Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Low Carb Diets, What to Eat and What Not

By Ricardo d Argence

Foods containing sugar and starch are designated as carbohydrates. These foods are the ones that provide the fuel and energy for our bodies. All food groups, including carbs, are the pieces that make up a balanced diet. The basic concept is to take pleasure in eating foods in healthy portions and select compex carbohydrates whenever you can.

When you hear people talk about carbs, they are shortening the name for energy items called carbohydrates. Carbs are usually targeting those foods with higher concentrations of sugars or starches. Carbohydrates are present in almost all the foods we consume.

Most high carbohydrate foods are such things as candies, white bread, pasta, potatoes and all kinds of processed foods. You need to stay away from canned foods and choose fresh fruits and vegetables, if you want to follow a low carb diet. Stick to unprocessed foods like brown rice and whole wheat bread. If you desire to have cereal, a plain bowl of oatmeal is an excellent food to try.

Carbohydrates exist in two forms, simple and complex; with simple carbs being found in sugars, pastas, white bread and rice, candies and a few of the natural fruits. This is the body's top source for energy. Complex carbohydrates finish second in creating energy. These carbohydrates make you feel full longer, because they take longer to digest. Vegetables, certain fruits, beans, potatoes, pasta and whole grain breads are some of the best sources of carbohydrates.

While you are attempting to lose weight on a low carb diet, your carbohydrate numbers must remain between 20 gm to 50 gm daily. If you are maintaining your weight, 180-300 gm per day of carbohydrates will work nicely. To help you get that "full" feeling when trying to avoid carbs you should try to eat much more protein. Meats that are lean, like turkey are protein rich.

Glucose can be pulled from the liver for energy if carbohydrates are not present in the bloodstream due to a low carbohydrate diet. Without the immediate energy source of carbohydrates, the body will reluctantly begin to burn some of the fat supply existing in its cells.

Vegetables are usually low in carbs, but there are some exceptions such as, corn, potatoes, a few mushroom varieties, green peas and rhubarb; which carry a higher carb content and may derail your diet if eaten too often. Even Shiitake mushrooms are almost 25% carbohydrate. Generally, cucumbers are low in carboyhydrates, but if you are watching your carbs, the 10 gm they have can really add up. Good for low carb diets, most lean meats can be enjoyed baked or grilled. Beans are an excellent option even though they can put a minimal amount of carbs in your daily total. Don't eat processed foods, sugary foods, and starches in big quantities--and leave canned food items alone.

Don't forget the exercise if you want to diet right. Even a low carb diet is not enough to successfully and quickly burn fat. You need to exercise daily to encourage the fat burning process. Exercise is good for you but there is a tip for you to use. Spend 15 minutes doing some brisk walking, or any exercise that can cause you to get your heart rate up into the target range.

If you do this, for the next 30-45 minutes your body will be burning fat cells to supply your energy needs. This is because it takes about 15 minutes for your body to use up its supply of stored glucose. You should not eat just before exercising, you do not want to have extra carbs in your bloodstream for your body to burn, you want to target the fat. - 15784

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