Low Carb Diet Plans

Researches have proved that carbohydrates intake should be limited to maintain a healthy body. Carbohydrates are converted into glucose when they enter the bloodstream. Increase in the sugar level leads to an increase in insulin secretion and excess glucose takes the form of fats. Low carb diet plans have become popular recently and they aim at reducing the carbohydrate intake and reduce weight. Let us have a look at different types of low carb diet plans.

Atkins Diet
Also known as Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, was researched by Dr. Atkins in 1972. According to Dr. Atkin, many people suffer from hyperinsulism where excess carbohydrates are produced in the body, which leads to fat storage. Thus, maintaining and limiting the carbohydrate intake can increase fat burning and result in weight loss. There is no restriction on the intake of food in this diet plan. However, one has to keep an eye on the carbohydrates consumed. During the first two weeks of the diet plan, the intake of carbohydrates is limited to 20 grams per day. Atkins diet does not suit every person. People who suffer from low blood sugar may not benefit from this diet and this diet may cause health problems. Thus, before starting the Atkins diet you should ensure whether you are fit enough to follow this diet.

Protein Power
Protein power diet plan was designed by Michael R. and Mary Dan Eades and was published in the form of book in 1996. The diet aims at high protein and low carbohydrate intake. Protein intake is limited and the amount of protein to be taken depends on the physical activity performed during the diet. According to the diet, the participants should keep a regular check on the calories consumed. The diet plan comprises three phases. The first phase starts with reduction in carbohydrate intake depending on the physique of the participant. The next two phases have a gradual increase in carbohydrate intake. There is no limitation on fat intake, while all the grains, starchy substances are strictly reduced. In short, the protein power diet plan includes fats, proteins and limited carbohydrates, along with exercises. Since it concentrates more on protein intake people who like eating fish, meat can follow this diet very easily.

The Zone
Zone diet was formulated by a biochemist named Barry Sears. The diet plan emphasizes hormonal balance by designing proper meal plans. "Zone" refers to state of the participant's body where the hormones that control inflammation in the body are maintained and food consumed during diet plan is treated as prescribed drug and managed accordingly. There is an accurate ratio of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in this diet plan, i.e., 40:30:30 respectively. Thus, in zone diet program there is a specific food intake. The diet plan consists of specific recipes that include carbohydrates, fats and proteins and concentrates on energy gain from carbohydrate rather than protein. The diet plan needs to keep a constant check on the calories consumed. There are no phases involved in the diet plan and the diet plan is designed depending on the gender, physical activity of the participant.

Paleolithic And Neanderthin Diets
This diet is also known as Caveman diet is designed by Ray Audette and emphasizes a diet plan that mimics the diet that was followed by a caveman. The diet consists of fruits, vegetables, berries, nuts and meat. The diet is more a natural diet than any specific designed diet meal plan. The participants have to eat raw vegetables and processed food is restricted. Participants cannot eat grains, sugar and all the food items that were not available during the caveman age. Thus, the diet emphasizes more on food that is naturally, while maintaining a proper proportion of carbohydrates, protein and fats.

Other than above listed diet plans Schwarzbein Principle, South Beach Diet and Harvey Banting Diet are some of the popular low carb diet plans. To avoid serious health problems like diabetes and heart diseases it is necessary to follow a healthy diet and perform regular exercise.