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What are the benefits of the low-carb diet?

April 17th, 2007

Are you one of those who hate dieting? Well, you are not alone, almost all of us hate the deprivation from food that dieting brings to us. Aside from the fact that our parents raise us to believe that food intake is necessary to keep us energetic, especially carbohydrates. Potatoes and breads are the essential members of our diet from morning, noon and night. Therefore, we resent the idea that carbohydrates are not good for us.

However, your thinking might change upon reading the low-carb diet overview. In the low-carb diet overview, you will learn that energy does not come from carbohydrates alone. Low-carb diet overview will also tell you that good fats convert to energy much like carbohydrates, as we know it to be. Low-carb diet overview will likewise tell you about the recommended carbohydrates like whole grain, fruits and vegetables. However, you should minimize intake of carbohydrates to as low as 10% of your total calorie intake. If you can maintain your consumption of carbohydrates to as low as 10% of your calorie intake, you should eat more fats and moderate protein. Then, the low-carb diet overview will be the best tool to compliment your weight loss regimen and avoid jumping on the obese bandwagon.

The low-carb diet overview will explain how you can best manage your weight. In contrast with the belief that carbohydrates are necessary to build your energy profile, fat may replace carbohydrates in this arena.

You will also learn from the low-carb diet overview that it is the best diet for obese individuals. Diabetics may also use the low-carb diet overview to combat the cause of obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, hypoglycemia and type II diabetes because studies show that low-carb diet attacks the condition called hyperinsulinemia. Hyperinsulinemia is a condition where insulin levels in the blood are elevated.

It may also be helpful knowledge you will get from low-carb diet overview is the advantages one will get from low-carb diet. Sustained weight loss is one advantage of low-carb diet. Another advantage you will learn from low-carb diet overview and low-card dieting is stable blood sugar, this is specifically important for diabetics and those people prone to diabetes. If you have a relative who is a diabetic, then you are one of those people prone to diabetes. Low cholesterol level is also an advantage of low-carb dieting. Some low-card dieters also report being more energetic than their counterparts who are not dieting.

Finally, here are some basic guidelines you will get from the low-carb diet overview. You should limit your carbohydrates intake to 10% or less of your total calorie intake. You will also find the list of allowed foods, you will also find the list of foods to avoid and foods with hidden sugar in the low-carb diet overview. Avoiding food containing sugar and white flour is also part of the low carb diet. Avoiding caffeine and drinking lots of clean and clear water also help in the dieting process. Taking fiber supplements and vitamin will help during the initial stage of low-carb dieting, you will understand this need better upon reading the low-carb diet overview.

Low-carb dieting is good for everyone who wants to loose weight, so try it to experience a trim lifestyle. However, when you finally decide to try it, after reading the low-carb diet overview, visit your health care professional just to be sure that low-carb dieting is really, what you need.

About the Author

For free advice, tips and education about weight loss, fitness and dieting visit Weight Loss Information at http://www.effective-weight-loss.info

Written By: Christine Edwards

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The Effect Of A Low Carb Diet On Your Insulin Level

March 8th, 2007

The underlying principles of low carb diets are based on the role of insulin in our body. There are three basic units the body uses for energy: Fats, Proteins, and Carbohydrates.

All three can be converted to blood glucose. However, while fats and proteins are converted slowly, carbohydrates are converted quickly causing quick spikes in the bodys blood sugar levels. These spikes in blood sugar levels cause the pancreas to create and release insulin until the blood sugar level returns to normal.

Meanwhile, insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas that lowers our bloods glucose levels is released into the blood as soon as the body detects that blood sugar levels have risen above its optimal level.

Insulin is a very efficient hormone that runs the bodys fuel storage systems. If there is excess sugar or fat in the blood insulin will signal the body to store it in the bodys fat cells. Insulin also tells these cells not to release their stored fat, making that fat unavailable for use by the body as energy.

