Low-carb diets can be an effective tool for weight loss. According to MayoClinic.com, diets that are very low in carbs, such as Atkins, can result in a significant amount of weight loss, especially during the first couple of weeks in the program. Take the time to study the different low-carb diets before you choose one. Consult your doctor for guidance.
Step 1
Choose how many carbs you'll be eating. According to Every Diet, a low-carb diet is any diet in which less than 39 percent of your calories come from carbohydrates. However, there are many variations to low-carb diets available. For example, Atkins requires you to eat only 20 g of carbs during the first two weeks, while other programs might allow up to 150 g per day, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 2
Stock up on low-carb food so you can easily prepare meals that are low-carb. Most low-carb diets allow vegetables, so buy plenty of non-starchy ones. Avoid corn and potatoes. If you're following a very low-carb diet, you will also need to avoid beans. Some low-carb diets allow whole grains, but white rice, white bread and other highly-processed grains are not permitted.
Step 3
Read labels and avoid any products that have added sugars. Use your carb allowance for the day on fruits, vegetables and whole grains instead. You can find sugar in anything from salad dressings to canned soups, so don't skip reading labels just because you think the product is unlikely to contain sugar.
Step 4
Choose lean proteins such as fish and chicken over those with a higher fat content, such as beef. This will make the diet healthier and prevent your cholesterol from going up. Vegetable proteins such as beans and lentils are also a good choice, although they contain some carbs.
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