Carbohydrate Counting & Meal Planning
Since its resurgence in the mid nineties, low-carbohydrate diets such as the Atkins Diet or the South Beach Diet have gained massive popularity, and low-carb meal planning has helped many achieve their weight loss and healthy living goals. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
What are Carbohydrates?
-
Carbohydrates are organic compounds that the body breaks down into sugars for energy use. Carbohydrates are split into two main categories: simple carbohydrates, such as sugars and fruits; and complex carbohydrates, composed of starches like those found in bread, pasta and rice. Low-carb diets focus on elimination of the majority of most of these carbohydrates with a particular emphasis on complex carbohydrates.
Why Cut Carbs?
-
Many dietitians, such as Dr. Robert Atkins, believe that cutting the majority of carbohydrates from your diet can help you lose weight. Because humans can naturally absorb energy from proteins and fats found in nuts, meats and beans, very few carbohydrates are actually necessary for the body to run properly.
-
Common Carb-free Substitutes
-
Bread is one of the most common sources of carbohydrates in most Americans' diets. Replace thick breads and buns with tortillas and low-carb wraps available at your local grocery store. White potatoes are another staple of the American diet that should be avoided when planning a low-carbohydrate diet. Replace them with sweet potatoes or roasted root vegetables like carrots and turnips. Carbohydrate-laden snacks like potato chips and popcorn can be replaced with cut up fruits and vegetables.
-
References
- Photo Credit bread image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
