A healthy low-carb diet necessitates diligence and proper education, and isn't something that you can just start on a whim. The diet will most likely restrict the consumption of your favorite dishes, so going over the contents in your pantry will also be part of planning a healthy low-carb diet. A doctor’s visit, taking the time to educate you on the mechanics of carbohydrates, and learning about the difference between “good” and “bad” carbs will all be required.
Visiting your primary care physician before you go on a diet that restricts the consumption of carbs is a good idea. Low-carb diets sometimes throw the body into a state of ketosis, a condition where the body breaks down fat for energy, which can result in kidney problems. A doctor will not only check up on the health of the kidneys, but will make sure that all vital functions pass a clean bill of health before you embark on your healthy low-carb diet. Healthy bodies are able to lose weight with very little negative effects. The doctor may also be able to advise you as to the best way to proceed with your low-carb diet plans.
The human body naturally accesses its glycogen stores to use as energy. A healthy low-carb diet restricts foods that allow the body to stock up on glycogen, forcing the body to use body fat for energy. This mechanism will help to facilitate weight loss. Visiting a library and researching the mechanics of glycogen will help you to educate yourself on the chemistry behind your body’s energy consumption. This will allow you to have a more comprehensive overview of your healthy low-carb diet.
Do not cut out carbs completely; try to differentiate between “good” and “bad” sources of carbs. When you are out shopping to restock the pantry or fridge, try to purchase carbs that come from vegetables and whole grain sources. Go through the supermarket and pick up whole grain pasta, bread, and brown rice. Deter from foods that are labeled “refined” or “processed,” as these will have their fiber and nutrient stripped from them. These types of “bad” carbs will contribute to weight gain and interfere with your dieting efforts.
You should also spend some time researching the different low-carb diets available, as there are a number of books and websites that offer a wealth of information. As with many different diets, caloric intake is also a component of a low-carb diet, but this depends on your body type and exercise regimen. In addition, planning your meals ahead of time will help with your shopping trips and your prep time, and will help to reduce the stress of trying to decide what food options are available.
No weight loss plan is complete without an exercise regimen. Make sure to incorporate a time slot for strength training and cardio exercises. Maintaining a regular exercise regimen will help to facilitate muscle definition. Regular exercise will also increase the rate of your body’s consumption of fat. Use weight training to promote muscle tissue growth, and complete rounds of cardio exercise to help to remove fat from the body.