There are a lot of different low-carb eating plans to choose from and it is important to select the one that best suits your lifestyle so you are able to stick to it over the long term. Low-carb diets really are a permanent way of eating, as opposed to a short term, or fad, diet, and have the power to benefit your health in many ways. When compared to a Mediterranean diet and a low-fat diet, the low-carb diet was found to result in the largest weight loss after a two-year period, as published in the July 2008 issue of the "New England Journal of Medicine." Moreover, the low-carb group members improved their blood cholesterol and fat levels significantly compared to those on other diets.
South Beach Diet
The first phase of the South Beach Diet emphasizes the consumption of non-starchy high-fiber veggies, along with adequate servings of protein and healthy fats, while eliminating all carbohydrate-containing foods besides non-starchy vegetables. This phase lasts only two weeks and has the objective of kickstarting your weight loss while eliminating your cravings. The second phase reintroduces small amounts of carbohydrates for continuous weight loss and the third and last phase advocates the principles of the first phases while giving a bit more flexibility for occasional treats.
Protein Power Diet
The Protein Power diet is based on the adequate consumption of protein, which the authors help you determine according to your lean body mass. Therefore, lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, low-fat cheese and tofu constitute the foundation of this low-carb diet, accompanied with fat and low-carb fruits and vegetables. Up to 30 g of carbohydrates a day is allowed during the weight loss phase, while the maintenance phase is slightly more flexible regarding the carbohydrate intake.
Atkins Diet
The Atkins Diet was first popularized in the 1970s. The first phase aims at jump starting the weight loss process and strictly limits carbohydrate consumption to below 20 g a day. This phase of the diet is therefore based on protein, fat and low-carb veggies. Grains, starchy vegetables, fruit, milk, yogurt and sugar are all eliminated. The subsequent three phases gradually allow the reintroduction of more carbohydrates until the individual finds the optimal carbohydrate levels that results in steady weight loss and then weight maintenance.
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