Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Condiments Allowed on the South Beach Diet

The list of condiments allowed on the South Beach Diet is the same as the standard low-carb condiment list. As a rule, you should avoid foods and condiments that contain sugar.

Acceptable sauces and condiments include sugar-free peanut sauce, pesto, and red and white clam sauces. You can use tomato-based sauces such as pizza sauce, pasta sauce, and marinara with no added sugar. Basically, you should choose sugar-free foods and condiments. The list of sauces to avoid includes many homemade sauces and commercial sauces. They contain saturated fat and a lot of starch. Sauces to avoid include white sauces such as Mornay, Bechamel, and Bearnaise, and cheese sauces such as Alfredo. You can have gravies as a rare treat and after phase 1. You should avoid barbeque sauce because it contains a lot of sugar. Buy sugar-free cocktail sauce and tomato-based chili sauce. Salad dressings with sugar and regular ketchup should be avoided. The same goes for plum sauce, steak sauce, and jellies and jams.

The list of low-carb condiments includes sugar-free condiments such as dill pickle relish and low carb ketchup. The list of allowed condiments on a low carb diet also includes Tabasco and other bottled hot sauces, capers, and sugar-free salad dressings. Choose dressings that are high in monounsaturated fat and read the labels carefully. You can use mustard but avoid honey mustard and other sweetened mustards. The list of condiments also includes rice wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, but it is important to check the labels.

Apart from condiments, there are plenty of foods you can eat on the South Beach Diet. There are a few restrictions on bacon, prepared luncheon meats, shellfish, and organ meats. You can eat poultry, including Cornish hen, goose, duck, and chicken. The list of allowed meats includes veal, lamb, and pork. Mussels and oysters are high in carbohydrates, and you should limit them to 4 ounces a day. Processed meats such as salami, pepperoni, and ham contribute carbs because they are cured with added sugar. You should avoid fish and meat products that are cured with nitrates. They are carcinogens. Avoid products that are not exclusively fowl, fish, or meat, such as breaded foods, meatloaf, and imitation fish.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Low Carb Diets - Do They Work

Low carbohydrate diets are diets that take advantage of the body's biochemistry to work. They do in fact work very well at helping dieters lose weight very quickly. A low carb diet such as Atkins, South Beach or the Zone lower the overall amount of carbohydrates and glucose (sugar) in the body. This causes a biochemical situation called ketosis to take place. If ketosis is maintained for an extended time, there will be significant weight loss.

The human body was designed to store excess calories such as carbohydrates as fat. The body did this because thousands of years ago man likely had to wait long periods of time before finding a meal. During winter months, it was possible that the fat that had been stored helped to keep man from starving. In order for a low carbohydrate diet to work, one must get around this food storage system and years of evolution. To do this, diets that are low in carbohydrates exploit this fat storage system to help burn it off.

When few carbohydrates are consumed along with very little sugar the body will begin to seek out alternative forms of energy supply. This means that once the few carbs that are eat are burned off, the body will then start to break down the excess fat. That excess fat breakdown is one of the reasons that weight loss is usually far more rapid with a low carb diet than any other type of diet. The dieter has fooled the body into burning off its own fat.

A low carb diet works very well. The induction phase that begins the process of ketosis can cause as much as two pounds of weight loss a day in that two week period. It also means that with little or no exercise a dieter can see significant weight loss and inches subtracted from their frame in a short period of time. Even when the dieter eats some fatty foods, the biochemistry of the diet will still have the metabolic processes breaking down existing fat before ingested fat.

If dieters are looking to lose inches and weight quickly they can consider the many low carb diets that are popular today. These diets are so popular because they do work very well. The one hardship on the diet is the loss of sugar (even fruit sugar) or carbohydrates. Some of these low carb diets integrate more of this than others. A low carb diet is a very fast solution to a weight loss dilemma.

To test your knowledge about low carb diets try the low carb diets quiz.

