Alcohol is composed of sugars and carbohydrates; low-carb dieters are told to refrain from these less-nutritional items. Because alcohol is widely considered a great social lubricant, many low-carb dieters find it difficult to give it up completely. If you must drink, consume these libations while on a low-carb diet. Other People Are Reading Formula for Counting Carbs How to Drink While on a Diet and Still Lose Weight Low-Carb Diet The essential goal of the low-carb diet is to limit, or restrict, the intake of carbohydrates and consume higher amounts of protein, as part of a nutritious diet regimen. The body burns fat by churning at a higher metabolic rate to breakdown the protein, while there are few carbohydrates to break down. Dieters may feel sluggish, due to the fact that carbohydrates provide energy. Exercise should always be combined with nutrition as well.

• The essential goal of the low-carb diet is to limit, or restrict, the intake of carbohydrates and consume higher amounts of protein, as part of a nutritious diet regimen. The body burns fat by churning at a higher metabolic rate to breakdown the protein, while there are few carbohydrates to break down. Dieters may feel sluggish, due to the fact that carbohydrates provide energy. Exercise should always be combined with nutrition as well.


• Although alcohol holds very few healthy nutrients, many find it difficult to give up alcohol completely when on a low-carb diet, or any diet, for that matter. Although the sugars and carbohydrates in alcohol vary by choice of drink, understanding what you are drinking and what you can get away with will prove helpful in your goal of getting fit and having fun. Robert Atkins, the prototypical low-carb diet guru, advises refraining from all alcoholic beverages while dieting: "Alcohol, whenever taken in, is the first fuel to burn. While that's going on, your body will not burn fat. This does not stop the weight loss, it simply postpones it, since the alcohol does not store as glycogen, you immediately go back into ketosis/lipolysis after the alcohol is used up."


• If you drink beer, consider a light beer. If you enjoy mixed drinks, consider sugar-free juices or blending the alcohol with water instead. The goal is to cut carbohydrate intake.


• For those who prefer an ice cold beer, lower carbohydrate versions will contain 5 grams, or less. These beers contain less than 5 grams of carbohydrates: *Amstel Light *Michelob Ultra *Bud Select *Miller Light *Corona Light *Coors Light In addition, wine is also a fine choice. Sticking with the drier varieties cuts out some of the more sugary selections. Many low carb wine varieties will contain fewer than 7 grams of carbohydrates, this is fairly commonplace. As a...

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A strictly zero-carb diet is anything but easy-- carbs lurk everywhere in natural foods. Even healthy foods like fruits and vegetables contain hefty amounts of both sugars and complex carbohydrates. Going low-carb can be done simply by reading labels. Low carb would be less than 15 grams per serving. It is still possible to eat pasta, bread, dairy, and fruits and veggies when on a low-carb diet. The hard-core no-carb approach can be a challenge. Other People Are Reading How Many Carbs Should a Diabetic Consume in a Day? About Boiling Eggs Nuts Almonds, peanuts, cashews and pistachios are no-carb options for a quick snack. Nuts are high in protein, contain essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and oils, and--like all high-fiber foods--help control overeating by creating a feeling of fullness. However, because of their high fat content, limit daily intake to about 1/4 cup. A 1-cup serving of almonds provides a diet-busting 550 calories and 47 grams of fat.

• Almonds, peanuts, cashews and pistachios are no-carb options for a quick snack. Nuts are high in protein, contain essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and oils, and--like all high-fiber foods--help control overeating by creating a feeling of fullness. However, because of their high fat content, limit daily intake to about 1/4 cup. A 1-cup serving of almonds provides a diet-busting 550 calories and 47 grams of fat.


• Pumpkin, squash, sunflower, and flax are good seed choices for a quick snack. Seeds contain less calories and fat than nuts and still provide essential amino acids, protein and healthy omega-3 fats. Seeds are a good source of magnesium and zinc. Moderation is still the word when consuming seeds, especially if weight loss is one of your goals.


