There are many low-carb diets available, full of claims for quick weight loss. Planning menus ahead for a week can take decisions or temptation out of each meal. The Dr. Atkins diet is perhaps one of the most popular of the very low-carb diets, and the diet has been currently modified to include healthy carbs. A very low-carb diet is one that has less than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day.
Benefits of Low-carb Diets
There are benefits to be gained from a low-carb diet. Initially weight often comes off quickly for many people, giving them a good and positive start to seeing great results. When you eat a diet rich in protein, especially animal protein, it is very satisfying and hunger takes a long time to return. .
Breakfasts for low carb
Breakfast is probably the most challenging meal to fix for an ongoing low-carb diet. Here are seven potential breakfast meals to keep you in line:
1/2-water and 1/2-berry juice, scrambled egg whites with spinach and cheese
A slice of ham and of cheese, 1/2-cup of blue berries and 1/2-slice of whole grain toast with butter
Poached eggs with slice of cheddar cheese, 3 strawberries, coffee with milk or cream
Small salmon filet, 1/4-bagel with cream cheese, 1/2-peach, coffee or tea
Scrambled eggs with ham, 1/2 of small cantaloupe, coffee or tea
Omelet with onions, chicken and cheese, 1/2-cup blue berries, coffee or tea
Scrambled egg whites with a slice of pepper jack cheese, 1/2-cup grapes, tea or coffee
Low-carb Lunches
Lunches are versatile, and you can plan ahead, especially important if you work. You can have a variety of low-fat protein and low-carb vegetables, such as cucumbers, celery, zucchini, green onions and mushrooms.
One 6-ounce can of tuna with low-fat mayonnaise and sesame seeds, celery sticks and a 1/2-peach
Turkey sandwich on 1 slice of whole grain bread with mustard and lettuce, sliced cucumbers, 1/2-cup of blue berries
Salmon steak with lemon, lettuce salad with olive oil, 1/2-cup of green beans
Chef salad with turkey, cheese, walnuts and black olives and romaine
Spinach salad with chopped almonds, feta cheese, 1/2-cup of pineapple
2 hard boiled eggs, 1/2-grapefruit, sliced tomatoes
3 slices of roast beef, one slice of cheddar cheese, dill pickles, celery, black olives
Low-carb Dinners for Seven Days
Take some time to be creative at dinner and plan some interesting and delicious low-carb dinners. You can always add potatoes or rice for the rest of the family.
8-ounce steak, caesar salad, 1/2-cup of cooked broccoli, 1/2-cup fresh strawberries 2 Whole chicken breast, cabbage salad with blue cheese, 1 cup walnuts and strawberries with sour cream and sweetened with stevia.
Pork chops with peppers and onions, cucumber salad in vinegar, black olives, 1/2-cup of cantaloupe
Turkey breast roasted with havarti cheese, dill pickles, black olives, hot peppers, green salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing
Hamburger patty with two strips of bacon and cheese, sliced tomatoes, onion slices and 1/2-peach for dessert
Bratwurst with sauerkraut and hot mustard, cucumber salad, non-fat yogurt with 1/2-cup of strawberries and sweetened with stevia
Loin lamb shops with rosemary and mushrooms, 1/2-cup of green beans and celery, 1 cup of grapes.
A low-carb diet can be an effective and quick weight loss method. It is centered around the concept that our bodies work properly and efficiently when we consume mostly protein. It identifies carbohydrates as the enemy in our battle for a healthy, fit body. The diet requires an initial withdrawal from all carbohydrates, but eventually allows for small amounts to be added back to your diet gradually. This approach will allow you to jump start your diet and eventually find a comfortable daily intake of carbohydrates that allows you to maintain a healthy weight.
Things You'll Need
High-protein foods such as meats, cheeses, eggs and nuts
Low-carb foods such as vegetables and whole grains items
Water
Multi-vitamin
Tips For You
Jump start the diet by severely limiting your carbohydrate intake. On the first day, your diet should mostly consist of beef, pork, fish, chicken, sausage, cheese and eggs.
Eat no more than 30 g of carbs daily for days 2 to 14 of the diet. Your body will probably be in ketosis (a state in which fat is primarily used to fuel the body) during this time. This will jump start your diet by causing you to shed pounds immediately. By the end of the first 2 weeks, you should lose between 8 and 20 lbs.
Drink plenty of water while practicing the low-carb diet. This will help you stay hydrated. Most other beverages are off limits.
Take a multivitamin each day to ensure your body is receiving important nutrients.
Start an exercise regime to compliment the diet and help you establish a new healthy lifestyle. Along with fat, you will also lose muscle while dieting. A strength-building activity will help you maintain the muscle, but still lose the fat. It is important to exercise 4 days a week for at least 30 minutes each time.
Add in a few complex carbs starting on day 15 of the diet. This can include a few vegetables, berries or whole-grain foods. Slowly increase the carbohydrate intake each day until you reach a level where you are still achieving weight loss, but are happy with the variety in your diet.