The Keys to Successfully Following a Low Carb Diet

A low carb diet, by definition, is one that limits intake of carbohydrates, or those foods laden with starches such as breads, grains, rice, and some fruits and vegetables. Although these types of diets vary in their restrictions or methods to follow, the end goal is the same, to reduce one's consumption of carbohydrates to cause the body to burn fat and lose weight quickly and more efficiently.

Unlike some other types of diets, "cheating" while following a low carb diet can actually thwart your efforts to the point of making weight loss next to impossible. The reason behind this is the science of the low carb diet and how restricting carbohydrates causes weight loss.

Carbohydrates cause the body to produce more insulin because they raise the level of blood sugars. Insulin and blood sugars work together to make the cells unable to break down fat, leaving it to accumulate and cause weight gain. By limiting the amount of carbohydrates you eat, your body will then resort to its stored fat supply to burn for energy, inevitably causing weight loss to occur.

Now that you know how restricting carbohydrates brings about weight loss, it is time to set a start date for your new way of eating and shop for the foods you'll need to have on hand.

The bulk of the low carb diet will be proteins in the form of meat and most dairy products like cheese, sour cream, yogurt, and heavy whipping cream. Choose from many cuts of beef, pork, chicken, turkey, and seafood like tuna for the main portion of your meals while sides like salads and non-starchy vegetables should provide the remainder of your caloric intake. Some whole grains are also allowed in moderation as are fruits that are low in sugar.

When following a low carb diet it's essential to drink plenty of water, a vital substance, that's only second to oxygen on our list of important needs. Drinking water flushes impurities and metabolic waste from the system as well as help the rest of the body to function more efficiently. If you absolutely can't stand to drink water, even icy cold, then try a bottle of flavored, sugar-free water instead.

While watching your carbohydrate intake, also watch for "hidden carbs" in foods that are processed or modified in some way such as canned meats, cured bacon, and flavored sausage. Reading labels carefully is the best way to ensure you aren't getting any hidden carbs in your diet. Products labeled as "low fat" are almost always high in carbohydrates and be sure to account for things that are often overlooked like dressings, cheeses, sauces or condiments when adding carbs.

Although low carb diets to tend to cause rapid weight loss for many people, especially men, this doesn't mean exercise shouldn't be a part of your efforts to become healthier. Exercise builds muscle which in turn burns fat. Exercise and a low carb diet can turn one's body into a fat burning machine that efficiently uses stored fat for fuel while building lean muscle mass as well as strength and endurance.

For an alternative to low carb diets, that is just as effective, we recommend you try Nutrisystem.