No Carbohydrates Diet Plan

A carbohydrate-free diet is not possible in any sort of long term diet plan. Carbohydrates are necessary in a well-rounded weight loss plan, as they are what provides the body with fuel and energy. Instead of completely cutting out all carbohydrates, reducing carbs and choosing complex carbohydrates over simple processed carbohydrates is a better solution for weight loss.

What Are Carbohydrates?

• Simply put, carbohydrates are the fuel your body needs to run. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose in the body, which gives you energy. Glucose can be used immediately by the body as energy or can be converted to fat by the liver and stored. Carbohydrates are found in fruits, vegetables, starches such as bread, rice and pasta, dairy, and anything with added sugar. There are two types of carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates and simple carbohydrates. Complex carbs must be broken down by your digestive system before they can be converted to glucose. Examples of complex carbohydrates are dietary fiber and starch. Simple carbohydrates include sugars naturally found in fruits, vegetables and dairy products, as well as processed sugar added to food. Complex carbs are better for your body, and should be consumed over simple carbohydrates.

Living Without Carbohydrates

• Without any intake of carbohydrates, the body will start to metabolize the fat stored away. Our bodies are still wired to survive famine, so depending on how much fat you have stored, it is possible to live without an intake of carbs for a short period of time. Fat metabolism due to a no-carb diet can be risky, however, because the body could start taking fat away from organs and vital area in it's attempt to keep you alive. Instead of completely cutting out carbs from your diet, choosing a low-carb diet and understanding what carbohydrates to avoid is the best plan for maintaining a healthy weight.

Alternatives to a Carb-Free Diet

• Eating foods that are high in protein and fiber, while limiting the amount of carbs consumed is a great way to maintain energy and burn fat. Relatively few foods contain nothing but protein. The closest to that are very lean cuts of meats. Poultry and fish are also great components of a diet, along with eggs and cheese (which each have a very small amount of carbs). Carbohydrates that are good for the body include those with lots of dietary fiber, such as berries, peaches and melons. Starchy vegetables such as potatoes and legumes, along with some squashes should be avoided while you're trying to lose weight, but in the long run they can be fine in reasonably small amounts.

  Making small lifestyle changes can also cut out a lot of simple carbohydrates you may not even be aware you're consuming. Choosing water over sugary soda and juice will cut out a lot of empty calories. Starting an exercise program along with a low-carb high-protein diet will help increase muscle tone while burning excess fat.