In their basic form, carbohydrates are sources of sugar and energy for the body. The more sugars in a carb, the more concentrated, or complex, it becomes. Typical low-carb diets disallow both simple and complex carbohydrates, including fruit and grains. Although these strict diets facilitate weight loss, they could cause harm. The Harvard School of Public Health encourages eating 20 g to 30 g of fiber daily to decrease risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Grains and fruit provide valuable fiber and are allowed in some modified low-carb diets.
South Beach
A three-step modified low-carb diet, the South Beach diet allows fruit and grains with one rule: after initiation is complete. Initiation is a two-week period of strict low-carb dieting when grains, fruits and even alcohol are denied. After this jump-start, whole grains and fruits are slowly added to the diet. The South Beach diet focuses on low-glycemic-index carbs, allowing fruits and grains that have minimal impact on overall blood sugar. Low-glycemic grains include the natural ones such as oats, wheat and unrefined breads.
The Zone
This three-step diet entails a new twist for low-carb dieters: Grains are replaced with man-made concoctions of artificial carb-like products. The Zone diet focuses on serving sizes and a daily allowance of carbs; the guesswork is removed by the provision of meal plans. The Zone's low-glycemic carbohydrates include Zone Rolls, Zone Bagels and even Zone pizzas. Fruits that have minimal blood sugar impact, such as watermelon and strawberries, are enjoyed as the one to two daily servings of fruit allowed.
Ketogenic Diet
Ketogenic diets are medical modifications of low-carb diets used with medical supervision. The Children's Memorial Hospital of Chicago facilitates a ketogenic diet for children with epilepsy. This diet imparts a shock to the system by suddenly stopping all carbohydrates for energy and replacing them with fats like creams and oils. Fruits and good grains, like complex carbs in their natural state, are added to the diet under medical guidance and supervision. According to the hospital's website, this diet reduces childhood seizure episodes by up to 50 percent, but is only safe under direct medical supervision.
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