Low-carb diets are diet programs that limits or restricts the consumption of carbohydrates and emphasize the intake of proteins and fats.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/low-carb-diet/NU00279
The premise of a low carb diet is to restrict carbohydrates drastically to a fraction of the the typical American consumption. This causes the body to change metabolic states and enter ketosis, where it burns its own fat for fuel. When consuming typical amounts of carbs, the body burns them for fuel When the body is in ketosis, it is getting energy from ketones, fuel created by the breakdown of fat stores. Being in ketosis, causes the dieter to feel less hungry. Ketosis can also cause health problems, such as kidney failure and should be discussed with a doctor before beginning a diet. http://women.webmd.com/guide/high-protein-low-carbohydrate-diets
According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine on July 17, 2008, people on a low-carb diet, in comparison to a low-fat and Mediterranean diet, lost the most weight and had the greatest decrease in HDL cholesterol.NEJM: Weight Loss with a Low-Carbohydrate, Mediterranean, or Low-Fat Diet (July 17, 2008)
Possible Side Effects
Side effects related to a low carb diet should be discussed with a doctor before beginning the diet plan. While this is true for everyone it is especially true for those who have insulin sensitivities or diabetes. Side effects many include: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/atkins-diet/MY00648
Specific Examples
- Atkins Nutritional Approach
- Sugar Busters
- South Beach Diet
- Ketogenic Diet
- Hollywood Diet
Typical Low Carb Diet Plan
A low-carb diet generally focuses on meat, poultry, fish, eggs and some nonstarchy vegetables. Low carb meal plans utilize these proteins as the anchor of each meal and snack, with limited amounts of grains, beans, fruits, breads, sweets, pastas and starchy vegetables added to the meal.. Some low carb diets begin with a very restrictive number of carbohydrates being consumed and gradually add more. Low-carb diet plans vary on the subject of fruits as some strictly eliminate them and others allow them. The daily limit for carbohydrate intake ranges from 50 to 150 grams depending on the plan and on the amount of time the dieter has been on the plan. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/low-carb-diet/NU00279
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are about to embark on a low-carb diet, please consult your doctor.
Mahalo Low Carb How-To Pages
References
Fast Facts
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Alternate name
Low-carbohydrate diet
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Premise
Restrict carbohydrate consumption
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Consumption
Often includes high protein consumption
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Published diets
Atkins Diet, South Beach Diet, Zone Diet, Protein Power among others
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Purpose
Weight loss
