What is a Low Carb Diet

The role of carbohydrates in the body:

We all need some carbohydrates as they provide vitamins, minerals and fiber that is essential for health. But excess of any thing is bad, and too much carbohydrates can lead to obesity. Over consumption of carbohydrate is the prime cause of obesity . The role of carbohydrates in the body is that of fuel, but when too much is consumed, it will be stored as fat, leading to obesity.

Did you know that it just not eating fat can not help you avoid weight gain? In fact, eating carbs or in other words, addiction to the bread basket leads to weight gain. What you do not eat has its role to play, but one has to first understand the working of the body and the role of insulin to understand weight gain/loss.

The carbs are routed to the liver and muscles where they are stored. But since there is very little storage space in the liver and muscles. when we consume excess carbohydrates, they get routed to the fatty tissues. Moreover, they increase glucose, leading to over-production of insulin. This insulin converts the carbsinto fat and makes it hard to consume. So the body cannot use this additional fat, leading to obesity. Insulin also controls the level of glucose in the body . If a person becomes resistant to it, it can cause diabetes that increases hunger pangs.

High protein, low carbohydrate diet:

Reduce carbohydrates, increase protein. Less carbs causes body to turn to fat stores for its energy needs. This in turn reduces stored fat . IProtein keeps one feeling fit and satieted.

What to eat?

A rich protein diet contains the following : Meats like fish, chicken, shrimp, crab meat etc. Vegetables rich in fiber like mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, beans, spinach etc.

Salads can help take care of hunger pangs : Include vegetables like carrot, broccoli, spinach, cucumber, mushroom etc in your salads.

Boil these vegetables that are fibrous with brown rice , or stir fry them in olive oil for you meal

For weight loss, eat meals that have lots of proteins and vegetables. Limit the intake of fruits. Avoid sweets, rich sauces, and white flour, white rice, corn, potatoes.

It will be hard in the beginning. Some people may experience weakness, headache and nausea. But this soon goes down. Drink plenty of water. You will soon see the pounds disappear