A low-carb diet is just what it says – limiting carbohydrate intake and replacing it with protein.
By restricting carbohydrates drastically to a mere fraction, the body goes into a different metabolic state called ketosis. In this state the body burns its own fat for fuel. Normally the body burns carbohydrates for fuel because this is the main source of fuel for the brain, the heart , and many other organs.
A person in ketosis is getting energy from ketones, little carbon fragments that are the fuel created by the breakdown of fat stores. When the body is in ketosis, one will less likely feel hungry, resulting to less intake of food. However, ketosis can also cause health problems, such as kidney failure.
So if you’re still interested to pursue your low carb diet, here are some information you might find useful:
Carbohydrates come from bread, grains, rice, starchy vegetables and fruit.
Those who practice low-carb diet believe that a decrease in carbs results in lower insulin levels, which causes the body to burn stored fat for energy.
So if you go for a low carb diet, focus on meat, poultry, fish, eggs and some non starchy vegetables.
You should limit your intake of most grains, beans, fruits, breads, sweets, pastas and starchy vegetables. Some low-carb diet plans allow fruits, vegetables and whole grains. A daily limit of 50 to 150 grams of carbohydrates is typical.
To make your low carb diet effective, eat low glycemic carbohydrates such as fresh and canned fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. In particular, low glycemic foods include broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, green beans, peanuts, low-fat yogurt, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, peas, grapefruit, canned peaches, soy milk, pearled barley, dried apricots, cooked carrots and spaghetti.
Images courtesy of luigi diamante & graur razvan ionut/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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