Monday, March 5, 2012

What Are The Negative Effects Of Low Carb Diets

Many people choose to follow a low carbohydrate diet and achieve good results. At the same time, negative effects occur in some dieters, mainly linked to ketones. Ketones represent a compound and a waste product when the body burns down fat deposits. In a ketosis state, the body breaks down more fat tissue in the absence of carbohydrates. Most often, ketosis is linked to a higher level of ketones in the blood stream.

Bad breath is a mild side effect of being on a low carb diet. The ketones produced by the body are found in the urine and saliva. One solution to bad breath is to chew sugar-free gums or suck mints, but that is a temporary fix. Drinking lots of water helps sometimes.

Other mild negative effects include dizziness, nausea, weakness, and insomnia. A study published in the Lancet Medical Journal has reported that side effects such as headaches, constipation, diarrhea, and muscle weakness are more common in people on the Atkins diet than in other dieters.

Carbohydrate deficiency has been associated with general weakness and muscle cramps. The muscle tissue and the brain do not receive sufficient amounts of sugar to maintain their normal functioningThe brain and muscle tissue receive insufficient amount of sugar for their proper functioning. In general, an intake of about 150 grams of carbohydrates a day is required to maintain the normal functioning of the body. With many low carb diets, the amount of carbohydrates is limited to twenty to thirty grams during the induction phase. In the next phases, it increases to up to 100 grams, but this amount is still less than the required.

The body supplies the needed carbohydrates from the liver and muscles at first, but side effects may occur.

Some dieters may experience long-term negative effects, including feeling sluggish, tired, and lethargic. These side effects gradually disappear when dieters start consuming more carbohydrates.

The average dieter may find it difficult to cut out carbohydrates completely, even during the induction phase which lasts just several weeks. Low carb dieting remains a controversial issue not only because of the possible side effects, but when it comes to results. Some claim that success may be due to consuming less food rather than the products included in the menu. Other critics point out that weight loss may be due to dehydration rather than burning of fat tissue.

Some maintain that due to the accumulation of ketones in the body, the risk of high cholesterol level and heart disease increases. At the same time, many dieters have succeeded losing weight on a low carb diet. More people have tried a low carb diet, compared to a low fat diet. Many research studies confirm the benefits of low carbohydrate diets as well. When choosing a diet, it is important to assess the benefits and risks that go with it. The aim of every diet should be not simply weight loss but lifestyle change.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

How to Eat Low Carb Diets Safely

A low carb diet is a dietary plan that limits the consumption of carbohydrates for the purpose of weight control. Dieters avoid eating foods high in carbohydrates and substitute them with products high in fats and proteins. While many recommend low carb diets, some people complain of having side effects such as tiredness, constipation, bad breath, and more. With these in mind, how to eat low carb diets safely?

First, you should not consume large amounts of foods that are high in proteins. Proteins can increase the amount of insulin that circulates in your body. This hormone signals to your body that it has to accumulate fat deposits; so, protein-rich foods should be consumed in moderation. What is the amount of proteins to consume? You need them to repair damages to the muscle tissue. In addition, proteins supply glucose needed for the proper function of your brain. The liver transforms proteins into glucose, but how much you should have depends on your height, weight, lifestyle, and how long you have been on a low carb diet. You will find some online calculators that will calculate the required amount in your case.

To avoid kidney problems, you need to consume plenty of water. The lower consumption of carbohydrates will add to the workload of your kidneys, and more water will be needed.

You should consume plenty of low-carb vegetables and fruits for the fiber they contain. The group of vegetables low in carbohydrates includes cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce, spinach, etc. Fruits that are low in sugar are also good choices when you are on a low carb diet. These are papaya, blueberries, apples, watermelon, peaces, cantaloupes, and others. In general, try to have as many non-starchy vegetables as possible.

To be on the safe side, you should take sufficient amounts of minerals and vitamins. Calcium, potassium, and magnesium should be present in your diet. In this way, your electrolytes will be kept in balance, which can be a problem when you are on a low carb diet.

