Oh, you fresh!
You’ve read the claims. You may have thought it was all about meat. And bacon. And butter. Or thoughts of dog-paddling in gravies and shaving with whole whipped cream have even your cholesterol quivering.
Fear not. Low-carb (and lower-carb) lifestyles are as healthy as the attitudes of those following them, and for many results in weight loss and feelings of betterhealth, lack of brain fog and other nagging symptoms.*
1. Some fat is ok. It doesn’t take much fat to fill and satisfy the human body. Because fat has satiety value, fat stays in the system longer, keeping a person full for more time. You don’t need to go nuts to get some fat in your diet. Use jurisprudence and find small, healthy ways to slip this brain and tongue pleaser into your daily regimen.
Try: nuts, olives, canola oil, cheese, Italian dressing
2. 5-6 (or more servings) of vegetables per day. Surprisingly, that’s just Atkins induction. The food pyramid states that a diet consisting of 5 servings of vegetables per day is optimal; still, why stop there? Chock full of phytonutrients, vegetables are extremely healthy. Finding in-season, organic vegetables is a terrific way to enjoy the best of nature’s bounty.
Try: zucchini, jicama, spaghetti squash, grape tomatoes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, eggplant, snap peas
3. Variety in plans. From South Beach (lower-fat, moderate carb) to Atkins, (higher-fat, low-carb), from Low Glycemic Load to Weight Watchers Core, there is something for everyone. Because no one size fits all, it is extremely important to learn about the various plans and evaluate which best works for your health and lifestyle.
Try: Dr. Thompson’s Low Glycemic Load Diet plan as a good middle point.
4. Less hunger. Reduce carbohydrates by any substantial amount, and more often than not, there is less hunger. The reason for this lies in the increased fiber and fat consumption in the plan, coupled with greater blood sugar stability. When the mainstay of a plan is low enough in sugar/ carbohydrate content, one won’t see those highs and lows one might otherwise see with higher-carbohydrate plans.
Try: Full-fat yogurts and cheeses to offset lactose with fat. Choose vegetables over vegetable juices, as the fiber found in its natural state helps stave off hunger.
5. No expensive pre-packaged meals. Shop the outer sections of the store, and you’re in business! Fresh, quality low-glycemic fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs and meat are not going to be found in the processed aisles of the stores with the Froot Whizzies and the Make-A-Meal Spam Helper. Shopping trips become much more simple and healthy when chips, crackers and pretzels are passed over for carrots and flax crackers. Processed foods are convenient, but they’re also expensive and don’t have the staying power or health benefits in the body found with a whole foods plan.
Try: Bringing your kids and mate shopping and teach them a lifetime of positive food choices for health, longevity and support system.
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