Although they remain somewhat controversial in the medical world, low-carb diets have been one of the most popular diet crazes of the past decade. Whether you believe a low-carb diet is the right way for you to lose weight, it can't be denied that a low-carb lifestyle can help you shed the pounds. Because most Americans consume a lot of carbs, especially "bad" carbs like sweets and processed foods, switching to a low-carb diet can be challenging at first. However, some helpful tips can make surviving a low-carb diet easier.
Eat regularly. Just because you're counting carbs doesn't mean that you should deprive yourself. In fact, most nutrition experts recommend eating every three to four hours to fuel your metabolism and ward off cravings. Whether you eat three regular-size meals and two snacks vs. many smaller meals throughout the day, keeping your body fueled helps you shed pounds and stay on track. Starving yourself cues your body to hold onto fat and leads to binging. Remember, a combination of protein and fat at every meal is essential to optimal success on a low-carb plan.
Eat your veggies (and fruits). Low-carb diets like Atkins have taken a lot of heat for limiting fruits and veggies, which are generally considered super foods in a typical diet. It's important to remember, however, that these foods are typically only limited during the first few phases of a low-carb diet. For example, Atkins encourages you to get up to 15 grams of carbs from foundation veggies during every phase of the diet. Fruit is added back in during a later phase. Filling up on these good carbs (while still following the diet plan) ensures that you get plenty of fiber to stay full and healthy.
Eat out. One way to keep things interesting during those difficult first few weeks on a low-carb diet is eating out. Unlike many other diets, it's quite easy to eat out and stick to a low-carb plan. For example, you might order a lovely steak or chicken breast and some asparagus or other fresh veggies. As long as the food is prepared correctly and washed down with water (not carb-laden soda, beer or wine), you'll stick to your plan but feel like you're getting a treat. Eating out also keeps your taste buds entertained, as you'll likely encounter flavors that you might not utilize at home.
These are just a few of the ways that you can help set yourself to not only survive, but actually thrive, on a low-carb diet. It's also a good idea to take a daily multivitamin (without iron), especially during the more limited phases of low-carb diets like Atkins. Drinking plenty of water (at least eight glasses per day) helps flush out water weight and keep you energized and well-hydrated.
Low carb vegetables will help to fill you up without throwing your blood sugar levels out of whack. |
Complex carbs can make the difference between diet success and failure. |
Carb counting can help you stay on target with your diet once you understand precisely how to calculate carb totals. |
Foods low in carbs will help one aspect of your dietary plan, but you also need to consider which pack the best nutritional punch. |
Low carb snacks can help you keep your diet in check, even when your schedule is anything but. |
While the jury is still out on how healthy or effective low carb diets are, there are plenty of fans who swear by them and plenty of low carb diet plans to choose from. |
If you keep a list of low carb foods handy, you'll be able to satisfy hunger pangs with smart food choices. |
With low carb diet plans, you limit the amount and kind of carbohydrates you eat, while increasing your consumption of protein and fat. |
Your guide to low carb diets, from the risks associated with low carb dieting to tips on carb counting, low carb snacks and choosing the healthiest foods low in carbs. |