Since this stored fat cannot be released for use as energy, insulin very effectively prevents weight loss. The higher the bodys insulin levels, the more effectively it prevents fat cells from releasing their stores, and the harder it becomes to lose weight. According to many authorities, over the long term, high insulin levels can lead to insulin resistance and cause serious health problems like obesity, accelerated aging, increased food allergies and intolerances, overworked immune system, heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.

Carbohydrates, especially simple carbs like sugar and starch, are quickly turned into sucrose by the body entering the blood stream quicker thereby causing the release of large amounts of insulin. The fewer carbs are eaten, the less insulin is produced by the body, and the fewer calories are stored as fat. Less fat storage equals less weight gain and fewer carbs eaten equals less insulin in the blood and the body using its fat stores for fuel.

The premise behind every low-carb diet plan is that a body that produces less insulin burns more fat than a body that produces lots of insulin. Some plans encourage a period of extremely low carbohydrate intake so that the body will enter a state of ketosis and more quickly burn fat stores.

These are usually called induction periods. The length of extreme carb control varies from seven days to however long it takes you to reach your ideal weight. After this period of extremely low carb dieting, maintenance levels of carb consumption are followed to prevent weight gain. The amount of carb you can safely eat will depend on your unique body system. And you will probably have to experiment to find out what level of carb intake is best for you.

No matter what your carb intake, it will be lower than the norm and you will still eliminate white flour and white flour products and certain other sugary and starchy foods. This is why these diet plans are known as low-carb lifestyles.

Low-carb success requires that you be willing to give up simple carbs for the long-term.

About the Author

For more low carb information and a FREE copy of the ebook “30-day Low Carb Diet Ketosis Plan”, please subscribe to our ezine Low Carb eGazette. This article is for informational purposes only. You should consult with your physician before starting any diet.

Written By: Jun Lim

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Low Carb Diets are Catching On Across the Country

February 16th, 2007

There is no question about the fact that the low carb diet is in. Magazine covers proclaim its success, books like Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution and The South Beach Diet remain on the top sellers list week after week, and stores that specialize in low carb foods are popping up all over the country.

Low carb products now account for over $2.5 billion dollars in retail sales every year. The effects of this trend can be seen in the grocery store. According to Maureen Putman of the Hain-Celestial Group, sales of high carbohydrate foods such as pasta and bread are down 7.5 and 3 percent respectively. At the same time, sales of foods in the low carbohydrate categories, such as breakfast sausage, are up 7.5 percent.

The Low Carb Diet is based on the theory that over consumption of carbs and the way our bodies process them is a key factor in obesity. The low carb diet restricts processed and refined carbohydrates and limits the consumption of sugar, breads, pasta and starchy vegetables. If the body burns fat and carbohydrates for energy, by limiting carbs it burns fat.

The New England Journal of Medicine recently cited two studies that found people on the low carb diet lost twice as much weight over 6 months as those on a low fat diet, and had the added benefit of improved levels of good cholesterol.

With low carb diets on the rise, its estimated that over 35 million consumers will be seeking low carb versions of the foods they consume. Hain Celestial is among the food companies working to meet the growing need.

We are using our core competencies in natural and better-for-you foods to launch Carb Fit, says Putman. Carb Fit is a complete line of products that leverage demand for low carb products with the increasing demand for natural products, to deliver a strong one-two punch. The initial Carb Fit line up includes snacks from Hain Pure Snax, Pastas from DeBoles and Cookies from Health Valley.

* Carb Fit Pasta from DeBoles contains only 9 net carbs (the carbohydrates that can be digested and processed by the body as dietary carbohydrate and therefore directly impact blood sugar) per serving, 75 percent less carbs than regular pasta (42 grams), and comes in 4 of the top selling shapes — spaghetti, elbow, penne and rotini.

* Carb Fit Cookies from Health Valley contain only 6 to 7 net carbs per serving, compared to regular cookies 30 to 45 grams. And like all Health Valley products, they contain no hydrogenated oils or trans fats. Varieties include Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter and Almond.

