subject: Whats on the Low Carb Menu [print this page] Whats on the Low Carb Menu Whats on the Low Carb Menu
If you have heard that a low carbohydrates diet is a great way to lose weight then you have been correctly informed. Low carbohydrates diets attempt to limit the consumption of carbohydrates. Usually, the person will replace foods high in digestible carbohydrates with foods that have higher proteins and fats, and foods that have lower carbohydrates overall. A good example of a high carbs diet is a diet with lots of bread and pasta.
The American Academy of Family Physicians states that diets low on carbs restrict calorie intake by reducing the consumption of carbohydrates to 20 to 60 g per day. Now instead of the individual relying on carbs for energy, they replace it with proteins and fats. These diets are commonly recommended for obesity, not to mention other health risks like diabetes, and epilepsy.
The average low carb diet consists of more meat or soy products as well as green vegetables. There are actually a lot of foods that are low in carbohydrates, and are made up of complex carbs, which are better for you. The most common suggestion for low carb meals are salads filled with lettuce, cabbage and spinach, as one serving only equals 3 grams of carbs. Another beneficial food low in carbs is a tomato, limited to seven grams for a medium size serving. Carrots and broccoli are ideal for low carbs, as one medium carrot only counts as eight grams of carbs and one medium stalk of broccoli also counts as eight grams. Other green vegetables to keep an eye out for include green beans, garbanzo beans, green peas, snap peas, celery, bean sprouts and cucumbers.
What if you want a diet with more meat and "filling" foods besides just veggies? Then rejoice, because most meats are actually low in carbs, which explains ideas like the Atkins Diet. Beef, pork, poultry and wild game and seafood are all low in carbs. What you do have to beware of is processed or packaged foods, and sometimes some deli meats which have a high nitrate concentration. Other foods that are low on carbs include eggplant, tofu, pumpkin, limes and lemons and a multitude of berries.
There is also plenty to drink on the low carb menu and not just water. You can also enjoy coffee, tea, water, diet soda, Jell-O and nuts. Furthermore, you can also shop for low carb breads, low carb tortillas and sugar free snacks. There is plenty to eat on the menu if you are trying to control your intake of carbohydrates.
