Low Carb Tips

“Eat your brussel sprouts!”

Mom really did have a great reason for forcing us to eat those horrible vegetables but I bet she didn’t even know the full benefits.

It turns out that cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and cabbage contain Indole 3 Carbinol (I3C). I3C is the reason our moms were so strongly encouraging us to eat up.

Since being discovered, Indole 3 Carbinol has been used in many studies that suggest several health benefits, especially for women. Oral ingestion of Indole 3 Carbinol has been shown to alter the metabolism of estrogen in a beneficial manner. As we know from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) studies, excess estrogen in the body can be damaging. It’s fairly common knowledge that HRT can increase the risks of most gynecological cancers including endometrial, ovarian and breast cancer as well as increasing the risks of heart attacks and stroke. HRT can also induce PMS type symptoms including bloating, breast tenderness, moodiness and irritability and water retention.

So, if all these things can occur because of an increase in estrogen, maybe we should understand a little better what it is that is causing this to happen. Here is a little Biology 101.

Both male and female bodies have estrogen receptors. These receptors are like electrical outlets. The purpose of estrogen receptors is to receive estrogen and allow the body to process the estrogen. Just like there are many different things that you could plug into an electrical outlet, there are several different types of estrogen that can plug into estrogen receptors. In the case of electrical outlets, various things will pull different amounts of power such as the difference between a night light and a computer. Obviously, the computer will draw much more power than the night light, but the least amount of power will be drawn from one of those little plastic safety plugs.

Back to the estrogen receptors. Different forms of estrogen; phytoestrogen, estriol, estrone, estradiol and xenoestrogens, have different effects when plugged into those estrogen receptors. The weaker the estrogen, the less estrogenic effects they will have on the body. The stronger the estrogen, the more negative effects they will have on health. But just as any house has a limited number of electrical outlets, the body has a limited number of estrogen receptors.

Ideally we want to plug as many estrogen receptors as possible with weak estrogens, primarily phytoestrogens which come from plant sources. HRT and hormonal birth control methods all use the strongest natural estrogen, estradiol. Indole 3 Carbinol mimics the weakest forms of estrogen. Therefore, the more Indole 3 Carbinol that is absorbed by the body and used to plug the estrogen receptors, less receptors will be available to the stronger estrogens.

Studies indicate that Indole 3 Carbinol is more beneficial than Tamoxifen for the prevention of breast cancer1. This may be due to I3C’s ability to mimic very weak estrogen in the body.

Studies have also indicated that Indole 3 Carbinol was beneficial to mice suffering from Lupus and other autoimmune disorders2.

Other studies indicate that Indole 3 Carbinol may be beneficial for the following concerns.

* Ovarian cancer * Prostate cancer * Colon cancer * Human Papilloma Virus (HVP) * Cervical dysplasia3

In addition, because of the ability Indole 3 Carbinol seems to have on estrogen, case studies are now showing it may be beneficial for: * Hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms * Breast tenderness, cramping and other menstrual symptoms * Helping to relieve muscle soreness do to exercise or overexertion.

With so much contributing to the numerous benefits of Indole 3 Carbinol, it may be time to start listening to mom and eat those veggies!

1. “Prevention and treatment of cancer with indole-3-carbinol”, Alternative Medicine Review, Dec, 2001 by Matthew S. Brignall

2. “Indole-3-carbinol in women with SLE: effect on estrogen metabolism and disease activity”, Lupus, Volume 10, Number 11, November 2001, pp. 779-783(5)

3. “Placebo-controlled trial of indole-3-carbinol in the treatment of CIN”, Gynecol Oncol. 2000 Aug;78(2):123-9

About the author:

Nicole Bandes is a Certified Herb Specialist that has been helping others to regain their health and vitality since 1999. Nicole uses and recommends Nature’s Sunshine Products Indole 3 Carbinol for her family and friends. Read more articles by Nicole at http://www.naturallyherbs.com.

Written By: Nicole Bandes

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Fats and carbohydrates are two building blocks of a healthy diet, but many people do not understand their role in proper nutrition. While the daily intake of fats and oils should be limited, these elements are still a vital part of the diet. The key is to make smart choices when it comes to fats and oils. That means substituting saturated fats with unsaturated fats, and using healthier, lighter oils in cooking.