• Beef jerky or turkey jerky is another no-carb snack option. Both are very low in calories and high in protein. However, unlike most nuts and seeds, jerky is highly processed and often high in sodium and saturated fat. Turkey jerky contains less saturated fat than beef jerky as it comes from a leaner meat. Again, moderation is best.


• Soybeans are a great source of fiber, protein, and folate and are low in cholesterol and sodium. When steamed, known as edamame, soybeans are even more nutrient-rich and lower in calories and fat. The USDA rates this food 4 out of 5 stars in terms of weight management and optimal health.


• All cheese can make a good snack if you pay heed to serving size. Even one ounce of cheese can be high in calories and fat. Cottage cheese is low in calories (average 110 per 4-ounce serving) and is a great source of selenium and protein. Another cheese you can snack on is mozzarella, especially the handy string-cheese form. If you choose the part-skim variety, a serving provides a mere 150 calories, 0 grams of fat, 2 grams of fiber, and approximately 36 grams of protein.

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Dieters turn to no-carb diets as a way to lose weight fast. Food containing carbohydrates raises blood sugar levels, which prompts insulin to prevent fat breakdown. Your body stores more fat, making weight loss difficult. The theory behind no- or low-carb diets is that you lose weight by limiting or avoiding carbohydrates while increasing your protein intake. Other People Are Reading How Do I Eat a Healthy No-Carb Diet? What Can I Eat on a No Carb Diet? What to Eat No-carb diets consist of eating foods that contain no carbohydrates, such as meat, low-fat dairy, nuts and eggs. Generally, animal by-product foods contain no or very little carbohydrates. Keep your diet low in fat and maintain healthy cholesterol levels by eating lean meat that has all the fat trimmed. Skinless, boneless chicken or turkey breasts are an ideal no-carb food.

• No-carb diets consist of eating foods that contain no carbohydrates, such as meat, low-fat dairy, nuts and eggs. Generally, animal by-product foods contain no or very little carbohydrates. Keep your diet low in fat and maintain healthy cholesterol levels by eating lean meat that has all the fat trimmed. Skinless, boneless chicken or turkey breasts are an ideal no-carb food. Reduce your cholesterol intake when you eat eggs by eating egg whites. You could make an omelet with one whole egg accompanied with two egg whites. Instead of full-fat cheese and yogurt, select a low-fat version for a low-carb or no-carb dairy selection. Consider adding protein shakes to your diet for a quick low- or no-carb snack alternative. Purchase premade shakes at the grocery store or make your own using whey protein powder mixed with water. Whey protein powder comes in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. Nuts and natural peanut butter may have only a trace of carbohydrates; however, check the labels before consuming. Many nut and peanut butter products contain added sugar or corn syrup, which increases the number of carbs. Nonstarchy vegetables are often allowed on low- or no-carb diets. When steamed or cooked with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, vegetables are a great partner to a piece of chicken or meat. Most vegetables contain a trace amount of carbohydrates, but they also contain a significant amount of fiber, which helps you feel fuller for a longer amount of time. Another item to include in your no-carb diet is the right type of drink. Staying hydrated is important to maintain any healthy lifestyle, especially when you're trying to lose weight. Guzzle at least 64 ounces of water every day to flush your system of toxins and keep your tummy feeling fuller.


• Knowing what you can eat is easier than getting through the list of what you can't eat. When you're on a no-carb diet, your total caloric intake should consist of between 5 percent to 10 percent carbohydrates. Foods to avoid include any processed items that contain white flour, sugar or corn syrup. Items such as cook...

