How Low-Carbohydrate Diets Work
- Low carb doesn't mean tasteless
Low-carbohydrate diets are intended for people wanting to lose weight fast. A carbohydrate is a type of sugar that's found in just about any kind of food. Carbohydrates are stored in your muscles and in your liver; your liver then breaks them down and converts them into glucose, which is used for energy and to feed the brain. - Low carb meal of chicken and vegetables
There is a common belief that carbohydrates will make you fat; however, anything will add weight if not consumed in moderation. With a low-carbohydrate diet, the amount of carbohydrate intake is monitored strictly, causing the body to go into ketosis, which means fat is used to fuel the body instead of carbohydrates. The body does not turn protein into fat and so it begins to burn calories. You will see the most dramatic weight loss within the first 2 weeks of a low-carbohydrate diet. A low-carbohydrate diet will allow you to lose as much as 10 percent of your own body weight within the first 2 weeks of dieting. - It can be extremely difficult to cut all carbohydrates out of your diet, and many people experience cravings. Low-carbohydrate diets have been linked to higher cholesterol levels, increased blood pressure, osteoporosis, lower mental acuity and in certain instances, diarrhea and constipation. Many of these side effects are related to the body adjusting to the diet. The raised cholesterol levels and increased blood pressure can be prevented if the diet is followed correctly.