Let’s look at the role fats and oils play in the diet. Fats are necessary for supplying energy to the body. In addition, fats supply essential fatty acids and act as carriers for fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K and the carotenoids. In addition, fats have an important role to play as building blocks for various tissues and membranes, and they also play a key role in regulating numerous bodily functions.

Dietary fat is available from a variety of plant and animal sources, and most diets do contain adequate amounts of fat. Most nutrition experts recommend keeping the intake of fat to less than 20% of calories, but studies have shown that severely limiting fat intake can be dangerous. Extreme low fat diets should only be undertaking with a doctor’s approval and oversight.

The type and amount of fat in the diet makes all the difference. A diet high in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol has been associated with a variety of ills, including heart disease, stroke and other associated diseases. In addition, many long term chronic problems, such as obesity, are associated with high levels of dietary fats.

The greatest risk of complications from excessive fat intake appears to lie with saturated fats and trans fats (fats that are solid at room temperature). One of the best ways to keep levels of saturated fat low is to limit the amount of animal fats that are consumed. These animal based fats include meats like bacon and sausage, as well as butter and ice cream. Dietary cholesterol can be limited by watching the consumption of eggs, organ meats and other foods high in cholesterol.

Food labels do make the complicated process of choosing the right fats somewhat easier. For instance, trans fats will be listed on the ingredient list of foods that contain them. In general, trans fats are found mainly in processed foods.

Some fats, such as polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats, are better choices for healthy eating. Examples of these fats include canola oil and olive oil. Cooking with these lighter oils can be a big step toward a healthier diet. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature, and they have been found to have heart protecting qualities.

Many types of fish have also been found to be sources of good fat. Fish are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These omega-3’s have been found to promote good health, and they may even lower cholesterol levels.

Carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet as well, and carbs are necessary for providing energy and many essential nutrients. Carbohydrates are found in fruits and vegetables, in grains and in milk and dairy products. It is important to choose carbohydrates carefully, however, since not all are equally healthy.

When choosing breads and cereal, for instance, try to select those made with whole grains, while avoiding the more highly refined varieties. It is also important to limit the intake of sugars, such as soda, candy and highly processed baked goods. Consuming large amounts of such high calorie, low nutrient foods, can make it very difficult to stay on a healthy diet without gaining weight.

Most Americans tend to have too much of certain elements in their diet. Sugar is one such element and salt is the other. While a basic level of sodium in the form of salt is important to proper nutrition, most people consume too much salt in their daily diet. Excess salt consumption can lead to water retention, high blood pressure and other complications. Choosing low sodium foods, and limiting the use of the salt shaker, can go a long way toward cutting levels of excess salt in the diet. other complications. Choosing low sodium foods, and limiting the use of the salt shaker, can go a long way toward cutting levels of excess salt in the diet.

About the author:

When it comes to an energetic youthful health your very first challenge is to separate the hype, theories, and outright ‘BS’ from proven strategies and tested programs – just visit Rene Graebers german website at http://www.gesund-heilfasten.de

Written By: Rene Graeber

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High protein diets are usually associated with low carbohydrates, even though people who have high protein requirements, like professional body builders, are not advised to go on a low carb diet. Protein is one of the most important nutrients necessary for health. The body uses it to build muscle, replenish cells, keep the blood in optimum condition, and basically to keep the body operating smoothly. If done properly, a high protein diet will keep you strong, healthy, and happy.

A high protein diet can provoke weight loss, as several studies have indicated. Proteins are composed of amino acids, and science has shown that if your amino acids are deficient, you are prone to a number of health problems, including obesity. If you concentrate on protein-rich foods and minimize your intake of refined food that have a high carbohydrate and sugar content, after a while, your body will enter into a state called ketosis. Instead of burning carbohydrates as fuel, the body will turn to fat as its primary source of energy. Simply put, the less carbs you have in your body to burn, the more fat your body will use to give you the energy you need to live from day to day.

In addition, it has been proven that eating protein-rich foods leaves you feeling full longer and you will find that you are much less inclined to snack or go on an eating binge. This is because your blood sugar and insulin levels are kept within the normal range you’ll be keeping undue hunger at arm’s length.

