Low carb diets restrict carbohydrate intake in the form of whole grains, simple sugars and starchy plant foods. Such diets are based on the theory that carbs are the main energy source your body uses to fuel physical activity, and the restriction of carbs will cause you to use stored fat for energy. Several mainstream low carb diets are in circulation that reportedly help you lose weight and keep it off. However, always consult your doctor before pursuing a change in diet.
Atkins Diet
Dr. Robert Atkins developed the Atkins Diet, which became the first mainstream low carbohydrate diet. It features a two-week induction phase, where dieters cannot consume more than 20 grams of carbs daily. Low starch vegetables are the primary source of carbs during this phase. The next three phases gradually incorporate more complex carbs such as grains and fruits.
South Beach Diet
The South Beach Diet is similar to Atkins, only it has three phases. The first regulates blood sugar levels and decreases cravings for sugary, starchy, high-calorie foods. This is the toughest phase, but dieters can reportedly lose significant weight during the first two weeks. The second phase helps dieters acquire a healthier approach to their daily diet and lifts the restrictions on some carbohydrates. The third phase is the maintenance phase to follow indefinitely.
Zone Diet
The Zone Diet encourages healthy food consumption that stabilizes insulin and glucagon levels in the bloodstream. It primarily focuses eating carbohydrates with low glycemic indexes. The Zone Diet requires organization as you must include a complex carb like vegetables or whole grains with each meal. You must also include a healthy fat and protein with every meal like an avocado and grilled chicken breast.
Carbohydrate Addicts Diet
The Carbohydrate Addicts diet operates under the assumption that weight gain results from excessive carb intake. It is split into two phases, starting with a restricted eating period that eliminates all carbs, attempting to break your carb addiction. Your daily meal plan consists of three a day; the first two must include protein and non-starchy vegetables. The third meal permits one-third carbohydrates, one-third veggies and one-third protein.
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