Diet.

What you can eat

The best way to stick with a low-carb diet is to focus on what you can eat rather than on what you cannot eat. When you want a snack, instead of reaching for the cookies or chips, grab a slice of cheese and some lean turkey. Celery sticks with peanut butter are also a great low-carb choice. Eggs, bacon, and olives all make good snack foods. For meals, you can eat any meat, fish and poultry, as well as salads with toppings, such as cheese, cucumbers, alfalfa sprouts, onions, tomatoes and dressings. There are many lists of acceptable foods at the low-carb sites mentioned above. Some low-carb diets allow you to gradually increase the variety of fruits and vegetables you can have as you progress through the stages.

A low-carb diet is a big commitment but one that can lead to better overall health. Find support from family and friends, make out a menu and get on the road to weight loss and optimal living.

A low-carb diet is a big commitment