Diet Tips for a Healthy Life Blog 2: Low Carbohydrate Diets for Losing Weight

Most people these days want to be lean and shredded and your diet is the best way in order to achieve this want. In this blog I will show you the most effective way in order to lose fat while at the same time ensure you keep your lean muscle mass. This is through the "Low Carbohydrate Diet". This diet comes in many shapes and forms you may have heard about such as the Atkins Diet or South Beach Diet, however some of these can be unsafe and even unhealthy. I will show you the best way to undertake a low carb diet.

The basic principle of the low carb diet is to significantly reduce your carbohydrate intake to reduce the amount of glycogen that your body recieves in your blood. Remember, glycogen is what carbohydrates break down to in the blood and is your bodies preferred energy source. Basically, when your body is depleted of glycogen it will look other forms of energy such as fats. This is where you can lose those stored kilos on your body! However, the problem with many low carb diets is they reduce carbs way too much and  do not include enough emphasis on nutrition. My low carb diet plan ensures carbs aren't reduced to dangerous levels (after all your body does need them) and vitamins and minerals are not sacrificed.

Breakfast

• 4 eggs cooked to your liking with olive oil (scrambles, fried, boiled etc.)
• 1/8 medium melon, such as rockmelon or 50g of blueberries
• 30 grams almonds – either slivered on cereal, or whole – can save as a mid-morning snack if preferred

Lunch

• Throw It Together Salad: Bag of salad greens – about 6.5 oz or 4 cups, tossed together with half a sliced avocado, 2 Tablespoons sunflower seeds, 150g of whatever protein you like (I used deli turkey for the analysis, but egg, beef, chicken, fish, or tofu would be fine), and 2 Tablespoons of balsamic dressing and olive oil.

Snack

• Swiss and Ham Roll-Up: 50g sliced ham and 25g sliced Swiss cheese, with sugar-free mustard if desired, rolled around a medium dill pickle 

Dinner

• Basil Chicken with Vegetables
• Dessert: ½ cup ricotta cheese with desired flavorings, such as Sugar Free falvoured syrpus, coffee and sweetener, unsweetened cocoa and sweetener (check carbs), or mixed berries

Nutritional Analysis: This menu provides 49 grams effective carbohydrate plus 36 grams fiber, 101 grams protein, and 1569 calories. It contains at least the minimum requirements of all essential vitamins and minerals.

Following a plan like the one above is the perfect way to lose those extra kilos while at the same time remaining healthy and storing that lean muscle.

James Hallab