Losing weight frequently represents a game of numbers: counting calories or counting grams of carbohydrates. However, it's possible to count calories and carbs at the same time during a diet. If you want to lose weight, you might want to consider a 1,300-calorie low-carb diet, which will involve counting both.
Significance
Low calorie diets, such as one that restricts your calorie intake to 1,300 calories per day, aim to help you lose weight simply by reducing the amount of energy you consume relative to what you burn every day, according to Harvard Medical School. Low carb diets, which require counting carbs to make sure you don't exceed your daily carb limit, aim to help you lose weight by forcing your body to burn fat instead of sugar for energy.
Function
Fat contains about twice as many calories per gram than carbohydrates or protein, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If you're following a 1,300 calorie per day low-carb diet, you won't be able to include many foods high in fat, since they'd quickly eat up your daily calorie allowance. However, you can't include any high-carb foods, either, which will limit the foods you can eat.
Types
Low-fat meat, poultry and fish will fit well into your 1,300 calorie carb-counting diet, since they contain mainly protein and little fat, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. You also can enjoy leafy greens such as cabbage and kale, since they have limited carbs. Eggs offer an option for breakfast, since they're about 70 calories each and contain no carbohydrates.
Elimination
You'll need to avoid some foods considered healthy on your 1,300 calorie, carb-counting diet. Foods such as sweet potatoes and carrots measure high in carbohydrates, even though they're low in fat, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.You'll also need to eliminate or severely limit grain products, even though many contain very little fat, since they're generally high in carbs.
Benefits
A 1,300-calorie-per-day carb-counting diet may spark significant weight loss, at least in the short-term, since it's both low in carbs and low in fat, according to Harvard Medical School. However, like all dieters, you'll need to guard against regaining that weight once you go off the diet. Include a sensible exercise plan, and talk with your doctor about your diet before you start.
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