* Carb Fit Soy Nuts from Hain Pure Snax, in Salted and Red Hot varieties, contain only 5 net carbs and have the healthful benefits of soy. Carb Fit Twirls also contain just 5 net carbs, compared to regular snacks 15 to 20 grams. They come in two delicious flavors, nacho and ranch.

These products are just the first in a line-up of over 45 products across 21 categories expected to roll-out over the next few months from The Hain Celestial Group. For more information about Hain-Celestials Carb Fit line, log onto www.carbfit.com or call (800) 434-4246.

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Courtesy of ARA Content

Written By: ARA

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Low Carb Diet Requirements & How They Work

January 15th, 2007

A low carb diet, also known as a low carbohydrate diet, is a diet program designed to promote weight loss while restricting the consumption of carbohydrates. The theory behind a low carb diet is that carbohydrates consumption is linked to increased insulin levels and obesity. Some nutritionists have varying opinions regarding the validity and safety of a low carb diet, but others refer to the strong evidence lending truth to the claim that a low carb diet can actually promote weight loss.

A low carb diet specifically consists of eliminating or reducing foods that contain sugar, grains and starches. With each of these products being labeled as carbohydrates, they are replaced with other foods containing increased fat and protein. Many people enjoy vegetables as part of a healthy diet and while they too are classified as carbohydrates, they are believed to be much healthier than grains.

As with most diet programs, there are two sides to the story with individuals who oppose and those who agree with the approach. Specifically, some experts believe that low carb diets carry their own risks and possible side effects, including headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizziness and/or dehydration. By lowering or eliminating dietary fiber, many believe that constipation may also occur as a result of the fiber absence. In addition, some believe that the replacement of cholesterol and foods high in saturated fat my increase the risk of developing heart disease. There are also some concerns that kidney problems may ensue as a result of the organs becoming overworked, but there are no scientific studies to support this theory as of yet.

The acceptance of low carb diet foods have had various impacts on some of the worlds largest food producers. Pasta makers, for example, suffered a reduction in the need for their products and believed that the loss was connected to low carb diets. A popular doughnut manufacturer admitted that earnings were lower than usual and associated the reduction with low card diets, which reduced the demand for their product as well. Several companies, on the other hand, watched as their profits were on the rise as they promoted low carb products in stores and restaurants.

This article is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is not to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or a nutritionists recommendation. Prior to beginning any dietary program, including a low carb diet, individuals should consult a physician for proper diagnosis and/or an appropriate path toward weight loss.

About the Author:

To find out more about low carb diet, please visit our website at www.best-low-carb-diets.info . It contains tons of free low carb diet articles, resources and tips.

Written By: Rory Peters

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Could Low Carb Eating Help You Lose Weight?

January 3rd, 2007

There are an increasing number of people who take on the process of low carb eating believing that it will help them for their weight loss.

However, there is still an existing and hottest question when dealing with low carb eating, and that is if low carb eating a healthy way of life. So what then is the answer? Find out here.

Speaking of the low carb eating, it is a common consideration that it is not important to count calories in the low carb eating lifestyle. As such, you have the freedom to eat as much as you want and whenever you want. But despite this truth behind the low carb eating lifestyle, many experts have noted this is never a healthy way of life.

Many people are indeed metabolically resistant. So in instances like this, the proper way of reducing food intake may aid the dieters to motivate or sustain the consistent weight loss that they wish. Still, when talking about low carb eating, it is the carbohydrates that must be kept low, not the calories.

To further support the view, it is a given fact that in low carb eating lifestyle, you are definitely been eating fats and oils. As such, you rarely ever be hungry for in general, those foods that are high in fat are ever satisfying. A high fat eating coupled with a low carb eating supplements will tell your body that it is not starving just like the case of fasting, but rather your metabolism in this stage maintains a normal level. So while consuming fat is one of the prerequisites for a healthy low carb eating, it is then necessary to limit the consumption of trans-fats like margarine. Instead of that, it is recommended that you use real butter, for it is a good fat. And for your interest, good fats are found in olive oil, flax seed oil, canola oil, and oils that are greatly found in nuts.

