The Skinny on Low Carb Diets
By Rebecca Waldron
I’m sure you’ve heard of the low carb diet by now. There are many opinions and books on the subject, but how do you know which one is right? In my experience, you can toss all those books and just follow some basic guidelines. I’ve been using a low carb diet for almost a year now and have had great results with it. It’s amazing what happens to your waistline when you don’t munch on all those sugars and starches. While at first I started out losing only inches, the scale eventually followed suit. I am very happy with the way I feel and look, but I still have more progress to make in my journey. Are you starting out on your weight loss adventure or have you hit a plateau and don’t know what to do? Look no further. This could be your answer!
Toss the Sugar
The first thing you must do is clean out your pantry and fridge of all those breads, cereals, and snacks that are carbohydrate loaded. Let me tell you why. When you eat a protein or veggies with your carbs, the sugars are used up first for energy, leaving the rest for fat storage. Registered dietitian nutritionist Carrie Dennett writes, “When the public was advised to lower fat decades ago, most people swapped it for foods high in sugar and white flour, rather than with fruits, vegetables and whole grains.” This did not help, and made Americans come down with a host of medical problems. Sugar, especially simple sugar, is the bane of the human body. It can cause high triglycerides and diabetes. In other words, toss the sugar out.
Welcome the Good Fats, Protein, Veggies and Fruits
What’s a good fat? The term "fat" has not gotten a good rap over the years, has it? Nuts, seeds, and olive oil are good fats. Proteins are also a good source of fat. Have a yummy dish of a 4-ounce salmon fillet, a large salad with all the colored veggies added to it (the more color, the better it is for you!), and a strawberry and blueberry smoothie with yogurt. You can dine like a king or queen using this method. Fill your plate with a good protein, and the rest of your plate with vegetables. Afterward, have a dessert of your favorite berries or non-starchy fruits. Remember to drink plenty of water, and you’ll be on your way to a healthier lifestyle and the skinny in no time!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Temecula, Calif.
