Each person has different needs and our programs at LIV Fitness reflect that. We offer nutritional counseling for people who want to lose weight with a wide variety of approaches. A low carb diet is one of those ways. Knowing the healthiest types of carbs to eat is key to healthy weight loss. Whole food should be part of every type of diet. The first step to a healthy low carb diet is eliminating highly processed food that has added sugar.
Besides weight loss, the health benefits of a low carb diet make it popular.
A low carbohydrate diet can help regulate cholesterol levels. It can lower the “bad” LDL cholesterol levels and increase the “good” HDL levels. It also improves triglyceride levels. Stabilizing blood sugar levels is another benefit of a low carb diet. Stabilizing blood sugar also reduces high insulin levels, which can cause abdominal fat and insulin resistance. The increased protein and healthy fat in a low carb diet can help you feel fuller longer, so you won’t eat as much. Protein can also aid in boosting your metabolism.
Low carb diets don’t cut out all carbs but change the percentages of macronutrients.
Carbs are a macronutrient, just as proteins and fats are. A low carb diet simply reduces the amount of calories that come from carbs and increases the number of calories from protein. Traditional low carb diets are structured so 30 % of calories come from protein, 40 % from carbohydrates, and 30 % from fats. The average American diet contains 50 % of calories from carbohydrates, 15 % from protein, and 35% from fat—mostly unhealthy fat. The concept is that reducing carbs forces the body to break down fat to use for energy, rather than depending on glucose.
The key to success and a healthy low carb diet is the type of carb you consume.
You won’t get sick by cutting out pasta, white bread, and candy bars, but it can affect your health if you cut out fruit and vegetables. The real killer is food with added sugar that spikes blood sugar, since fruit and vegetables that are high in sugar are also high in fiber, which slows the absorption of sugar and prevents spiking. Giving up the added sugar is the biggest struggle you’ll face on the low carb diet, since sugar is addictive. By following a healthy diet loaded with nutrients, not only will you lose weight, but you’ll also gain energy.
- Not everyone should be on a low carb diet. Low carb diets were first used in the 20s to help prevent seizures. It can help some people but isn’t the best for everyone. Always check with your health care professional first before starting any special diet.
- Just because you can eat platefuls of bacon, it doesn’t mean you should. Some food on a low carb diet can affect your health if consumed in large amounts. Be sensible. When choosing animal products, choose those from pastured animals that are higher in omega-3 and CLA.
- Vegetables may have carbs, but they’re complex carbs, some of which are fiber that can’t be digested. They take longer to digest, so they don’t spike blood sugar levels.
- The basic concept of a healthy low carb diet is to change eating habits to ones that include food that’s beneficial to the body.
For more information, contact us today at LIV Fitness