A low carb diet limits the amount of carbohydrates eaten each day. During digestion, the body breaks carbohydrates down into glucose, a type of sugar, which provides the main source of energy for the body. The idea behind low carb diets suggest that without sugar, the body will burn stored fat for energy instead, therefore resulting in weight loss, according to MayoClinic.com. Many different types of low carb diets exist, each placing different restrictions on the types and amounts of carbohydrates. In general however, most low carb diets restrict similar types of foods.
Grains
Grains include any product produced using wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley or any other type of grain, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Grains can be further divided into whole grains and refined grains. Whole grains contain the bran, germ and endosperm of the seed of the plant while refined grains, such as white flour and white rice, remove the bran and germ. Whole grains provide more nutrients and fiber than refined grains. Most low carb diets do not allow grain products including breads, pasta, oatmeal, breakfast cereals, tortillas and grits although a few will allow small amounts of whole grain products.
Beans
Beans, classified as vegetables and further classified as legumes, provide a rich source of protein, fiber and carbohydrates. For vegetarians, beans provide an excellent source of protein, zinc and iron --- nutrients also provided by meats. Because beans contain between 30 to 50 g of carbohydrates, however, low carb diets usually restrict the consumption of beans, according to the Columbia University Medical Center Diabetes Center, .
Fruits
Fruits provide a variety of nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C, folic acid and fiber. The natural sugars found in fruits also make them high in carbohydrates. The amount of carbohydrates depends on the type of fruits. A medium-size apple contributes 25 g of carbohydrates while a medium sized peach contains 8 g, according to the Columbia University Medical Center Diabetes Center.
Starchy Vegetables
Low carb diets do allow consumption of some types of vegetables, such as green leafy vegetables, though starchy vegetables are not allowed. Starchy vegetables include potatoes --- which includes the coveted french fry, plantains, yams and yuccas.
Sweets
People who like dessert might need to form a new idea for that after-dinner treat while on a low carb diet. Most sweets include added sugars, a restricted item in any low carb diet. One tablespoon of sugar contains 15 g of carbohydrates. Sweets often also include other restricted food items such as the crust in a pastry or pie.
Member Comments