Going on a high protein diet does not mean, however, that you are free to gorge on any and every type of protein. You would do well to avoid fried foods dripping in oil or margarine-smothered products. The reason for this is because these foods contain so-called trans-fats and other bad oils and fats that can lead to clogged arteries and heart disease. However, there is a wealth of other types of fatty, protein rich foods that are quite nutritious.

As is common knowledge, meat is an excellent source of protein. Pork and beef contain ample amounts of this nutrient. But if you are concerned about fat, you should limit your portions of dishes containing meat. On the other hand, there is no need to worry about oils and fats if you eat fish and other seafood. Aside from being rich in protein, they contain essential fatty acids that improve your blood cholesterol levels and help prevent ailments like stroke and coronary artery disease. So you need not have any qualms about indulging your appetite at a seafood buffet – most of them can do no harm, only good.

Many plant products also have a rich amount of protein in them. Soy-based produce like tofu and soy milk are suitable for those trying to lose weight on a high protein regimen. So are pulses and beans. Not only are they protein-rich, they are usually low-fat and low-carbohydrate as well.

There have been concerns that a diet rich in protein can have adverse health effects. Some health experts claim that too much protein can deplete the body’s calcium supply and lead to diseases like osteoporosis. Another concern is that the kidneys are forced to deal with more byproducts, thus lessening their efficiency. And there are indications that too much protein increases uric acid levels, which can lead to gout or kidney stones. However, the jury is still out on whether protein is the major culprit in these conditions. More, longer-term research is needed to determine this although there are also many studies that are being conducted to explore these problems, their extent, and their possible resolutions.

A high protein diet may not be for everyone, but for a vast number of people, it not only helps them in their weight loss efforts, it keeps them healthy, too! If you are considering going on this diet, always remember your limits and stick to the rules. It’s possible to modify it a little bit in various ways (such as reducing the intake of saturated fats) to suit your personal taste, but don’t deviate from the “main course.” Choose your protein sources wisely, don’t forget to exercise, don’t be a glutton (it’s one of the seven deadly sins, after all) and just watch the pounds melt away.

About the author:

Carb-club.com provides you with information on all kinds of issues like high protein diet and diets like the Atkins diet, the South Beach diet, the Zone diet, and more. Come take a look at http://www.carb-club.com/

Written By: Trevor Mulholland

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Finding Mad Cow in Oregon puts a new wrinkle in the high protein diet, doesn’t it? What’s a person to do that wants to eat more meat, not less?

Are you Eating Less Meat Due to Mad Cow Disease?

Not the people I’ve spoken with. Most are saying, “Yipee, beef’s on sale!” The food industry has done a great job of convincing us they are providing a safe food supply and we’ve been lulled into a false sense of security. Nothing could be further from the truth.

In July 1988, a ban was introduced in the UK which prohibited the use of the remains of sheep in cattle feed. BSE is thought to have spread to cattle from feed including meat and bone meal made from sheep suffering from a similar brain disease, called scrapie.

Ban Not Properly Enforced

Unfortunately the ban was not enforced properly for many years and remained a paper exercise (exactly as it has been in the US ever since).

Francis Anthony, a Herefordshire veterinary surgeon, and the British Veterinary Association’s spokesman on BSE said, “If the ban had been enforced properly from the start, I have no hesitation in saying categorically that we should be seeing only a few cases today. But that contaminated feed was being given to animals until at least 1995, and possibly a year later.”

The false sense of security for us in the US came from it being widely reported that the practice had been banned. They failed to make it clear that this was a “voluntary ban.” Even I falsely believed they had long ago ended this practice until the recent news reports that it is still being done. Despite there being a clear connection between feeding rendered animals to animals causing Mad Cow disease, the meat and dairy industry continues the practice to this day. Why? Corporate greed, plain and simple. It is a cheap source of “protein” and makes cows and other animals fatten faster. A fatter animals weighs more, and they are sold by weight.

I have no doubt that people in the US aren’t getting excited about the threat or beginning to avoid beef simply because no people have been reported with the disease. After all, this was a sick cow, not a human. Hence, people do not consider it a direct threat. Amazingly they don’t consider those with CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) a variant of Mad Cow as being related when clearly it is.