So then, is low carb eating healthy? Well, on a low carb eating, you can definitely lose weight constantly and it can reduce your insulin levels, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and even stabilize your blood sugar, which is of course great for diabetics. And since in low carb eating, you will be taking less fruits and vegetables, it is then necessary that you take a good full-spectrum multi vitamins and fiber supplements.

It is also important to consider that the main purpose of the low carb eating is to bring your body chemistry and insulin level back into balance. And so to make this, you need to take a diet that is unbalanced in the opposite direction of the way that you have been eating for the rest of your life.

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To find out more about weight loss and low carb diets just visit Ling’s blog at: http://www.obesity.blogonline24.com

Written By: Ling Su

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Carbohydrates And Losing Weight

December 30th, 2006

In simple terms, carbohydrates are broken down by various enzymes into simple sugars then glucose so they can be absorbed into the blood. Digestive enzymes are like biological scissors – they chop long starch molecules into simpler ones.

According to experts, if we cannot burn all the fat we consume, the remainder is stored as fat tissue. This fat-burning ability is determined by the amount of insulin in our bloodstream. [Note: a major factor in insulin release is the glycemic index (GI) value of the carb-foods or meal consumed.] When insulin levels are low, we burn mainly fat. When they are high, we burn mainly carbs. But a problem arises when insulin levels remain constantly high, as in the case of individuals suffering from insulin insensitivity. In such cases, the constant need to burn carbs reduces our fat-burning ability. Result? More fat is stored as fatty (adipose) tissue.

Generally speaking, the speed of digestion is determined by the chemical nature of the carb itself, and thus how “resistant” it is to the activity of the enzymes. A simple sugar is usually much less resistant than a starch, and is digested or metabilized much faster. Things that slow down digestion include: the presence of acid (from gastric juices or the food itself), and the presence of soluble fiber.

High Insulin Levels May Increase Risk of Obesity

This is why experts are linking high insulin levels, together with a reduced ability to burn fat, with obesity. And as you can see, high insulin levels are typically determined by the type of carbs we eat. High GI foods or meals trigger higher levels of insulin than intermediate or low GI foods. This is why the Glycemic Index is considered to be so important in assessing carb eating habits.

As we have seen, the human body is fuelled by glucose. Therefore all foods must be converted into glucose before they can be used as fuel. Carbohydrates are more easily converted into glucose than protein or fat, and are considered to be the body’s “preferred” source of energy, and the brain’s essential source of energy.

Simple carbs (excepting fruit sugar) are more easily converted into glucose because their molecular structure breaks down faster in the stomach and small intestine. Therefore these carbs raise glucose levels in the bloodstream quite rapidly (less than 30 minutes). This explains why diabetics, who occasionally suffer from an excessively low blood-glucose level, can quickly restore their balance by eating simple carb-foods, like sweets.

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Which Diet Pill works? That is a million dollar question! Find out about Diet Pill at http://www.smartreviewguide.com

Written By: Daniel J.Fox

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Complex Carbs For Rookies

December 18th, 2006

If you are looking to improve your physique and keep your energy levels high, a diet with an adequate supply of carbohydrates is crucial. Forget about these diets that are low carb, like Atkins and Keto, they DO NOT work in the long run and should be avoided at all costs. Complex carbs should be of equal importance to protein while trying to achieve your fitness goals.

