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Tips to Make Low Carb Dieting Easier

How to Make Low Carb Dieting Easier

Diets are often a potentially life-changing decision. A commitment to being healthy often involves a multi-step process, but the inclusion of a diet is almost always a part of the solution. There are a number of low-carb diets that you can try, but often it is difficult to stick to the diet.

This article shows you how can you make switching to low carb dieting easier.

A majority of people eat and enjoy eating carbohydrates. The guidelines set by the government for a typical modern diet recommends 45 – 60% of your calories to come from carbohydrates, which for some seems like a high number. A low-carb diet is one that is low compared to the recommended diet, which can span an incredible range of diets, including the Atkins and ketogenic diets.

low carb dieting easier

Carbohydrates are found in foods such as pasta, rice, bread and potatoes – foods that contribute to your feeling of satiety and comfort. Carbs are normally the first type of food targeted, as it is high in calories, but low in other nutrients. A low-carb diet lowers insulin levels and since insulin keeps fat locked into your cells, a low carb diet can increase the fat burned for use as energy. Increase your chances of succeeding in a low carb diet by following these tips:

  1. Gradual change is your friend.

The most common mistake made by would-be dieters is trying to start their diets too fast. Quitting carbs cold turkey is not the best option for most people. “It is rare to see a person, no matter how eager, sustain a diet that includes drastic changes to one’s normal routine,” Johnathan Cramer, nutritionist at YesWellness.com advises. “Instead, aim for a slow and sustainable change such as removing one source of carbohydrates from your diet at a time. Start with a food that you are less likely to miss and use that as a starting point.”

  1. Not all foods are equal

When you replace carbohydrates with other foods in your diet, make sure to replace it with proteins, vegetables and other sugar-free snacks. If you end up replacing carbohydrates with sugars, the net effect on your body is still the same. When you do consume carbohydrates, opt for ones that are not processed, such as fresh vegetables like avocados over items that are wrapped and packaged.

low carb dieting easier, Overindulged on Chocolate

  1. Time your carbohydrate intake

A low carbohydrate diet helps stabilize your blood sugar levels, as the sugars and starches found in carbohydrates can take your blood sugar on a roller coaster of highs and lows. However, in a low-carb diet, you still need to plan your intake of carbohydrates without jeopardizing the stability of your blood sugar. Consuming carbohydrates before or after intense exercise is one way to avoid their effect on your blood sugar.

  1. Avoid sugary drinks

Drinks are often the downfall of a low-carb diet, as liquids are usually lost in the focus on solid foods. Some of the traditional drink choices that may seem healthy like smoothies, protein shakes and orange juice are actually high in sugar and carbs. Opt for the unsweetened choice of beverage when looking for the right drink to stick to your diet. The best choices with no calories and carbs are water, tea and coffee.

  1. Eat smaller, regular meals

A diet isn’t about starving your body, rather it is altering the balance in types of food you consume. Smaller meals help even out blood sugar levels and curbs your appetite. Eating five smaller meals a day that includes proteins and fats is a great way to fulfill your cravings and keep with the low carb diet. By having consistent and scheduled meals, it also reduces the occurrence of binge eating.

  1. Don’t miss out on fibre

A low carbohydrate diet typically cuts many fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains from your daily consumption, which are all great sources of dietary fibre. Fibre is important in bowel function, managing blood glucose levels and lowering cholesterol levels. Flax and chia seeds are great sources of dietary fibre with low carbohydrate levels, but it is not always possible to simply consume fiber. Wheat bran, avocado, broccoli and cauliflower are sources of high fiber and low carbohydrate content that may fit well into a low carb diet.

low carb dieting easier, new fruit and vegetable guidelines, The Handy Plan, Weight Loss Club, Portion Size

So there you go – if you are interested in a lower carb lifestyle, there are a few tips that can make the process easier!

By the way, if you subscribe to the Hoyles Fitness mailing list you’ll receive a free eBook containing 101 Health and Fitness Tips, plus offers and news exclusive to Hoyles Fitness subscribers. Click the image below to download…
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HoylesFitness

Owner of www.hoylesfitness.com. Personal Trainer, Father and fitness copy writer. Working hard making the world fitter and healthier!

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