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Although the no- and low-carb craze has become increasingly popular, there is a dark side to existing on a diet that contains no carbohydrates. Many dieters enjoy the quick and dramatic weight loss effects garnered from cutting carbs, however if you remain on a carbohydrate-restricted diet for an extended period of time, you could create health problems with serious consequences. Other People Are Reading What to Avoid on No-Carb Diets Health Risks of a Low Carb Diet Neurological Effects Carbohydrates feed more than just the muscle tissue; it also helps brain tissue function properly. A 2003 study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) found that 29 percent of low- or no-carb participants said that they had difficulty concentrating and focusing during daily activities. Other reported effects included "light-headedness, vertigo attacks and feeling foggy." The research was based on an online program that invited people who used a high protein, low-carbohydrate diet to lose weight.

• Carbohydrates feed more than just the muscle tissue; it also helps brain tissue function properly. A 2003 study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) found that 29 percent of low- or no-carb participants said that they had difficulty concentrating and focusing during daily activities. Other reported effects included "light-headedness, vertigo attacks and feeling foggy." The research was based on an online program that invited people who used a high protein, low-carbohydrate diet to lose weight. The PCRM researchers also said that when you eat less than 40 grams of carbohydrates per day you create a glucose deficiency in the brain which results in the reported neurological symptoms. One participant reported problems after only being on the diet for a short amount of time. Dangerous impacts of these symptoms could include impairment performing daily tasks such as driving, using heavy machinery or making important decisions.


• When you slash carbs and boost protein-fueled food you run the risk of reduced kidney function. In fact, if you consume a large amount of animal products over an extended period of time, you can permanently lose all kidney function. The PCRM found that 19 percent of its study participants reported some sort of kidney problem after following a restricted carbohydrate diet. Eighty-nine percent said that they had reduced kidney function and 10 percent reported experiencing kidney stones. The American Academy of Family Physicians says that a high protein diet reduces renal calcium re-absorption which results in kidney stones. Gout is another disease plaguing many high protein, carb-restricted dieters. Five percent of the PCRM participants reported gout symptoms due to the protein driven uric acid crystals forming in the joint fluid. Gout causes excruciating pain and can be a debilitating disease.


• The American Heart Association (AHA) wa...

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Some nutritionists and diet experts think that the secret to maintaining a healthy weight and body is to eat the way our ancestors did, by following the Paleolithic (aka cave man) diet. Doing so requires a few changes in the average American diet. Other People Are Reading How to Eat Low-Carb How Many Carbs Should You Eat on a Low Carb Diet? Instructions 1 One of the underlying beliefs of the Paleolithic Diet is the idea that grains and other carbs were not consumed by cave men because they are toxic to the human body. Like the sugar busters diet, and Atkins Diet, the Paleolithic diet requires followers to eliminate all grains and other starchy foods from their diet plan. This includes wheat, corn, bread, pasta, beans, rice, dairy, and sugar.

• One of the underlying beliefs of the Paleolithic Diet is the idea that grains and other carbs were not consumed by cave men because they are toxic to the human body. Like the sugar busters diet, and Atkins Diet, the Paleolithic diet requires followers to eliminate all grains and other starchy foods from their diet plan. This includes wheat, corn, bread, pasta, beans, rice, dairy, and sugar.


• Increase your usual intake of protein. The caveman diet suggests that you eat a lot of meat, eggs, and nuts to get the protein you need. Because dairy isn't allowed, you cannot prepare your eggs with milk or butter. Because peanuts and cashews are toxic in raw form, these nuts are not permitted on this low carb diet. Nutritionists suggest eating raw almonds, walnuts, and Brazil nuts to adhere to the Paleolithic diet. Protein should account for approximately 50% of your food intake. Remember, though, that modern meat is not as low in fat as prehistoric meat was (they ate things like antelope, we eat fatty beef). If you have a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol, consider getting most of your protein needs from egg whites, chicken breast, and fish, to get your protein needs while maintaining a healthy low fat diet.


• Eat lots of vegetables, in raw form. Vegetables are important in this diet, because they provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Because Paleolithic man didn't have access to steamers, it's best to eat your veggies raw when following this diet. Proponents of the diet say it's particularly important to eat root vegetables (such as carrots, turnips, and radishes). Root vegetables are what prehistoric man most likely grew and harvested.


