Low Carb Diets Best Practices: Low Carb High Fiber DietMany people start low carb diets for two basic reasons. One is for losing weight and the other is to become healthier. Though both of these tend to happen at the same time. The first thing you need to understand when changing to low carb diets is that they aren’t short term. They are a way of life. Simple CarbohydratesThere are different types of carbohydrates (carbs) in the foods we eat. The first is simple carbs. These tend to be foods that contain a lot of sugar in them or that have flour as the base ingredient.For example, pasta is filled with simple carbs. At least the pasta that you may find at restaurants or the yellow pasta typically bought at the grocery store. There are actually pastas that you can buy that don’t have as many carbohydrates in them and are healthier too. In regards to sugar, a lot of the sweeter type of foods we eat have a lot of simple carbs in them. Some of these are cookies, donuts, sweet breads, and regular breads. We should definitely stay away from these when on low carb diets. The problem with simple carbohydrate foods is that they digest very quickly. Then much sooner than later we’re hungry again. If we then choose to eat more simple carb meals or snacks between meals, we’re defeating the purpose of this particular diet in the first place. Because of the increased amount of calories in eating more frequently, we gain weight instead of lose weight. Plus, simple carb foods tend to have a lower nutritional value.
Complex carbohydratesOn the other hand, if we choose to eat foods that consist of complex carbohydrates, we normally end up with different results.For example, these foods tend to make us feel full for longer periods of time. This is because these foods tend to take longer to digest. They tend to have a higher amount of fiber in them. Plus, they are typically more nutritious so our bodies aren’t craving for more food to eat. Good examples of complex carb foods are vegetables and whole grains.
Making The ChangeTransitioning into low carb diets may be more difficult for some than others. The best way to change into this diet is to start off slow and gradually make the change.Be on the lookout for foods that have low carbs in them. Incorporate a low carb meal in your day so that at least one meal out of the day is a low carb meal. Eat like this for a few days or longer before introducing a second low carb meal. Continue to eat like this until all your meals are low carb meals. If you feel you need a snack between meals, then find something low carb. Various different nuts are a good choice. These are also a good source of protein which helps keep you satiated for a longer period of time, hopefully up until it’s time for you to eat your next meal. Another good source are certain types of fruit. Some fruit do indeed have a certain amount of carbs in them, but these carbs are of the complex variety. Fruit is also very nutritious and will actually “feed” your body versus eating other snack foods that actually only “fill” your body.
Cheat MealsIt’s very hard to stay on a diet when starting out. So to help with this plan eat a cheat meal every now and then. This still requires some discipline though.Try not to gorge by eating the right portion size. Also try to remember a cheat meal is something infrequent. If you're having cheat meals everyday then you’re not really on a low carb diet any longer. Most importantly, enjoy your food and try to eat organic foods whenever possible. Have your friends support you or even have one or two of them join you in your new diet. Go low carb for life!
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