Complex carbs are just thousands of sugar molecules joined together into one molecule. The Glycemic Index is useful for determining which types of carbs are simple or complex. It is very hard to determine what foods are classified as simple or complex without prior nutrition experience. You have to do your homework and research which carb sources will be best for your diet. Most of your healthy carb choice are basically oatmeal, whole-grain wheat, fruits, vegetables, and pasta. There are others certainly, but these will give you an idea of the carb sources you need to consume. There are many health benefits to complex carbs. They contain large amounts of vitamins and minerals that a trainee`s body needs. Most of these carbs also contain large amounts of fiber, which are slow burning and keeps your energy levels at its peak. When your diet consists of high amounts of simple, sugary carbs, you tend to eat more than what your body can metabolize. Hence, fat gain. To avoid the overeating fallacy, a diet with complex carbs is imperative. So what happens if you don`t eat enough of these complex carb thingies? You will suffer periods of low energy on top of having unwanted fat gain. This could also lead to severe health problems such as obesity or even diabetes. You don`t want to be injecting insulin into your body everyday so make sure that you are eating your complex carbs. The only time to avoid complex carbs is post workout when your body`s glycogen stores need replenished. This is where an “insulin spike” becomes useful because you cells absorb these carbs like a sponge. The debate of whether to have simple or complex carbs post workout has been debated for years and there is still no answer to which carb source is best. You will have determine which carb works best for your body post workout, but your best bet is to start with an insulin spike and see how your body responds. In my next article, “Simple Carbs for Rookies,” I will discuss the basics of this controversial carbohydrate and try educating you on the “how to`s” of simple carbohydrates.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MY SITES: WWW.CLUBBODYBUILDING.COM AND WWW.GEOCITIES.COM/BASHORE69/BODYBUILDINGARTICLES.HTML
MY BOOK “BODYBUILDING FOR ROOKIES” WILL BE RELEASED AUGUST 12.

Written By: Zach Bashore

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Low-Carb: The Role of Insulin

November 12th, 2006

There are three basic units the body uses for energy:

1. Fats

2. Proteins

3. Carbohydrates

All three can be converted to blood glucose. However, while fats and proteins are converted slowly, carbohydrates are converted quickly causing quick spikes in the bodys blood sugar levels. These spikes in blood sugar levels cause the pancreas to create and release insulin until the blood sugar level returns to normal.

Meanwhile, insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas that lowers our bloods glucose levels is released into the blood as soon as the body detects that blood sugar levels have risen above its optimal level.

Insulin is a very efficient hormone that runs the bodys fuel storage systems. If there is excess sugar or fat in the blood insulin will signal the body to store it in the bodys fat cells. Insulin also tells these cells not to release their stored fat, making that fat unavailable for use by the body as energy.

Since this stored fat cannot be released for use as energy, insulin very effectively prevents weight loss. The higher the bodys insulin levels, the more effectively it prevents fat cells from releasing their stores, and the harder it becomes to lose weight. According to many authorities, over the long term, high insulin levels can lead to insulin resistance and cause serious health problems like the ones listed below:

1. Raised insulin levels and insulin resistance

2. Lower metabolism leading to weight gain

3. An increase in fatty tissue and reduction in muscle tissue

4. Accelerated aging

5. Increased food allergies and intolerances

6. Overworked immune system

7. Increased risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and cancer

Carbohydrates, especially simple carbs like sugar and starch, are quickly turned into sucrose by the body entering the blood stream quicker thereby causing the release of large amounts of insulin. The fewer carbs are eaten, the less insulin is produced by the body, and the fewer calories are stored as fat. Less fat storage equals less weight gain and fewer carbs eaten equals less insulin in the blood and the body using its fat stores for fuel.

The premise behind every low-carb diet plan is that a body that produces less insulin burns more fat than a body that produces lots of insulin. Some plans encourage a period of extremely low carbohydrate intake so that the body will enter a state of ketosis and more quickly burn fat stores – These are usually called induction periods.

About the Author

Beverley Brooke, Editor of Health & Finesse – Free health, diet and fitness articles and weekly newsletter http://www.healthandfinesse.com

Written By: Beverley Brooke

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