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Low Carb Diet Benefits

Understanding Low Carb Diet Benefits

A low carbohydrate diet as defined by Wikipedia is a dietary program that restricts carbohydrate consumption usually for weight control or for the treatment of obesity.  There are several well know low carb diets including the Atkins Diet, South Beach Diet, the Zone, Glycemic Impact Diet and Protein Power.  Each of these low carb diets have their own guidelines and restrictions to carbohydrates.

Most medical experts recommend getting 60% of your calories from carbohydrates.  So if you were on a 2,000 a day calorie diet, this would equate to 1,200 calories coming from carbs.  There are 4 calories per gram of carbs, so this would mean you should eat 300 grams of carbs a day for a 2,000 calorie diet.


Benefits of a Low Carbohydrate Diet



Although these diets are very restrictive with carbs, especially during the induction phase, some people find the low carb diet benefits extremely helpful.  Even though there is a lot of controversy around low carb diets, there have been studies conducted that do show and document some real benefits to them.  These benefits include;
  • Weight Loss
    Even though during the studies people were not necessarily counting calories, by following a low carbohydrate diet, weight loss was achieved.

  • Improved Triglycerides

  • Reduced blood sugar levels for diabetics and people at risk of diabetes

  • Improved Insulin Sensitivity

  • Lower Blood Insulin Levels

  • Decreased Blood Pressure

  • Increased "good" HDL Cholesterol

  • Increased Energy Levels

  • Reduced Cravings for "sweets"

  • Improved Mood and Mental Concentration

  • Reduced Emotional Eating Habits
 


Many of these low carb diet benefits can be achieved non low carbohydrate diets also  I have known a handful of people that have been very successful with low carb diets, losing the weight and keeping it off.  Unfortunately I also know people who lost weight on these low carb diets but unfortunately put the weight back on, and even more weight in some cases. 

The key to choosing the right weight loss program for you is all about the “long term” lifestyle changes.  You need to make sure that the weight loss program you select not only helps you lose weight, but teaches you how to keep the weight off.  A low carbohydrate diet may be just the ticket for people who are very carbohydrate sensitive.

Although there are many low carb diet benefits, make sure you read all these weight loss reviews before deciding on your weight loss plan.



 


Related Articles
 
Diabetic Diet
Find out how you can control your diabetes without eliminating all carbs.





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