The low carbohydrate (sugar) diet has been the subject of much controversy. However, one of the reasons cutting carbs is so popular is because it’s a fast way to lose weight.
Sugars are the body’s main source of energy, as well as fuel for vital organs such as the kidneys, central nervous system, and brain. Healthy carbohydrates, such as so-called complex carbohydrates, are necessary for the optimal functioning of the body. Carbohydrates are broken down into a simple form of energy called glucose. The body uses insulin to transport glucose into cells. When too many carbohydrates are consumed, blood sugar levels spike, insulin levels rise, and weight gain is often the result. In this article, we look at how much carbohydrate a person needs to eat to lose weight and whether a low-carb diet is good for your health. We also take a look at the best and worst sources of carbs to consume.
What is a low sugar diet?
Low-carb diets can lead to rapid weight loss, but they can have side effects. Low-carb diets restrict the number of calories a person gets by limiting their food sources of carbohydrates. This includes good and bad carbs. To compensate, low-carb diets tend to be higher in protein and fat.
Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy. If this intake is reduced, the body burns its protein and fat reserves to feed itself. Low-carb diets, such as the Atkins diet and the Dukan diet, provide rapid weight loss. However, these diets are extreme and can have unwanted side effects.
For most people, it may be healthier to take a more moderate approach by reducing carbohydrate intake to aid weight loss.
How many carbs and calories should you eat to lose weight?
Although many studies indicate that low-carb diets promote rapid weight loss, this weight reduction is often short-lived. Recent research supports the idea that a quality diet is not just about controlling calories from carbohydrates. Instead, dieters should pay attention to the number of calories eaten from all food sources, including carbohydrates, protein, and fat, and strike a healthy balance.
In a recent study, dieters were looked at to compare the different weight losses resulting from a low-fat diet (LFD) and a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD). The researchers found that after six months of the low-calorie diet, weight changes were similar in the LFD and LCD groups.
On average, an adult’s total daily calories come from the following sources:
45-65% carbs
10-30% protein
20-35% fat
Some nutritionists recommend a ratio of 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat as a goal for healthy weight loss. A 1,500 calorie diet with 40% carbohydrates translates to 600 calories per day from carbohydrates. Using a ratio of 4 calories per gram (g) of carbohydrates, a person on this diet should eat 150 g of carbohydrates per day.
This 1,500 calorie diet would also include 450 calories or 112 g of protein and 450 calories or 50 g of fat per day.
Carbohydrates 600 calories 150 g
Protein 450 calories 112g
Fat 450 calories 50 g
The exact distribution of carbohydrates, proteins and fats in grams can be calculated using websites dedicated to this calculation. You should also know that each person has slightly different needs when it comes to nutrients like carbohydrates. The specific needs of people vary depending on their height, weight, and activity level. A diet that works for one person will not necessarily work for another. Therefore, it is important to discuss any weight loss or calorie restriction diet with a doctor before beginning.
Good carbs and bad carbs
Carbohydrates are important for health, as is maintaining a healthy weight. However, it is important to note that not all carbohydrates are created equal. Carbohydrates are commonly known as “good carbs” or “bad carbs.” When it comes to following a healthy diet, and especially when trying to lose weight, your carb intake should prioritize good carbs over bad carbs.
good carbs
Fiber-rich vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, are an example of good carbohydrates.
Good carbs are complex carbs, which means they are high in fiber and nutrients and take longer to break down. Because they take longer to break down, they don’t cause blood sugar spikes or spikes that are too high.
Here are some examples of good carbs:
– whole fruits with skin
– whole grains
– high-fiber vegetables, such as sweet potatoes
– beans and legumes rich in fiber
bad carbs
Bad carbs are simple carbs that break down easily and cause your blood sugar to spike quickly.
Here are some examples of bad carbs:
– white sugar, bread, pasta and flour
– sugary drinks and juices
– cakes, sweets and cookies
– other processed foods
Eating carbohydrates in their natural fiber-rich form is good for your health. Processed foods high in white sugar and refined carbohydrates can lead to weight gain. By counting calories from carbohydrates, ideal weight management can be achieved by observing a healthy ratio of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. The best way to lose weight is to combine diet, exercise, and behavior or lifestyle changes. Dietitians can provide advice to anyone who wants to make changes to help them lose weight.
Anyone considering reducing their carbohydrate intake and eating more protein and fat should watch their saturated fat intake. Too many of these can increase cholesterol levels, as well as the risk of heart disease.
* HealthKey strives to convey health knowledge in a language accessible to all. In NO EVENT can the information provided replace the opinion of a health professional.
tags
carbohydrate weightloss Sugar