There are a number of popular diet plans that severely restrict carbs but don't eliminate them entirely. Even lettuce contains a minimal number of carbohydrates, and eliminating all fiber from your diet can cause stomach problems. Low-carb diets typically start by cutting out carbs from sources such as bread, pasta and fruit and then gradually incorporate them back into the diet in limited amounts. The theory behind these diets is that if you're not giving your body carbs for energy, your body will burn fat instead.
Atkins Diet
The first phase of the Atkins Diet is called induction, and during this phase, your carbs are limited to 12 to 15g a day. That can feel like a no-carb diet. You can dine on eggs, fish, poultry and meats, as long as they're not cured or processed with sugar, which is a type of carbohydrate. Cheese, which has about 1g of carbs per ounce, is okay to eat in limited amounts. Most carbs should be coming from vegetable sources, such as celery, cucumber, lettuce, mushrooms, radishes or peppers. Some salad dressings are allowed as long as they contain no added sugar and have no more than 2g of carbs per serving. Atkins followers need to check the carb count on any beverages, and they can't drink any alcohol during this two-week phase.
South Beach Diet
The South Beach Diet also promotes protein over carbohydrates. Like the Atkins Diet, it begins with a two-week phase that's extremely low in carbs. The South Beach plan is aimed at helping you eliminate cravings for sugar and refined starches while kick-starting your weight loss. Phase 2 of the diet introduces "good carbs," such as whole-grain breads and pasta, fruits and vegetables with a slightly higher carb count. Dieters who continue to Phase 3 learn how to work almost all foods into a healthy diet plan and even get to enjoy some "occasional indulgences."
Zone Diet
The Zone Diet limits carbs as well, but it works on a slightly different theory. According to the Zone Diet, you need to re-set your hormonal balance to lose weight. The diet plan attempts to "boost hormones that increase satiety" while it reduces "hormones that cause hunger." The Zone Diet includes a number of Zone Foods you can purchase. It also includes supplements of omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols. According to the Zone Diet, you can expect to lose at least 1 to 2 lbs. per week on the diet plan.
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