Low Carb Diet

Low carb weight loss diet has become very popular among dieters as the weight loss at the initial phase of this diet plan rather rapid compared to other dieting plans. People generally lose 5 to 6 pounds in the first week of this diet plan. It may be difficult for you to suddenly and abruptly give on your fair share of carbs that you have been taking all your life. But don't get deterred, as this weight loss diet would be a gradual process, unlike the fast weight loss of a protein based diet. The pounds you shed in your first week are not fats most of the time, but muscle glycogen and water.

How Low Carb Diet Works

When there is lack of dietary carbs in the body, our system targets and use the reserve carbs located in the muscles and liver to provide fuel for the energy needed to support the metabolic activities of the body. This burning of the stored carbs leads to immediate and sudden loss of weight, as one gram of glycogen binds 4 grams of water. For example, if you burn 400 grams of glycogen then at the same time you lose 1600 grams of water: a total of 2 kilos (2.2 pounds) of body weight.

So, you have lost no body fat and the first thing your body does is to replenish its glycogen & water reserve. Once you start taking carbohydrate foods.

Low Carb Food

The quantity and the types of carbs allowed for this diet may differ from an individual to another. But there are some foods like white flour or sugar that are commonly restricted for everyone. And bananas and watermelon are the only two fruits that you can feast upon when you are on this diet. The amount of carbs allowed to dieters may vary from 20 grams to 50 grams a day.

A low carbs diet is synonymous to a high fat diet that fills you and keeps you satisfied. But remember such high fat diets may also lead to heart problems or stroke, and a lack of carbs would mean weakness due to decreased energy. Many dieters face fatigue in lasting weight management when they follow this diet plan.

Low carbs weight loss diets have successfully worked for many people, but it may not be the case always. In such cases, Low GI Diet plan that focus on the quality and not the quantity of the carbs can be a good alternative.