Roughly one in seven people in the world is overweight. So many people are clinically obese that it's become a health emergency. A diet rich in carbs is often blamed for the obesity epidemic and if you need to shed a couple of pounds, it helps to limit your carb intake. Everyone who has tried to do just that knows how difficult it can be, but here are some low carb ideas that will help you enjoy a healthy and yummy diet.
Carbohydrates are not intrinsically the bad guys when it comes to weight gain. Your body actually needs carbs to help keep you going. The problem however is that many people eat the wrong type of carbs. Refined and highly processed carbs such as pasta, white flour and sugar mess with your insulin levels and you feel hungry much more quickly, so you eat more. They can also increase the risk of diabetes. Vegetables, beans and brown rice are much healthier options but even they should be eaten in moderation. Proteins and fats are better at helping you feel full.
A protein-rich breakfast is one of the best ways to start your day. Instead of cereal, pancakes of toast, fill up on eggs. They're quick and easy to prepare and so versatile that you'll never have to eat them the same way twice. For flavor and fiber, add tomatoes or other vegetables. Mexican ranchers have traditionally found strength for the day ahead with huevos rancheros, for instance. Use tofu instead if you don't eat eggs.
There are thousands of recipes for main meals that don't contain many carbs. Add flavor with lemon juice, chili oil, ginger or garlic and you'll never again think that veggies are boring. Vegetarians and vegans can add protein in the form of tofu, garbanzos, beans or even peanuts.
There are wonderful ways to deal with feeling hungry in between meals. Raw veggies with hummus, cheese and jerky are just some. If you're dying for some potato chips, try crunchy and salty parmesan or pepperoni crisps instead. Make nuts and seeds less bland by coating them in a bit of melted butter and spices.
Avoiding carbs is a huge challenge too if you love sweet things. Dark chocolate is low carb, so it's a good choice. To limit your intake, use make chocolate-dipped strawberries or other fruits. Most candies for diabetics are low in carbs too. For cakes and cookies, use sugar substitutes and bake with garbanzo or almond flour instead.
For any diet to be healthy, there needs to be balance. Check your intake of sodium and eat many good fats such as olive oil and avocados to regulate cholesterol levels. Eat many fiber-rich veggies to keep your digestive track healthy.
There are many websites where you can get fantastic low carb ideas. You may also try recipe books from the library or bookstore. Don't forget that your own imagination is a great source of ideas too, so experiment without fear.
Carbohydrates are not intrinsically the bad guys when it comes to weight gain. Your body actually needs carbs to help keep you going. The problem however is that many people eat the wrong type of carbs. Refined and highly processed carbs such as pasta, white flour and sugar mess with your insulin levels and you feel hungry much more quickly, so you eat more. They can also increase the risk of diabetes. Vegetables, beans and brown rice are much healthier options but even they should be eaten in moderation. Proteins and fats are better at helping you feel full.
A protein-rich breakfast is one of the best ways to start your day. Instead of cereal, pancakes of toast, fill up on eggs. They're quick and easy to prepare and so versatile that you'll never have to eat them the same way twice. For flavor and fiber, add tomatoes or other vegetables. Mexican ranchers have traditionally found strength for the day ahead with huevos rancheros, for instance. Use tofu instead if you don't eat eggs.
There are thousands of recipes for main meals that don't contain many carbs. Add flavor with lemon juice, chili oil, ginger or garlic and you'll never again think that veggies are boring. Vegetarians and vegans can add protein in the form of tofu, garbanzos, beans or even peanuts.
There are wonderful ways to deal with feeling hungry in between meals. Raw veggies with hummus, cheese and jerky are just some. If you're dying for some potato chips, try crunchy and salty parmesan or pepperoni crisps instead. Make nuts and seeds less bland by coating them in a bit of melted butter and spices.
Avoiding carbs is a huge challenge too if you love sweet things. Dark chocolate is low carb, so it's a good choice. To limit your intake, use make chocolate-dipped strawberries or other fruits. Most candies for diabetics are low in carbs too. For cakes and cookies, use sugar substitutes and bake with garbanzo or almond flour instead.
For any diet to be healthy, there needs to be balance. Check your intake of sodium and eat many good fats such as olive oil and avocados to regulate cholesterol levels. Eat many fiber-rich veggies to keep your digestive track healthy.
There are many websites where you can get fantastic low carb ideas. You may also try recipe books from the library or bookstore. Don't forget that your own imagination is a great source of ideas too, so experiment without fear.
About the Author:
You can visit bagelwhizz.com for more helpful information about Low Carb Ideas For A Healthy Diet.