A healthy diet should include plenty of fresh, natural products. Avoid eating processed meals and snacks, even if they are low in carbohydrates. Processing reduces their nutritional value and besides, processed foods contain more calories, fats, and sodium.

A low carb diet will be good for your health if the amount of carbohydrates you have works for you. If you are a prediabetic, for example, you have to monitor your blood glucose so that your blood sugar level remains normal and stable. In this way, you will know what amounts of glucose your body tolerates.

Finally, it is recommended to include seeds and nuts in you diet. They are rich in nutrients and will, to an extent, substitute starchy foods. You can use nut flours to prepare baked goods, such as pancakes and muffins. Flax seeds are good for your health, and you can use them in baking. Combining the healthy fats in nuts and seeds with fiber and proteins will make your diet a healthy one.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Transition To A Low Carb Diet - FAQ

Transitioning to a low carb diet requires fining a dietary plan that suits your individual circumstances. You can choose from the South Beach Diet, Atkins, Protein Power, Sugar Busters, and other diets that come with clear and specific instructions. If the diet you choose restricts carbohydrates to just 25 grams, it is recommended to purchase some ketone strips. Another thing to do is buy supplemental fiber. Keep storage containers of different sizes in your kitchen and use them to bring your meals with you on workdays. Initially, you may count the amount of carbohydrates consumed and keep a diary. This will help you evaluate your progress.

Depending on your diet of choice, you can consume different types of food. In general, foods to include in your shopping list include fish, chicken, lamb, pork, eggs, cheeses, mayonnaise, and olives. To transition to a low carb diet, you should also stock on some allowed beverages. These include club soda, diet soda, and tea.

You may find the first couple of days of the transition difficult. You may experience withdrawal symptoms and side effects such as irritability, insomnia, constipation, fatigue, loss of concentration, and headaches. These side effects will last just a couple of days and will then fade away. To make the transition easier, have a meal or snack every four hours and drink plenty of water. Your body burns fat quicker, and you will need more water for that.

To make the transition easier, look for supporters among your friends and family. They may have tried some low carb diet plan and will share their experience. Your friends and family may help you choose a low carb diet, but you should always look for a dietary plan which is suitable for you.

To limit the amount of carbohydrates you consume, you can buy coconut flour. It is low in carbohydrates and can be used as a substitute of wheat flour. This way, you can have baked goods, such as pancakes, you enjoy. This product is nutritious and is a popular healthy drink for many.

Having a tasty food is an important condition if you want to make the transition easier. You can include a variety of foods and meals in your menu. Go for lunch meat roll-ups, pepperoni chips, cheese sticks, smoked salmon, ricotta cheese with fruits, and anything you find tasty. Other products to include in your diet are sunflower seeds, low-sugar yoghurt, and mushrooms with cheese. There are plenty of products to include in a low carb diet, with healthy snacks being a good choice. Keep in mind that a atkins diet snacks should contain fibers, proteins, and healthy fat. As for fruits, keep in mind that some low carb diets do not allow them during the first phase. The South Beach diet and the Atkins diet are among them. Most low carbohydrate diets allow the consumption of low-carb fruits such as blackberries and cranberries, as well as small amounts of lemon and line. Finding information about diet can be as breeze, just visit low carb recipes website.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

How To Stick To A Low Carb Diet FAQ

Sticking to a low carb diet is not as difficult if you can deal with cravings and are familiar with the basics of the plan.

Foods that are high in carbohydrates should be avoided as well as products which break down to sugars. This group contains white rice, noodles, and pasta. It will not be difficult to stick to your diet of choice if your menu includes products such as poultry, meat, fish, and eggs. Some foods contain carbohydrates but the amount is low enough, and you can safely include them in your diet. Nuts, seeds, tofu, and cheeses are in this group. You can also consume low-carb vegetables such as broccoli, celery, eggplant, green beans, eggplant, and others.

