How to Self Design a Low Carb Weight Loss Diet

It's time to lose some weight and you've decided a low-carb diet is the way to go. Going low-carb is all about limiting your carbohydrate intake to get rid of those unwanted pounds. According to the Mayo Clinic, certain kinds of carbohydratess heighten blood sugar, raise insulin levels and prevent fat breakdown. Starting a diet regimen is never easy, but with some careful research, planning and support, you can change your lifestyle and shed some weight.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Scale
• Pen
• Paper

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Instructions

Developing a Low Carb Diet for a Busy Lifestyle

• 1

  Research low-carb diets. Take a look at some of the more popular diets, including Atkins, South Beach, and the Zone, online. Check out what experts and dieters have to say about these diets. Gauging the low-carb diet options on the internet will not only give you insight into the low-carb lifestyle, but it will also give you a better idea of how many carbohydrates you can have a day. In no time, you'll find out what kinds of food you can eat and what kinds of food you'll need to limit.

• 2

  Understand the basics. Research the thinking behind low-carb diets and why proponents believe they work. It's all about limiting certain kinds of simple carbohydrates (white bread, white pasta, rice) and replacing with more complex carbohydrates (high-fiber bread, nonstarchy fruits and vegetables). You'll increase your consumption of lean protein, along with some heart-healthy fats. As with most diets, increasing your exercise is key to maintaining a healthy weight.

• 3

  Download a list of high- and low-carb food. Take a look at low- and high-carb starches, fruits and vegetables. Become familiar with what you can and cannot eat. Create a spreadsheet or buy a notebook so you can keep track of what you eat and your exercise regimen.

• 4

  Go shopping and pick out low-carb options for each meal, along with snacks. Surround yourself with healthy options when you get cravings or are hungry. Read labels and become informed when it comes to serving size. You'll quickly discover it's time to break some old habits and create healthier ones.

• 5

  Work out. Find an exercise that you enjoy and can keep up most days of the week. Increasing your metabolism helps shed pounds quickly and improves overall strength.

• 6

  Get support from friends, family or online. To succeed in losing weight in the long term, surround yourself with positive influences. Check out the various online communities that offer support for people on low-carb diets.