Low Carb Diet Information and Weight Loss

Most of us have heard at least some low carb diet information at some point or another since the influx of these types of plans and their worldwide popularity began growing in the 1990s.

Low carb diets, also called controlled or reduced carb, or low glycemic diets, are terms used to describe eating plans that restrict or modify one's intake of carbohydrates. And although researchers aren't sure why, studies have shown that following a low carb diet decreases appetite, an incredibly benefit for anyone trying to lose weight. The decrease in appetite may be attributed to the fact that low carb diets are rich with protein and high in fats, both of which take considerably longer to digest than carbohydrates.

In general, low carb diets are also lower in calories as a whole because processed foods containing added sugars are forbidden. Most people's diets consist of breads, cereals, milk, pasta, rice, and fruit, not to mention all of the sweets, so when these foods are eliminated, the calorie count drops considerably. Consuming fewer calories inevitably leads to weight loss, and coupled with exercise, makes the end result even more attainable.

The Atkins Diet, named after renowned cardiologist Dr. Robert Atkins, is perhaps the most well known of the low carb diet plans followed today although it was first created back in 1972. This particular low carb diet calls for consuming anywhere from 20 to 100 carbohydrates per day depending on the phase of the program.

In the beginning of the Atkins Diet, carbs are restricted to just 20 grams per day for the first two weeks in what is known as the Induction Phase. Lean sources of protein like fish, beef, poultry and eggs are staples during this phase, but salad greens and vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower are also allowed.

Carbohydrates are gradually increased and during the second phase, or Ongoing Weight Loss, as it's called, you are allowed anywhere from 40 to 60 crams per day. Depending on how well your body responds to the restriction of carbohydrates and how much weight you had to initially lose, most dieters can have anywhere from 50 to 100 grams of carbs each day while maintaining their ideal weight.

The South Beach Diet, created in 2003 also by a cardiologist named Arthur Agatston, is another extremely popular program that restricts the amount of carbohydrates allowed while focusing on healthy sources of proteins.

The South Beach Diet allows for as much as 28% of calories to come from carbohydrates, a more generous allotment than the Atkins Diet. However, the initial phase of this program is also rather strict and removes nearly all carbs from the menu, dropping from the usual recommended 45 to 65% of calories coming from carbohydrates to a mere ten percent. The focus instead is on meats, poultry, eggs, vegetables, cheese, nuts, and healthy oils or fats.

Most low carb diet information or diet programs, whether it's in regards to losing weight quickly or adopting a totally new way of eating, will have one theme in common, changing the way the body processes sugars in order to lose pounds of body fat while improving things like cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

And, of course, exercise is essential while following any type of diet or weight loss program regardless of the amount of carbohydrates or calories it allows.

For an alternative to low carb diets, that is just as effective, we recommend you try Nutrisystem. This program is based on eating only good carbs and has proven its effectiveness.