Carbohydrates are turned into glucose by the body, which uses that glucose to create energy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Excess carbohydrates that are not burned off through exercise or other bodily functions turn to fat. In order to maintain a healthy weight, you should make sure not to consume too many carbohydrates. The CDC recommends that 45 to 65 percent of the calories you ingest come from carbohydrates.
Carbohydrate Addict Diet
The Carbohydrate Addict Diet caters to people who have an addiction to high-carb foods. Eating carb-loaded foods provides an initial high for those addicted to carbs, followed by a crash, according to the Carbohydrate Addicts website. The diet attempts to change bodily processes, particularly the insulin imbalance that arises when you eat foods loaded with carbohydrates. Meals based on the diet should be composed of one-third each of low-carb vegetables, protein and carbohydrates. The low-carb vegetables fit into a vegetarian diet, and for the protein, tofu represents a versatile and tasty option, as does miso soup. Vegetarians can top salads or vegetables with cheese and eggs as well.
Sugar Busters!
The Sugar Busters! Diet eschews sugars that cause the body to produce excess insulin. In addition to regulating how much sugar you take in, the Sugar Busters! Diet also requires you to limit yourself to two or three servings of starchy carbohydrates each day. According to the frequently asked questions portion of the Sugar Busters! Diet website, examples of a serving of starchy carbohydrates include a slice of bread, 1/2 cup of oatmeal, cereal, grains, rice or pasta, and a half of a small sweet potato or yam. The diet favors whole grains when it comes to bread, rice and pasta, and also touts vegetables and fruits as low-carbohydrate friendly foods. For protein, divide your body weight, in pounds, by 2.2 and consume that many grams. For vegetarians, the diet recommends eggs, tofu, beans, nuts, seeds and nut butters as sources of protein. No-carb protein powders are also advised.
Vegetarian Zone Diet
The Zone Diet, developed by Dr. Barry Sears, was not designed specifically for vegetarians but has been altered to suit vegetarians' needs. According to the Enter the Zone Diet website, vegetarians need to find ways to eat the necessary protein in the diet. To do that, the website recommends eating tofu, eggs, cheese and soybean protein powder. The diet requires a 40-30-30 ratio of carbohydrates, vegetable protein and monounsaturated fats. The diet can be confusing, though, and requires diligence, because some foods fall into two categories. Some vegetal proteins count as carbohydrates, like green beans, and cheese and nuts count as fats. Beans are both carbohydrates and protein.
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