So, a low-carb diet might sound a bit restrictive, but it’s actually one of the easiest ways to shed some pounds. Athletes often use it to get ready for competitions, but you don’t have to be an Olympic hopeful to benefit from this effective weight loss method.
On a low-carb diet, you’ll be chowing down on meat, eggs, and dairy—basically, if you love steaks and omelettes, you’re in luck! But if you have a sweet tooth, you might need to find another way to lose weight or really dig deep for some willpower because baked goods and sweets are a no-go.
Low-Carb Diet: Great for Athletes and Everyone Else
A low-carb diet is all about keeping an eye on your carb intake. It’s pretty much a protein-heavy plan, where proteins take center stage. The cool thing about protein is that it digests slowly, so even small meals keep you feeling full for longer.
Athletes often use this diet to cut down on body fat while keeping their muscles looking toned and strong. Plus, lots of folks have had success losing weight by managing their carb intake.
Sticking to a low-carb diet is pretty straightforward. Just remember one number: 250. That’s the max amount of calories you can get from carbs each day.
If you decide to go low-carb, be ready to say goodbye to baked goods, sugary treats, starchy veggies, and most fruits (except for the sour ones). But don’t worry, you can still enjoy plenty of meat, fish, and cheese!
It’s best to get those 250 carb calories from slow-digesting sources like veggies, whole grains, and cereals instead of sweets. Those sugary snacks can spike your blood sugar and leave you feeling hungry again soon after.
You can follow a low-carb diet for as long as you feel good. Just keep in mind a couple of things:
- Going too long without carbs can mess with your brain and nervous system, so it’s a good idea to add some back in after you’ve lost the weight.
- Eating a lot of protein means you should stay active. You don’t have to be a pro athlete, but getting off the couch is key!
Staying Hydrated on a Low-Carb Diet
Since a low-carb diet means being picky about fruits and veggies (which help keep things moving in your gut), drinking enough water is super important. Water helps flush out undigested food and is essential for keeping your body healthy while you’re losing weight.
Aim for about 1.5 to 2 liters of plain, non-carbonated water each day. You can also enjoy some green tea (up to 4-5 cups) and black coffee, but don’t go overboard on the coffee since it can dehydrate you.
