Biologically, carbohydrates are a form of starch or polysaccharides (sugars). These are broken down to glucose by the liver and released into the blood for energy supply. This energy is called calories. So, once the required amount of glucose (glycogen as its form is called) is released, the calories that are in excess gets converted into fat that will further gets stored in fat cells for later use. Processed sugar or foods like pasta, bread, candies, rice, etc. are calorie rich and if consumed in excess it may lead to high sugar levels in the blood or weight gain. It is more likely that you will be suggested to restrict your carbohydrate intake if you are a diabetes patient or someone who is trying to lose weight. A plan that restricts or limits carb in a diet is what low carb meal plans are all about. Such a diet plan is not only low in carbohydrates but also high in proteins and fats.
Most low carb diet plans teach one of the simplest concepts of keeping your preferred food as something that is low on carb or can be called whole foods (or unprocessed as they are called). A good start here ussually is to include a lot of fruits and green veggies which are very low on carbohydrates. Fruits are also high on fibers that give the required energy while keeping the blood sugar levels under check. There are several diet plans available abundantly if you run an online search which all have the same basic that teaches you to train your body. Training your body involves burning fat (the stored energy) with low carb foods and not sugar (additional supply) as a source of energy. Here are a few tips that most low carb diet plans may propagate. These plans can help you to cut-down the intake of your carbohydrates on a daily basis.
- Maintain a log of what you eat and how many carbs each does that food contain. This lets you keep a track on the amount of carbs you eat. It is also an easy way to refer back for the number of carbs in foods that you eat regularly.
- When you refer to a diet plan that is available online, then do note the exact brand of ingredients. The calories may vary for each product.
- Plan your meals ahead of time. Knowing what you have to eat will reduce your temptations.
- If you have to check-in to a restaurant for food, browse for their online menus which will help you track your calorie count and order your meal accordingly so that the nutrition of your meal can be recorded.