The Costs of Clean Meat Supply

The meat and dairy industry will now begin a campaign to make the higher cost of clean meat seem a ridiculous indulgence rather than a possibly life saving measure. It does cost more to have a clean food supply. I and my family are worth it, are you and yours?

For excellent reference materials read Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser, The Crazy Makers by Carol Simontacchi, and Mad Cowboy: Plain Truth from the Cattle Rancher who Won’t Eat Meat by Howard F. Lyman. Be informed then make the choice for you and your family.

Food politics aside, I’m interested in my and my families health and well being, and I’m not interested in supporting an industry that doesn’t care about the quality of their products or whether those products are potentially dangerous or even deadly.

What You Can Do to Avoid Dangerous Meat

Buy all your meat from the local butcher. He gets the animals from local farmers, and can tell you which Farms, if you ask.
Buy all your meat from local stores that certify it is grain fed. Visit sites such as EatWild.com
Cut back on your consumption of all meat in general, substituting beans for instance for protein.
Eat a “special occasion” steak at the best restaurants such as Ruth Chris’ Steak House. Now that’s a steak!
More Info on Mad Cow and it’s Variant CJD – MadCow.org: Everything you ever wanted to know about Mad Cow.

Human BSE Foundation: An organization for those with CJD (the human variant of Mad Cow)

Mad Cow Facts

You don’t have to be a fanatic, just be informed and then make the best choices you can for yourself and your family.

About the Author

Kathryn Martyn, Master NLP Practitioner, author of the free e-book: Changing Beliefs, Your First Step to Permanent Weight Loss, and owner of http://www.OneMoreBite-Weightloss.com

Get The Daily Bites: Inspirational Mini Lessons Using EFT and NLP for Ending the Struggle with Weight Loss. http://www.onemorebite-weightloss.com/getnews.html

Written By: Kathryn Martyn, M.NLP

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It has been estimated that three out of every four overweight people are addicted to carbohydrates. But what does this mean? In essence, it means that you have too much of the hormone insulin in your system. This insulin prompts you to eat often and to consume the wrong types of foods. Some of the tell-tale signs of carbohydrate addiction include fatigue, mood swings, and migraines which can be caused by low blood sugar.

A carb addiction can lead you to consume a whole bag of pretzels at one sitting, or to indulge in half a cake at dinner time. Your body is conditioned to eat as many carbs as possible. Thus, it may seem that at times you’re never really satisfied–no matter how much or how often you eat.

On the official Carb Addicts plan, you eat two meals composed of vegetables and protein; the other meal consists of protein, vegetables that are not filled with starch, and carbohydrates. During this last meal, known as the reward meal, you can even eat dessert. The trick is to skip the carbs for two meals each day.

The authors of the program believe that, if you follow this regimen, you will lose your cravings for carbohydrates in time. If your urge to consume carbs does not disappear by the second week of the program, they recommend checking your diet to see whether you are following the program closely.

With the Carb Addicts plan, like other diet plans, you need to closely monitor your portion sizes. All of your hard work will be in vain if you allow yourself to overindulge in sweets–even if it is for only one meal a day. Also, you need to make sure that the protein you consume is not high in fat. You may want to eat fish, chicken with the skin removed, or lean meats when trying to obtain a protein source.

Another important aspect of the Carb Addicts plan is that you are not permitted artificial sweetener except during your reward meal. This can be quite a challenge, especially if you’re accustomed to sweetened coffee in the morning. However, it can be well worth the deprivation in the long run as you see those pounds melt away.

There is no set time for the reward meal; however the authors of the plan recommend that the meal take place in the evening. This is because it can take 12 to 24 hours for the body to overcome carbohydrate overload. There is also a psychological advantage to having the meal at night. It gives you something to look forward to all day long.

You should begin your reward meal with a salad, such as a Caesar salad or an Oriental salad, then divide the rest of the meal into thirds: One third should consist of low-carb vegetables, one-third protein, and one-third carbs. This formula has proven successful in enabling individuals to achieve long-term weight loss.

