Carbohydrate

Low carbohydrate diets aren't always healthy. Instead of giving up carbs, choose healthier carbs. Let that be your version of a low carbohydrate diet.

Carbohydrate

What's So Great About a Low Carbohydrate Diet?

A lot of people who are on a low carbohydratediet aren't on it for their health. And it's a good thing, because a low carbohydrate diet isn't the healthiest way to lose weight. True, you can lose a lot of weight in a fairly short amount of time, but if you don't follow the instructions to the letter, you stand to gain it all back--and then some! And really, who's going to give up carbs forever?

Then again, there are some low carbohydrate diets that only make you give up carbs for two weeks. Then they reintroduce carbs back into your diet. The best one of these diets is the South Beach diet. The carbs that diet allows you to have (eventually) are complex carbohydrates, so instead of eating white bread, you'll be eating whole wheat or whole grain breads. Instead of eating regular pasta, you'll be eating whole wheat pasta. Instead of regular white rice, you'll be eating long grain or brown rice. You'll also be eating more vegetables, and some fruits (like berries). That way, you get the fiber, vitamins and minerals your body needs.

The low carbohydrate diets you want to avoid are those that restrict your intake of all carbs. Your body needs carbs, but it needs the right carbs. Simple carbs, like desserts and sugary treats, foods made with white flour and potatoes are what cause people to gain weight, especially if they are consumed in excess. Simply adopting a diet of lean meats, fruits and vegetables (with a little dairy thrown in) is a healthy diet that won't cause you to gain weight (unless you're consuming a ton of calories). Who ever said, "I've eaten too many fruits and vegetables and chicken, and now I weigh 200 pounds?" Not likely. Now, if you're already overweight, making these small changes in your diet can make a huge difference in your appetite. Especially if you couple these changes with exercise. But if you feel you have to go on a low carbohydrate diet, choose a healthy one, and be sure you know exactly how to do it and how long to be in each stage. Doing so will preserve your health.