Learn More About Low Carb Meal Plans

It has been long established that the consumption of excessive carbohydrates and a low fiber diet leads to unwanted weight gain. When processed by the body’s digestive enzymes, carbohydrates become glucose, which are essentially the bodys fuel. Excessive and unused glucose eventually become fat, which is the body’s way of storing energy.

Low carb diet plans have long been a favorite among all diet plans as it is not only effective, but also safe for the body (if carried out in moderation). Here is a quick look at some of the more famous low-carb meal plans.

The Atkins Diet

The meal plans in the Atkins Diet incorporates a system that is separated into four phases. It involves a restriction of certain types of foods and requires accurate measurements when it comes to portions of foods consumed. Some of the foods that are off-limits in the Atkins Diet include unprocessed carbohydrates such as white pastry, pasta and certain fruits and vegetables. The meal plans in this diet also includes the consumption of healthy food supplements.

Phase 1: The first phase incorporates meal plans that run a course of 2 weeks. During this period, the daily consumption of carbohydrates is reduced to a maximum of 20 grams. This limited intake of carbohydrates will cause the body to enter into a state called ketosis where excessive body fat will be burned and expelled.

Phase 2: The second phase involves the maintenance in the rate of weight lost through a series of specially formulated meal plans.

Phase 3: The third phase is known as the pre-maintenance stage. This stage commences once you are 5-10 pounds away from your ideal weight.

Phase 4: After achieving the target weight, this final stage introduces a healthy meal plan that helps you maintain the weight.

The South Beach Diet

This diet plan is very different from the Atkins Diet plan. It recommends eating 6 small meals a day and does not involve the measurement of portions and counting calories. The South Beach diet is divided into three stages to involve a general guideline what you should or should not eat. In the first stage, you are to restrict your diet to a specific group of carbohydrates. In the second stage certain nuts, whole grains and fruits are introduced to the diet. The final stage involves a meal plan that would help maintain a healthy weight.

Among the two diet plans, most experts prefer the South Beach diet, as the meal plans there are more wholesome and balanced, thus healthier for the body. The introduction of several small meals throughout the day is also less stressful on the body, reducing the urge to binge and preventing hunger pangs.

Get more helpful tips and information on diet meal plans today.