As with many other meal plans, the biggest challenge for those who are on the Carb Addicts Diet is the ability to stick with it. Dieting can be hard work, no matter what kind of rewards await an individual at the end of the day. Your commitment will enable you to stay with the program, even when it becomes particularly challenging.

Surf the World Wide Web, and you’ll find a number of testimonials offering glowing reviews of the Carb Addicts Diet. But you should keep in mind that results can differ from individual to individual. While some people might see rapid weight loss with the Carb Addicts plan, others may see only moderate weight loss. The success of the program may depend on your own individual physiology. Is the Carb Addicts Diet a fad? It all depends on who you talk to. While some people see it as a significant dietary breakthrough, others view it as just a passing fancy. Medical experts disagree as to whether the Carb Addicts Diet represents sound nutrition. In the end, you, in consultation with your personal physician, will have to decide whether the Carb Addicts Diet will work for you.

About the author:

Arnel Ricafranca is the President and Founder of Fitness VIP. He is the creator of the NEW amazing e-book called “The Ultimate Weight Loss Success Strategies for Busy Men and Women over 40. He is available for seminars, fitness training, and online personal training. Visit his websites to claim your free fitness gift ($50 real value) http://www.officialfitnessguide.com http://www.fitness-vip.com http://www.elitefitnessexperts.com

Written By: Arnel Ricafranca – http://www.fitness-vip.com

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Low carbohydrate diets are now the craze in the U.S.A. Fast food stores even offer hamburgers in lettuce rather than in buns (still with the fats of meat and sauces). Breads and pastries modified for lower carbohydrates are now making fortunes for suppliers. “Low carb salads”, still drenched with high fat dressings, are offered for “dieting.”

So what?

This is a costly, stupid, perhaps health threatening fad.

When I was growing up, I did not understand that biblical quotation of “Man does not live by bread alone”, attributed to Moses (old testament, torah) and Jesus (new testament). Well, I understood that the message was meant to be “People have spiritual as well as physical needs.” But I had no idea how people could live very long on bread. At that time, I was used to spongy white bread with no character.

Somewhere along the way, I learned about whole grain breads, and how peasants through the centuries had lived mostly on dark breads that Marie Antoinnette would have rejected, with occasional fortifications of cheese, eggs, sometimes meat. Peasants tended to eat vegetables, but knights and nobles often dismissed such as “farmers’ fare”, preferring lots of meat, alcoholic beverages, pastries. Few people lived long in those days, so statistical studies of life span versus diet were not performed. (Statistics were not well known.)

So I read up on bread recipes, found a few health gurus who argued for blends of whole grain wheat, cornmeal, rye, and soy flour. A fairly recent development is triticale, a long sought hybrid of wheat and rye. Why these blends? It turns out that grains and legumes can provide all the balanced protein that we need, without meat. Verrrry interesting!
Also, such blends contain valuable dietary fiber.

The prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread”, is now explained. Properly made, bread really can be “the staff of life.”

I have learned to love Asian foods that make heavy use of soy beans, such as tempeh and tofu with noodles and stir fry vegetables. I usually am turned off by soy based foods that pretend to be something else, such as soy burgers, soy cutlets, soy cheeses. In fact, the fake foods not only can taste far from real, but those which contain Hydrolyzed Plant Protein (HP) inflame my tongue and cause me anxiety, just as foods with a lot of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG).

Side observation: a chunk of land producing balanced protein from grains and legumes can support about 20 times as many people as the same land producing four legged meats. Oh, and the people getting most of their proteins and calories from plant sources are far less likely to have heart attacks, strokes, cancers, et cetera, than the big meat eaters.

I have written elsewhere that selecting sensible foods means one never has to count calories. I’ll go further and say that most carbohydrate restrictions are dumb.

Here are the only carbohydrate restrictions I recommend.
all refined sugars
(cane, beet, high fructose corn syrup, sorghum molasses, maple syrup, etc.)
beer in large quantities
anything made from white flour, even if “enriched”

If you have a craving for sweets that you just can’t break (which I don’t belive), learn how fruits and nuts together can taste very sweet. Also, the unsaturated fat in the nuts (or edible seeds, such as sunflower) will satisfy hunger with no risk to the arteries. My favorite is raisins and almonds, perhaps with some fresh red delicious apple slices.

