It’s no doubt you’ve heard about people on a “low carb diet.” Most people associate “no pasta or bread” when they hear about low-carb diet plans. But why do people go low carb, you wonder?
In this brief guide, we will discuss what going low carb signifies, its advantages and disadvantages, what foods to avoid, and how you can achieve your own low carb diet plan.
What Low-Carb Actually Means
Simply put, a low carb diet suggests the lowering, or restriction of, carbohydrates in your daily diet. Carbohydrates, as you may know, are one of the primary sources that provide our bodies energy. Our digestive systems process carbohydrates into glucose, or blood sugar.
Normally, having healthy carbs in your diet is a good thing. However, when your blood sugar levels are fluctuating, or are too high, then a low carb diet provides your body (specifically your gastrointestinal tract and blood sugar levels) balance and stabilization.
Someone whose body consumes too many carbs (glucose) is likely to gain weight. On the contrary, someone whose body cannot tolerate glucose (insulin) will likely be diabetic. What’s most important is to achieve a healthy balance.
Advantages & Disadvantages of a Low Carb Diet
Adopting a low carb diet can be super beneficial for stabilizing your blood sugar levels and lowering insulin spikes.
Avoiding too many carbs in your diet results in your body recognizing when your truly hungry and full. By consuming less sugar, you are less likely to have sugar spikes and crashes. As a result, you will feel better, have sustained energy for the day, have a healthier gut, less headaches, and much more. A low carb diet can also help you lose weight by regulating your glucose levels.
What Foods to Eat & Avoid
A low carb diet does not restrict your diet as much as you might think. You can still eat all the basics: meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables, eggs, fish, and even butter!
What you should avoid is any food that’s rich in carbs or starches. Potatoes, rice, beans, and especially pasta and breads, are foods you should avoid. Of course, processed foods are a big no no as these are very high in sugar.
Achieving a Low Carb Diet
Starting a low carb diet might prove difficult for the first 1-2 weeks. This is because your body is adjusting and using the nutrients you consume in a different way to produce energy. Keep in mind that a low carb diet is great for weight loss, preventing cardiovascular diseases, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and regulating your body. The benefits outweigh the potentially uncomfortable transition period.
There are many diet options out there. What’s important is that you choose a dietary program that works for you. Many find that a low carb diet offers all the benefits “going on a diet” entails without having to sacrifice on too many goodies.
Ultimately, a low carb diet removes out processed and industrial foods and nourishes your body with whole and natural foods. The end result is a healthier body and a happier you!