5 Basic Facts you should know about Low Carb Diet Plans
Low-carb diet plans are not complicated. There are some basic facts that you should know before you launch a low-carb diet, though. These facts will help you understand the biology at work, how your body is changing and why these changes are taking place.
The key points we will explore here are:
- Carbohydrates – Overlooked, Unappreciated, but Got To Go!
- Ketosis – Key to Burning Fat
- Weight Plateaus – Deal with them
- Body Shaping vs. Weight Loss
- Exercise/Movement – Essential
1) Carbohydrates – Overlooked, Unappreciated, but Got To Go!
Carbohydrates are the body’s quickest source of energy and found mostly in vegetables, fruits and whole grains. These are typically referred to as unrefined carbs (good carbs) and those that we should include in our daily meals. Refined carbohydrates (bad carbs) are those that go through a manufacturing process that alters them with chemicals. Some examples of these types are flour, white rice and pasta. These are generally not a major part of a low carb weight loss plan, although over time can be moderately re-introduced into your meals.
The manufacturing process mentioned above, eliminates the most health beneficial aspects of carbs. The resulting products have a tendency to spike blood sugar. Our society has drifted towards consuming more products with refined sugars and increasingly overlooked and unappreciated unrefined vegetables and fruits, for example.
A successful low-carb diet aims to eliminate refined carbohydrates.
2) Ketosis – Key to Burning Fat
Ketosis is a biological process that occurs when there is not enough glucose in your body to provide the necessary energy. It is also an important part of jump-starting your weight loss. By reducing or eliminating bad carbs, your body loses a quick source of energy. It has no alternative but to turn to fat deposits for its primary source. Please read this again. This is the key to burning fat, therefore the key to low carb weight loss.
3) Weight Plateaus – Deal with them
As with most diets, there comes a time when regardless of how loyal you have been to a program, the loss slows or stops. This is a critical time for you. It is a time when many begin to rationalize their weight loss. “Maybe I’ve gone as low as I can go”. “This diet has lost its effectiveness”. “My body is telling me to stop”. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are many reasons for this and it is always temporary. For example, increased stress in your life or feeling ill can delay weight loss. Once resolved, you will be back on track.
What you need to know is that you must continue to adhere to your routine. Altering your exercise program slightly or introducing new recipes into your meal plans can significantly assist you when in a plateau state.
4) Body Shaping vs. Weight Loss
With many on a low-carb diet, there comes a time when weight loss slows. Is the diet failing you? No. It is simply a typical phase you are in. Chances are, though, that you are losing inches. The shape of your body is changing. Your clothes are fitting better or are simply too big. Your energy levels are heightened. All very good results. Just continue your routine and the weight loss with a resume.
5) Exercise/Movement
It is very important to begin or increase physical activity or formal exercise programs. Beyond the well-documented reasons for this, it does complement your weight loss program by increasing the rate of fat burning. Losing weight should be providing you with more energy and therefore more motivation to get moving. It is going to “tighten you up”. Your body will feel and look more toned. Ultimately, adding exercise to your program is a must. Get up and move! (Note: It is just common sense to consult with your trusted health care professional prior to starting any exercise or weight loss program.)
Obviously, there are many aspects of weight loss but these 5 basic facts will help you understand some of what is happening to you during this process. Keep in mind that the key factor is commitment. Do you truly desire a healthier, better-toned body? If so, you should look to low-carb weight loss programs as possible options.