Pasta, preferably made from whole grains, is healthful, if not served with lots of cheese, oil, sauces which contain oil, sugar, cheese. Noodles with little meat is a main menu item in the Orient.

Oh, about carbohydrates in potatoes: they are harmless if you don’t add butter, margarine, fat from frying, sour cream for topping, and other insults to a great food. People in parts of Central and South America eat little more than potatoes of traditional breeds.

** Diet with FACTS, not MYTHS. **

About the Author

Dr. Donald A. Miller is author of “Easy Health Diet” http://easyhealthdiet.com/diet.htm, “Easy Exercise All Ages” http://easyhealthdiet.com/eeaa.htm, and numerous free articles on health http://easyhealthdiet.com/articles/.
Seven of ten deaths are caused by preventable diseases.

Written By: Dr. Donald A. Miller

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This type of diet became very popular as of recently due to the promotion of the ever-popular Atkins Diet Craze. This diet is very popular because there is no calorie counting involved, and many foods that many people love to eat are allowed on the diet. Further, the Atkins diet is a high-protein diet, which means that weight lost during this diet will not result in lost muscle mass, since protein is the main nutrient needed for maintaining healthy muscle tone. This diet basically eliminates carbohydrates, which are simple sugars or foods that break down into simple sugars. These serve as empty calories in your diet, providing no nutrients yet many calories. While we wont cover the Atkins diet here, we can give you basics of the high-protein, low-carb diet. First let us identify carbohydrates. Sugar, including powdered sugar, granulated white sugar, brown sugar, or any type of sugar you can think of, is the main carbohydrate that you would need to eliminate. All types of pastas count as carbohydrates, meaning all noodle and spaghetti products must be eliminated. Starches of any type, such as white rice, potatoes and potato chips, need to be eliminated. Cereals are mostly carbohydrates and should be avoided entirely during the diet phase. Because of the low-carb craze, there are many low-carb options of sodas, milk, ice cream, bread, beer, and wine available in the average supermarket. If you do consume these, be sure to do so only occasionally and in moderation, even if it is a low-carb type. Otherwise, the aforementioned foods should be eliminated entirely when not of the low-carb type. Beware of foods that contain hidden sugars, like bacon, barbeque sauce, ketchup, salad dressing, cough syrup, and fruit juice. As strange as it may seem, fruits and fruit juices should be eliminated while in the weight loss phase of this diet, as they are nearly pure carbohydrates. Anything made with flour needs to be eliminated during the weight loss phase, since as mentioned earlier they are high in carbohydrates.

Now what can you eat? Well, the good news is that you can eat all meats, fish, poultry and seafood, except prepared meats like bacon and honey baked ham, which are high in sugar. Skip the bread and have meat and salad, or meat in your salad. Eggs are very low-carb friendly, but be sure to skip the mayonnaise or salad dressing unless it is low-carb type mayonnaise or dressing. Any type of vegetable is fine, but be sure to realize that when making that salad that tomatoes are actually a fruit, and you want to limit your consumption of them at least during the weight loss phase. Choose brown rice as your starch replacement, as it is low in carbohydrates comparatively to potatoes, bread or white rice. Cheese is good in limited amounts, as this is a high-protein, low-carb food. Butter and cream can be used, but should be consumed in limited amounts. One complex carbohydrate that is good is fiber, as it does not break down into simple sugar, and helps the body with elimination. Further, fiber fills you up quickly without adding significant calories, so hunger pangs are fought off successfully.

Finally, make sure you are drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day minimum in addition to any other liquid you may consume. Dehydration often masquerades as hunger and causes overeating. Of course, again exercise is a necessary and vital part of your diet plan, which we will cover in the next section on exercise.

Once you lose the weight that you set out to lose, the weight loss phase of your diet is over. Of course keep in mind that you are making lifestyle changes, not going on fad or binge diets. This means that you will not go back to your old eating habits. Instead you will introduce certain foods back into your diet in moderation. For example, you may add a couple of strips of bacon once a week to your meal plan. You can enjoy small portions of deserts of any kind, simply in moderation. It is best to avoid soft drinks all together, or opt for the low-carb type permanently. If you do introduce any other carbohydrate-laden foods, be sure to do so only at one meal, and in small portions. Reducing carbohydrates will become a lifestyle to you when following this plan, one is very likely to boost your overall energy level and help you keep the weight off.

