People diagnosed with hypoglycemia often look for ways to find relief from their low blood sugar episodes. While somewhat controversial, some dietitians are recommending diets with carbohydrates limited to 20 g a day for people with hypoglycemia. The premise is that if foods with low glycemic indexes are eaten, the episodes of low blood sugar will decrease. A no-carbohydrate diet can produce rapid weight loss, helpful for people struggling with Type 2 Diabetes, a frequently accompanying condition. Understanding the basics of a hypoglycemia no-carbohydrate diet could provide a helpful start to controlling the condition.
Protein
When on a no-carbohydrate diet, the majority of the day's calories come from protein. Beef, poultry, pork and fish have virtually no carbohydrates. When on a no-carbohydrate diet, prepare meat by baking, grilling, sauteeing, or even frying. Cheese and eggs, two other sources of protein, contain small amounts of carbohydrates, and they are acceptable on a no-carb diet in limited amounts. Melting cheese on a piece of meat or eating an egg-and-cheese omelet for breakfast are two ways to eat a satisfying, no-carbohydrate diet while trying to treat hypoglycemia.
Vegetables
Many vegetables have very few carbohydrates. Lettuce, broccoli, celery, cauliflower, and cucumbers are all important sources of vitamins that will keep the total carbohydrate level of a meal at a minimum. Salads can be a no-carbohydrate meal, as long as things such as croutons and high-sugar salad dressings are avoided. Dressings like bleu cheese or Caesar usually have very few carbohydrates. Adding vegetables to the protein source is the way to eat a low-carbohydrate meal while providing variety. Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, corn, and squash should be avoided while on this diet, as these starchy vegetables have significant levels of carbohydrates.
Substitutes
Breads, cereals, fruit, and dessert need to be avoided on a no-carbohydrate diet. Because this avoidance is exceptionally difficult for some people, using substitutes is a way to avoid giving in to temptation of high-carbohydrate foods. Low-carbohydrate breads and tortillas are available at grocery stores, and when eaten in moderation, no-carb dieters can remain under that limit of 20 carbohydrates per day. Fruits are notoriously high in carbohydrates and must be avoided. Many foods exist on the market with artificial sweeteners that can fill the dessert cravings without crashing the diet. Low-carbohydrate ice cream, candy bars, and cheesecakes will allow a no-carb dieter to have dessert while sticking to the diet.
Summary
No-carbohydrate diets can be difficult, but many people have had tremendous success with losing weight, which in turn, helps reduce hypoglycemic episodes. Most people who succeed with this diet report that getting through the first two weeks is the most difficult, but after that, the cravings for carbohydrates diminish remarkably. Keeping the carbohydrate limit to 20 grams each day by eating primarily proteins and vegetables will make this seem like one of the easiest diets available. Consult a physician if you are making radical changes to your diet or if you have medical conditions.
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