Low Carbohydrates

Low carbohydrates: It seems to be the way to go these days if you want to lose weight. Low carb diets aren't always healthy, but you can find diets that focus on low carbohydrates and healthy carbohydrates that can be effective if done correctly.

Low Carbohydrates

"Low carbohydrates!" It's the cry of the century, so far. If you're choosing to go with low carbohydrates to lose weight, just don't go too low!

Choosing the Right Diet for Low Carbohydrates

The human body only needs 130 grams of carbs a day to function properly, but most of us eat well more than that, so lowering your intake of carbohydrates to lose weight isn't a bad idea. But if you choose the wrong low carbohydrate diet, it can be dangerous--especially if you want to do it long term.

The more strict low carb diets like Atkins and Neanderthin only allow 20 grams of carbs at first, and for ongoing weight loss, the only allow 60 grams a day. These kinds of diets that focus on low carbohydrates go too low. Not only does your body use carbs for fuel, but carbs are the only source of fuel for your brain. Short-term side effects of going on a diet that focuses on low carbohydrates include bad breath, headaches, nausea, tiredness, constipation and moodiness. Long-term side effects include possible kidney damage, heart disease and osteoporosis. In addition, since you aren't getting the antioxidants from fruits and vegetables, you may be putting yourself at a greater risk for cancer. You can avoid the risk of heart disease by choosing lean cuts of meat, and you can ward off constipation by taking fiber supplements. Calcium supplements will help in the prevention of osteoporosis, too, but supplements can never replace the nutritional value of getting these things through your diet.

The best thing you can do if you want to focus on low carbohydrates is to make sure you cut your carb intake to no more than 130 grams a day, and allow yourself complex carbohydrates instead of simple ones. For instance, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, oats and whole grains. Replace regular pasta with whole wheat pasta, white rice with brown rice, and white bread with whole wheat or whole grain bread.