About the Author

Kirsten Hawkins is a nutrition and health expert from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.popular-diets.com/ for more great nutrition, well-being, and vitamin tips as well as reviews and comments on popular diets.

Written By: Kirsten Hawkins

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You cant eat fruits and vegetables on a low carb diet, right? Wrong! Fruits and vegetables are a vital part of any diet and supply vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other nutrients that are important to your health and well being. Even though most people know the value of fruits and vegetables, it seems a lot of people get caught up in thinking that they must eat only meat on a low carb eating plan and often dont get enough fruits and vegetables despite what their diet plans recommend. You should try to eat at least the minimum USRDA of fruits and vegetables, especially raw, to provide you with fiber which is not found in meats and can be lacking on a low carb eating plan, as well as vitamins and minerals for added energy.

How much do you need?

The USDA recommends that you get 2-4 servings of fruits and 3-5 servings of vegetables a day. The actual amount of servings recommended for each individual is based on their recommended calorie intake. So, if you eat1600 calories a day you would want 2 servings of fruits and 3 servings of vegetables, if you eat 2200 calories a day you should have 3 servings fruit and 4 servings vegetables and if you eat 2800 calories a day you should eat 4 servings fruit and 5 servings vegetables.

But one of the great things about low carb eating is that you dont have to count calories, so how do you figure out how many servings you need if you dont know how many calories you are eating? Well, first off, You cant eat too many fruits and vegetables so if you can fit in the max servings (or more) and still stay within your carb budget than go for it! Otherwise, you might judge the amount of servings you need by assessing your size and activity level. If you are small and/or have a sedentary lifestyle than you would probably fall into the 1600 calorie category and, therefore should target 2 servings fruits and 3 of vegetables. If you are a bigger person and/or very active you should probably target the higher range of servings.

What is a serving?

When measuring out servings of fruits and vegetables it is important that you stick to the amount for 1 serving, otherwise you will be adding more carbs and could go over your limit. Below are serving sizes for raw and cooked foods:

Raw Vegetables = 1 cup
Cooked Vegetables = cup
Raw Fruit = 1 medium fruit or cup cut up or canned fruit
Juice (Fruit or Vegetable) = 3/4 cup

Its easier than you think!

If you want to get in your 5 a day and only add 25 g carbs total to your daily carb intake, you simply need to find fruits and veggies whose serving size is around 5 grams of net carbs each. When figuring the carb amounts in fruits and vegetables, it is important to remember to subtract the fiber from the total carbs to get the net carbs. This is because fiber is not digestible and does not convert to glucose, therefore it doesnt count as a carbohydrate in your low carb budget. So if you have a piece of fruit that is 10 carbs and 4 grams fiber your net carbs is only 6 grams! The fruits and vegetables listed below are shown with their net carb amounts.

Below I have listed out 29 choices you can add to your diet for under 10 grams (approx) of net carbs for each serving (as defined by the USDA). You can mix and match, so for instance if you ate spinach at 1 grams for 1 serving you could then have strawberries for 8 grams of net carbs and still not go over the 10 grams for both servings.

Artichoke 7.5g
Asparagus 2g
Avocado 5g
Beets 8g
Broccoli 2.6g
Carrot 5g
Cauliflower 3g
Celery 1/2g
Cucumber With Peel 6g
Eggplant 3g
Green beans 5g
Kumquat (1) 3g
Lettuce 1g
Mushrooms 4g
Passion fruit 4g
Peach 9g
Peas 10g
Peppers 10g
Plum 8g
Prunes (dried) 5g
Rhubarb 7g
Spaghetti squash 1/2g
Spinach 1g
Strawberries 8g
Swiss chard 7g
Tangerine 8g
Tomato 2.5g
Yellow squash 2.5g
Zucchini 3.5g

About the Author

Lee Dobbins is the owner of Low Carb Resource, a website devoted to bringing information to those following a low carb lifestyle. Visit www.lowcarb-resource.com for low carb recipes, product reviews, health information and tips.

Written By: Lee Dobbins

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