• The Paleolithic diet isn't a no-carb diet. Fruits should be eaten daily, particularly when you're feeling carb withdrawal symptoms. If you crave something sweet, have your favorite fruit.


• Eat berries. Berries were most likely plentiful and wild during prehistoric times. Adding p...

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No carb, no sugar has been a motto to many since Dr. Robert Atkins introduced his diet in the 1970s, and it was again re-introduced in the "New Diet Revolution" in 1998. There has been much controversy as to the benefits of a diet low in carbohydrates and sugar that's high in fat, but there is still an array of products available, or you can just go for the foods that naturally have little to no carbs or sugar. Other People Are Reading What Are Carb Free Foods? What Vegetables Have No Carbs? Fish & Poultry Most fish and seafood have little to no carbohydrates. Tuna, salmon, sole, flounder, lobster, clams and shrimp are good choices, while oysters and mussels do have some carbs. Poultry--chicken, turkey, duck, goose, Cornish hen, quail and pheasant--is an excellent source of protein with few carbs and no sugar. Prepare fish and poultry grilled or marinated for no carb, no sugar dishes.

• Most fish and seafood have little to no carbohydrates. Tuna, salmon, sole, flounder, lobster, clams and shrimp are good choices, while oysters and mussels do have some carbs. Poultry--chicken, turkey, duck, goose, Cornish hen, quail and pheasant--is an excellent source of protein with few carbs and no sugar. Prepare fish and poultry grilled or marinated for no carb, no sugar dishes.


• The original Atkins diet was shown with steak and bacon as staples. The truth is that beef, pork, lamb veal and venison offer no carbs and no sugar. Bacon (and ham) may actually contain some carbohydrates and sugar that were added in the curing process. This is also the case with luncheon meats. If you are looking to stay carb and sugar-free, stick with the steak.


• Most cheese has little to no carbs and sugar. Cheddar, Gouda, mozzarella, Roquefort, Swiss and blue cheese are all options with high amounts of protein. Cheeses made from cow, goat and sheep milk are good low carb choices. Look out for cream cheese and cottage cheese, which have more carbohydrates and added sugar.


• Many vegetables do not have carbohydrates or sugar. Mushrooms, peppers, celery, lettuce radishes and cucumbers are excellent choices for the no carb diet. Artichokes, asparagus, eggplant, spinach, cauliflower, zucchini, broccoli and squash have a small amount of carbs. Peas, carrots, potatoes, beets and corn are naturally higher in sugar and carbohydrates.


• Eggs are an excellent source of protein for little money--and no carbs and sugar. They can be boiled, poached, fried or deviled. Another option is to make an omelet with eggs. You can also add in cheese or vegetables for a more filling meal that is still no carb and no sugar. For added nutrition, look for eggs fortified with omega-3.


• Be sure to read packages. A few cheeses are made with added sugar and processed cheese could have carbohydrates, though neither should be significant. When eating in a restaurant or purchasing meat, poultry or fish that has been prepared, st...

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Instead of carbohydrates, when you are on a no-carb diet, fat will supply your daily need for energy and protein. Be prepared for your body to go into a state of ketosis, as it will need to convert fat into ketone bodies and use them maintain energy levels. Glucose sugar will help run the rest of your system, which you will get from the conversion of protein through a process called gluconeogenesis. Other People Are Reading What Are Some No Carb Snacks? List of Ketonic Diet Foods Meats No-carb diets are loaded with meats. Eat fish, chicken, beef, and pork. Eggs and sausage in the morning are fine--just do not accompany them with toast or orange juice. Order a chicken breast sandwich without the bread at your local fast food restaurant. Eat the hamburger and throw away the bun. Make sure you remove the skin from the chicken and other meats.

