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A low carb diet is the approach to weight loss by many popular diets such Atkins, South Beach, Zone, Protein Power and Sugar Busters.  

What is a low carb diet?

Some of the low carb diets don’t require a strict menu but require limiting foods that are high in carbohydrate. Some diets limit the amount of overall carbohydrate, while others focus on certain types of foods, generally ones high in starch and sugars. 

How does a low carb diet work?

The scientific principle behind a low carb diet is this; carbohydrates affect blood sugar and hormones. A low carb diet discourages insulin production and tend and this is said to lead to weight loss by causing body fat to be burned instead of carbs.  

Side effects of a low carb diet.

Eating more animal protein as a substitute for carbohydrates has been linked to heart disease. A diet rich in fruits, starchy vegetables, whole grains, and beans is not a low carb diet and if these foods are limited it means that you could be missing vital vitamins and nutrients that can only be found in these foods.   

Does a low carb diet work?

There is a lot of controversy surrounding the low carb diet.  The disagreements in interpreting results of studies make it difficult to summarize the research. The usual result is that weight loss is not maintained when carbs are re-introduced into the diet.  

Finally, the jury seems to be out on the low carb diet and if you decide to try it, be sure to talk to your doctor first. 

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The Zone diet is a regimen of eating meals with low carbohydrates with balanced proteins. This way the dieter uses more energy from carbohydrates instead of proteins or fats.

Eating lots of carbohydrates produces too much insulin in the body. Too much insulin tells the body to make those carbohydrates into fat and store them in different areas of your body.

However, protein has the opposite effect by telling the body to get rid of carbohydrates that are stored in the liver. When those carbohydrates are released the body gets fuel and you don’t feel like you need to eat.

People on the Zone diet will closely monitor their calorie consumption per meal. Meals should not exceeding 500 calories and snacks should not exceed 100 calories.

Weight loss is only one of the benefits of the Zone diet. One can also experience better health, more energy and better mental clarity.

The Zone diet consists of fresh vegetables, fruits and nuts, leafy green vegetables, protein, and eight glasses of water everyday. Mono-unsaturated fats should be used instead of saturated fats and fast food and meals that contain a lot of much salt need to be avoided.

The Zone diet limits carbohydrate and balances them with 3-4 ounces of protein at each meal. This will keep insulin levels down which will help control hunger with fewer calories.

Even though the Zone diet appears to be a healthy way to eat, make sure to check with your doctor before beginning any diet especially if you have health issues.

Tagged with: healthy diets • low carbohydrate diet • zone diet • zone diet plan