Low carb diet plan

Low carb diet plans involve foods rich in proteins and fats, instead of foods that are a source of digestible carbohydrates. Decrease in dietary carbohydrates results in reduction of insulin synthesis. This results in the use of fat and muscle stores from the body. Usage of body fat as energy source, results in ketosis. Ketosis is denoted by the typical acetone smell in the breath.

The usual parts of the meal, namely pasta, bread, alcohol and rice are completely abstained from. Atkins diet plan is one of the famous free low carb diet plan that is still followed by many. Eating all the preferred foods, which are low in carbohydrate, is the principle of this diet.

Animal foods gain a lot of importance in low carb diet plan, as many of them are low in carbohydrates. Mussels and oysters are foods rich in carbohydrates. These are taken as less than four ounces per day. Fishes those are included are sardines, trout, tuna, herring, salmon, flounder and sole. Lamb and chicken are allowed, though care is essential regarding the consumption of processed meats, like hot dogs, bacon, ham, luncheon meats, salami and pepperoni, as they have added sugar, during the process of curing, which in turn contributes to some amount of sugar.

Organ meat consumption should not exceed four ounces per day. Barbequing is an excellent option of cooking meat, as the excess fat drips during the process. Eggs, in any form, such as soft boiled, scrambled, poached, fried and deviled are accepted. Two to three cups of vegetables, such as celery, parsley, alfalfa sprouts, mushrooms, lettuce, radish, chives and cucumber are good as a part of carb diet plans. Nitrate cured meat and fish are not permitted. Three to four ounces of cheese, which is firm and soft, are consumed, such as Swiss, Cheddar, Gouda, Roquefort and Blue cheese.

Reduced carbohydrates in certain foods provide fewer calories. These foods are referred to as free foods, as they contain less than 5 grams of carbohydrates in 100 grams of the same. They provide twenty calories or less. Some of the fruits under this category are raspberries, strawberries, chayote and avocados. Vegetables in this category are cabbage, cucumber, cauliflower, beans, alfalfa sprouts, egg plant, celery, lettuce, turnips, peppers, radish, okra, spinach and so on.

Balancing the snacks and meals with carbohydrates and protein is essential in a low carb diet. Protein functions in repairing the tissues and wear and tear, enzymes and hormones, in a low carb diet plan. Otherwise, muscle tissue breakdown results in weight gain in course of time.

Submitted on January 25, 2011