No Carb Diet

Introduction: No Carb Diet

The term "no carb diet" is generally a misinterpretation of a low carb or low carbohydrate diet. Carbohydrates are found in foods made from grains, sugars, and in other plant foods. However, even a diet that includes only fats and meats will still contain small amounts of carbohydrates. Dairy products also contain some carbohydrates. A diet made up of purely meats and fats to avoid carbohydrate intake is not recommended by health experts. Carbohydrates are important for supplying the body with energy, and vital for the proper functioning of the many body functions, such as the immune system, blood clotting, and fertilization. A low carb diet restricts but does not eliminate carbohydrates in order to achieve weight loss. Credible low-carb weight loss plans restrict processed carbohydrates, such as foods made with sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and highly refined products that contain processed flours, pastas, noodles, and cereals that are not made of 100% whole grains. There are many variations of a low carb diet, and each one recommends different types and quantities of foods and various patterns of eating and phases of dieting. Low carb diets generally reduce the consumption of carbohydrates to 20 to 60 g per day (typically less than 20 percent of the daily caloric intake). The consumption of protein and fat is increased to compensate for part of the calories that formerly came from carbohydrates. Weight loss is achieved on a low carb diet based on the assertion that because carbohydrates are the body's first line of fuel for energy, when carbohydrate restriction is greater than the need to produce energy, the body begins to burn stored reserves of fat for energy.

Many versions of the low carb diet stress replacing some amount of carbohydrates with protein sources, such as meat, fish, and eggs. Many low carb diets, such as the Atkins Diet, the South Beach Diet also include limited induction phases of severe carbohydrate restriction and increased intake of proteins, such as meat, fish, and eggs, to jump start the weight loss process. Healthy fats, such as olive oil are also used, and carbohydrates, mainly from 100% whole grains, are added back into the diet slowly as weight loss is achieved and the dieter learns to chose and eat moderate amounts of healthy carbohydrates. These diets and others, including the Caveman Diet and the Paleolithic diet, are also based on the idea that highly processed foods, such as fast foods and junk foods, are at the root of weight gain and other unhealthy conditions, such as diabetes type 2 and cardiovascular disease. Low carb diets generally encourage the use of fresh unprocessed food choices. As with any diet plan, optimal results for health and weight loss and control are achieved when a well balanced diet plan that encourages gradual weight loss is combined with a sensible exercise program and healthy lifestyle changes. Any diet may have the potential to be harmful for some people, so consultation with a health care provider before starting a diet plan and exercise program is recommended.

No Carb Diet: Other Names

Other names for this diet (No Carb Diet) include:

No Carbohydrate Diet

No Carb Diet: Similar Diets

Other diets similar to No Carb Diet include:

Low carb diet
South Beach Diet
Ketogenic diet
Low-Carbohydrate diet
Paleolithic Diet
Caveman's Diet
Bernstein's Diabetes Diet
Protein Power
Protein diet
High protein diet

Conditions Associated with No Carb Diet

Conditions associated with No Carb Diet include:

Foods Excluded Or Restricted From No Carb Diet

The following foods may be restricted or excluded from No Carb Diet:

Any type of carbohydrate during initial phase of some low carb diets
Breads not made with 100% whole wheat or grains
White sugar
White flours
White rice
White potatoes
High fructose corn syrup
White pasta not made with 100% whole wheat or grains
Cereals not made with 100% whole wheat or grains
Sodas/pop
Chips
Snack foods
Baked goods
Candy
Alcohol

Foods Focused On For No Carb Diet

The following foods may be focused on as part of No Carb Diet:

Fresh, unprocessed fish
Fresh, unprocessed poultry
Fresh, unprocessed, lean beef and other meats
Eggs
Cheese
Soy
Olive oil
Nuts
Seeds
Fresh, unprocessed vegetables

No Carb Diet: Potential Risks Or Complications

The following are potential risks or complications of the diet (No Carb Diet):

Ketoacidosis - a condition in which dangerously high levels of acids called ketones build up in the blood as a result of severe calorie/carbohydrate restriction and can poison the body.
Kidney damage
Nutritional deficits - depending on food choices made
Weight loss phases are not recommended for pregnant or nursing women