Thinking about going on a low carbohydrate diet? Low carb diets, if done right, can be very healthy and a great way to lose or maintain your weight, lower your glycemic index and lower cholesterol. If done wrong, however, they can be a threat to your health. If you want to go on a low carbohydrate diet, follow these instructions to live a low-carb lifestyle without jeopardizing your health.
Balance
While low-carb diets are fine, don't try to eliminate carbohydrates altogether. Your body needs some carbs for energy. Carbs are our main source of fiber and are found in vegetables, where we get most of our nutrients.
Types
Simple carbs break down quickly, give a quick burst of energy and spike your blood sugar. This is generally what low-carb diets are set up to avoid. Complex carbs break down more slowly, release energy and sugar into your bloodstream at a slow and even rate, and contain more fiber.
Carb Choices
When low-carb dieting, try to stick to complex carbohydrates, found in green vegetables, whole grains, brown rice, legumes, nuts and seeds. Avoid simple carbs, found in fruit, dairy products, white rice, white flour products such as white breads and pastas, and starchy vegetables such as corn and potatoes, and many processed foods.
Other Foods
For optimum health, don't use a low-carbohydrate diet as license to gobble up all the meat and fat you want. Too much fat and protein can put stress on your organs like your kidney and liver, and may contribute to heart disease, cancer, kidney or gall stones, or arthritis.
Hydration
Drinking a lot of water is good for anyone, but is especially necessary when low-carb dieting, particularly if your protein has increased. Increased protein causes your organs to require more fluid to eliminate waste, and you can dehydrate quickly.
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