Should You Go On A Low Carb Diet to Lose Weight? By definition, a low carb diet means limiting one’s intake of carbohydrates. This is usually found in grains, starchy vegetables and fruits. The diet also emphasizes the importance of eating foods that are high in protein and fat. There are several low-carb recipes and diets that can help you with your fitspiration goals. Each diet has different restrictions on the types and amounts of carbohydrates that you can consume. A low carb diet is usually used for weight loss. Some diets also provide health benefits beyond weight loss such as reducing the risk factors connected to diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
A 10-Point Plan for Foods (Without Being Overwhelmed)
There are plenty of reasons why people choose to go on a low carb diet. Some may want a diet that restricts certain carbs to help them lose weight. Some want to change their overall eating habits while others just enjoy the types and amounts of foods found in low carb diets.
A 10-Point Plan for Foods (Without Being Overwhelmed)
Plenty of carbohydrates are naturally found in plant-based food like grains. In its natural form, carbs are deemed as complex and fibrous such as those found in whole grains and legumes. They can also be less complex such as those found in milk and fruit. Grains, fruits, vegetables, milk, nuts, seeds, legumes (beans, lentils, peas) are common sources of naturally occurring carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates, on the other hand, are those found in processed foods with flour or sugar like white breads and pasta, cookies, cake, candy, and sugar-sweetened sodas and drinks. Carbohydrates are the human body’s main fuel source. Sugars and starches are broken down into simple sugars during digestion which are then absorbed into the bloodstream and become known as blood sugar (glucose). Fiber-containing carbohydrates are the ones that resist digestion. They have less effect on blood sugar and provide bulk to serve other body functions aside from fuel. Basically, the idea behind low carb diets is to decrease carbs to lower insulin levels. This leads to weight loss because the body burns stored fat for energy. A low carb diet generally focuses on proteins including meat, poultry, fish and eggs as well as some nonstarchy vegetables. It also restricts most grains, legumes, fruits, breads, sweets, pastas and starchy vegetables. Aside from faster weight loss, low carb diets have been known to be link to other benefits such as reduced hunger, better insulin and blood sugar levels, enhanced cognitive performance, lower risk for heart disease factors and reduced risk for certain types of cancer. Bread lovers who want to go on a low carb diet can still eat their favorite food without letting go of their weight loss goals. They can look for low carb bread recipes online. One particular low carb gluten free bread recipe uses almond flour, psyllium husk powder, gluten-free baking powder, sea salt, eggs, coconut oil and warm water. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line the bottom of a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper then stir the dry ingredients together. Afterwards, just add the eggs, melted coconut oil, and the warm water. Transfer the batter to the lined baking pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. For those with the sweetest tooth, low carb homemade ice cream recipes are for you. One recipe removes the need for churning for those who do not own an ice cream machine. Furthermore, it just needs four ingredients and takes about five minutes to prepare. Butter, heavy cream, powered erythritol, and vanilla extract are the needed ingredients. First, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat then add half of the heavy cream and powdered erythritol. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally until the mixture is thick enough. Pour mixture into a large bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Mix the vanilla extract while stirring. Beat the remaining 2 cups of heavy cream using a hand mixer for about 2-3 minutes until stiff peaks form. Gently and gradually fold the beaten heavy cream into the mixture in the bowl. Transfer the mixture to a freezer container. For those who want another flavor, mix-ins can be added at this stage. Freeze the mixture for 5-6 hours until firm.