Low-carb diets have been around for several decades now but remained infamous because of their controversial nature. Recently, people have started shifting towards a low-carb diet because of the benefits it brings to the table. As opposed to the low-fat diet, a low-carb diet helps you lose weight faster, at least in short term. If you are suffering from low/high blood pressure, blood triglycerides, or blood sugar issues, it can provide numerous benefits.
1. Low-Carb High-Fat Diet (LCHF)
The LCHF diet is basically an eating pattern that focuses on consuming very little amount of carbohydrates and directing all your energy towards consuming fats. Although it emphasizes on consuming less amount of carbs, it gives emphasis to whole, unprocessed food. It mainly focuses on meat i.e., chicken, mutton, beef, lamb, fish, etc. dairy products, berries, nuts, vegetables, healthy fats, and shellfish, etc.
LCHF is an umbrella term for eating plants so that you reduce carbs and increase your intake of fats. It is often referred to as, “Banting Diet”. It is more of a lifestyle change than a diet. You can consume 20-100 grams of carbs while you are on this diet.
2. The Atkins Diet
This diet revolves around the idea that you can consume as much protein and fat as you desire if you reduce your carbs intake significantly. This diet has 4 phases.
During the first phase, also known as the induction phase, you are supposed to eat only 20 grams of carbs per day for 14 days. During the next phase also known as the balancing phase, add fruits, nuts, and low-carb food items to your diet. The third phase is known as fine-tuning, add more carbs to your diet when you are about to reach your goal weight. This will slow the weight loss process. The last phase, the maintenance phase is all about maintaining your desired weight. As long as the fiber intake is sufficient, it’s both effective and safe.
3. Eco-Atkins Diet
Are you someone who is fascinated by the Atkins diet but don’t want to harm the animals? Don’t worry, the Eco-Atkins diet is the perfect solution for you. While you are following this diet, 25% of your daily calories come from carbs, 45% come from fats and 30% come from proteins. It consists of plants that are rich in protein such as nuts, soy, plant oils, and gluten, etc. As compared to a high carb vegetarian diet, the eco-Atkins diet is more effective and improves heart health along with weight management.
4. Low-Carb Mediterranean Diet:
If you come from a family of doctors, you have probably heard it a million times, “Mediterranean diet hi try karlou ek bar”. This diet is famous for reducing the chances of heart diseases, type-2 diabetes, and breast cancer. This diet strictly restricts the intake of high-carb food items including whole grain. It focuses on consuming virgin olive oil rather than butter and instead of regular meat, you are recommended to try fish.
Before choosing a diet, make sure it aligns with your lifestyle, food preferences, and health goals. The best diet isn’t the one that helps you achieve your short-term goals. It’s rather the one that helps you stick around longer to reach long-term fitness goals.