• No-carb diets are loaded with meats. Eat fish, chicken, beef, and pork. Eggs and sausage in the morning are fine--just do not accompany them with toast or orange juice. Order a chicken breast sandwich without the bread at your local fast food restaurant. Eat the hamburger and throw away the bun. Make sure you remove the skin from the chicken and other meats. Steaks and roast beef can be delicious and great sources of protein at dinner. For variety, try some exotic meats like veal, lamb, pheasant, quail, duck, goose and venison. Turkey can be enjoyed anytime during the year, not just on Thanksgiving.


• To break away from the red meats, alternate with fish and seafood. Salmon, shrimp, crab and lobster are good choices. Fish fillets such as trout, halibut, cod and herring will help you acquire a distinct taste for each. Scallops, mussels, sardines and oysters can round out your seafood dishes.


• Do not hold back on the milk and eggs in the morning. Low-fat milk is better. The eggs can be eaten whole, or separating the whites from the yokes to reduce fat intake. Eat your eggs fried, boiled or poached according to your own tastes. Enjoy all kinds of cheese as a snack or as a melted topping over your meat dishes. Parmesan, cheddar or cream cheese can add flavor and needed fat intake to your no-carb diet.

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Carbohydrates are one of the three building blocks of food; the other two are protein and fatty acids. A no-carb diet means you only choose foods from the latter two groups. Find out which foods are grouped in each class so that you can eat a no-carb diet. Other People Are Reading Carb Free Foods List The Best High-Protein Foods Carbohydrates In starting a no-carb diet, first eliminate starches. Anything with amaranth, barley, pasta, corn, couscous, flaxseed, millet, oats, potatoes, quinoa, rye, spelt, or wheat is off limits. These grains contain carbohydrates. Fruit contains sugar, which is a carbohydrate, so all fruits are off limits as well. This includes tomatoes. Beans, while a protein, are also a carbohydrate too and thus should be avoided.

• In starting a no-carb diet, first eliminate starches. Anything with amaranth, barley, pasta, corn, couscous, flaxseed, millet, oats, potatoes, quinoa, rye, spelt, or wheat is off limits. These grains contain carbohydrates. Fruit contains sugar, which is a carbohydrate, so all fruits are off limits as well. This includes tomatoes. Beans, while a protein, are also a carbohydrate too and thus should be avoided.


• All proteins are permitted and, in fact, should be eaten in great volume to keep up your energy. Foods such as eggs (prepared in whatever way suits your taste), beef, chicken, pork, fish and seafood, tofu, and tempeh are wonderful choices.


• It is important to eat lots of vegetables while on a no-carb diet as this food group provides lots of vital minerals. Many varieties of lettuce (romaine, boston, bibb, iceberg, arugula, swiss chard, spinach) can be found at the grocery store. Furthermore, vegetables beyond the green, leafy kind are great additions to a food repertoire: asparagus, artichoke, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, eggplants, leek, peppers, onion, seaweed, squash, and zucchini.


• You're certainly permitted to eat fats on a no-carb diet. The first kind of fat is very important. This is dairy. Dairy has a lot of protein in it, too, so it in an excellent nutritional choice. Cheese, milk, and sour cream are good choices. Other kinds of good fats are avocados, crushed hemp seed or hemp seed oil, olive oil and coconut oil. Nuts are the final source of calories on a no-carb diet. They are essential in helping keep a person full. Walnuts, macadamias, pecans and almonds are good choices. Though technically a legume, peanuts are also a good choice. Nuts are good as a snack food and can also be purchased in butters as a spread on celery or lettuce wraps.

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If you're truly serious about getting a fit body or even just shedding some pounds, you'll undoubtedly have to lower your carbohydrate consumption. Your daily carbohydrate allowance will depend on your age, sex, body type and overall goal. With that being said, a total carbohydrate consumption of approximately 100 grams per day will require some constipation relief. Other People Are Reading How to Combat Constipation on Atkins How To Soften Stools Quickly Things You'll Need Psyllium Husk Tablets/Powder Show More Instructions 1 Even in our quest to fit into those nice jeans or impress that pretty gal you see on the train every day, there's always some little negative to self improvement. In the area of a low carb diet comes constipation and irregularity. Do the prescribed protocol which I'm about to outline and every few weeks doing my "Stomach Bloat" protocol which I linked at the bottom, your belly will feel much better and you'll lose some extra weight in the process.