Despite the wide variety of foods to consume, some dieters still find it hard to stick to a low carb diet. To do that, you may want to remove all carbohydrate-rich foods from your kitchen cabinets. Throw or give away all snacks, pretzels, sugar, potato chips, and pasta. Substitute them with low carb vegetables from the above list. Keep fresh greens and lettuce in your fridge and consume them any time you feel hungry. Buy cheeses and prepare cheese platters and cheeseburgers. Try new recipes and cook meals in different ways so that you have a balanced diet. When you are on a low carb diet, you can use grilling and broiling techniques. Prepare some snacks to have on hand. You can boil a couple of eggs or fry some bacon.

If you are worried that a low carb diet means having no carbohydrates, this is not the case. Your dietary plan should be individual. Some argue that dieters on a low carbohydrate diet are at risk of heart disease. Many studies suggest that cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides, and other markers of increased risk of heart disease improve with low carb diets. If you have kidney problems, you may also be concerned about sticking to a low carb diet. It has not been shown that high protein diets damage the kidneys, but you can consult your doctor to be on the safe side.

In order to stick to your no carb diet, think of making some small changes at first. Choose 1 or 2 products to exclude from your diet at a time. It is unwise to make rapid changes. This gradual approach can bring good results. You can choose from a number of low carb diets as well. Choose a diet you are comfortable with. If you don't want to search around, you can try the 'no white diet', which many report to work. Basically, you need to avoid products containing sugar, potatoes, white rice, and flour, including cakes, bread, pasta, and donuts. Remember that foods like tofu, cauliflower, and onions are white-colored, but they are a good addition to a low carb diet.

Finding information about low carbs can be as breeze, just visit lose weight fast website.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

The Sweet Alternative

Sugar alcohol is an artificial sweetener commonly used in frozen foods and replacement meal supplements as a replacement for table sugar. Sugar alcohols are made up of carbohydrates and part of their ingredients also resembles sugar, and in part also has a resemblance to alcohol. You may recognize some of these names on some sugar free items that you purchase; sorbitol, isomalt and xylitol. Sugar alcohols have fewer calories than sugar and when used in combination with foods and sweets with artificial sweeteners it can change the unpleasant taste of some high intensity sweeteners. When heated Sugar alcohols will not caramelize due to the fact they are not metabolized by oral bacteria.

Sugar free chewing gum is a popular choice for people that are low carb dieters or they are calorie conscious. It does not have any calories and although sweet it will not cause tooth decay. For diabetics, Sugar Alcohols are a safer option in comparison to regular sugar. It is misleading to believe that these alcohol sugars are carb free because they are not. However, they are considerably lower in carbs compared to regular table sugar. Sugar alcohol does not completely absorb into the blood stream through the small intestines which means that it has a result of a lower change in the effect of blood glucose levels. Because the sugar alcohol does not completely absorb while still in the bowel it will hold water creating a diarrhea effect, or lose bowels. Many low carb foods have began using sugar alcohol as alternative sweeteners to accommodate the low carb diets that are so popular. When you eating sugar free gum or candy you may experience a cooling sensation. This is the dissolving of the sugar alcohol taking place when it meets a heating solution. The alcohol sugar in combination with the saliva creates a cooling sensation.

You will be able to locate sugar alcohols on the ingredient label if the item has been prepared with it. Although, most sugar alcohols are not as sweet as regular sugar, therefore more is needed to give the desired sweetness that you may be trying to reach. There are different variations of sweetness among artificial alcohol sweeteners and they each have a different impact on the way they affect blood sugar levels. Most people that have adapted to a healthy eating plan but lowering their carb intake have found sugar alcohol as an alternative to having sweets or eating food that requires sugar as an ingredient. Low carb food along with eating healthy food and maintaining a weight loss program can easily be structured with the use of sugar alcohol. It is important to keep in mind that alcohol sugars alone cannot create a weight loss on any level. It is important to adjust to healthy eating and exercise. Doing that in combination with choosing to eat foods with lower carbs can prove to be beneficial in weight loss.