• Even in our quest to fit into those nice jeans or impress that pretty gal you see on the train every day, there's always some little negative to self improvement. In the area of a low carb diet comes constipation and irregularity. Do the prescribed protocol which I'm about to outline and every few weeks doing my "Stomach Bloat" protocol which I linked at the bottom, your belly will feel much better and you'll lose some extra weight in the process.


• Go to any local supplement store or health food store and buy some Psyllium Husk. I myself prefer the pills, but powder will work just as well. Take 2 servings of the Psyllium Husk per day. After about 2 days of use the constipation will subside quite a bit.


• While also taking the Psyllium Husk, include a Fiber product into your daily routine. Whether it's chewable fiber tablets or something as simple as Metamucil, the extra fiber will greatly increase your regularity. Shoot for at least 15 grams of added fiber per day.


• You must increase your water intake. This is vital to keep constipation at bay and as a bonus will greatly increase your weight loss. If your body is "dry" the constipation will only set in more. Take in at least 64 ounces of water a day.

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Low-carb diets are a popular way to lose weight. While not recommended for athletes and highly active individuals who need high levels of carbohydrates for energy, low-carb diets can help most people slim down over time. Of course, a low-carb diet should be coupled with exercise to lose weight more effectively. Healthy eating habits and regular physical activity greatly increase your chances of shedding those extra pounds. Other People Are Reading Meals for High-Protein, Low-Carb Diets Will Cutting out Carbs Make you Lose Weight? Losing weight with a low carb diet Parameters Low-carb diets call for elimination of all simple carbohydrates, limiting caloric intake. You cannot eat foods like white bread, grains, white rice, pasta, soda, juice or starchy vegetables such as potatoes or sugar-rich fruit. These kinds of foods contain large amounts of simple carbohydrates which are great for a quick energy boost but also fattening if eaten in excess.

• Low-carb diets call for elimination of all simple carbohydrates, limiting caloric intake. You cannot eat foods like white bread, grains, white rice, pasta, soda, juice or starchy vegetables such as potatoes or sugar-rich fruit. These kinds of foods contain large amounts of simple carbohydrates which are great for a quick energy boost but also fattening if eaten in excess.


• The concept behind low-carb diets relates to blood sugar levels. Simple carbohydrates contain relatively large amounts of calories and convert quickly into sugar in the blood stream after consumption, triggering a release of insulin. The increased insulin levels prevent fat breakdown as the metabolism redirects itself to burn off the sugar molecules rather than the excess fat deposits stored in the body. In other words, eating lots of carbs limits your body's ability to metabolize stored fat, making it harder to lose weight. By cutting carbs out of your diet, you allow your metabolism to burn off more fat.


• Remove carbohydrates from your diet and replace them with healthy substitutes. Eat dairy products, fish, poultry, eggs, meat and vegetables. Many version of low-carb diets exists. Some popular fads include the Atkins diet, the Zone diet and the Protein Power diet. You do not necessarily have to follow one of these diets. The key is simply to reduce your intake of carbs and choose healthy low-carb foods as alternatives.


• According to the Mayo Clinic, low-carb diets may help you lose more weight than you would with a strictly low-fat or low-calorie diet. Low-carb diets may also lower cholesterol levels. However, the weight loss results and health benefits of a low-carb diet depend on what sort of foods you eat and your level of physical activity. For instance, the Atkins diet allows you to eat low-carb foods high in saturated fat such as bacon and ribs. Though low in carbs, the overall health benefits of this diet are less than a low-carb diet consisting of only lean pro...

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