What is a low carb diet?
Carbohydrates are the starches, sugars, and fibers found in grains, fruits, milk products, and vegetables. They’re a type of macronutrient and in moderation can be part of a healthy diet.
Contrary to what many people think, carbohydrates are actually not strictly necessary for life like the other two macronutrients, proteins, and fats. However, most of us feel a little better and find it easier to stick to a diet with carbohydrates. It’s important to understand that not all carbs are created equal though.
Complex carbohydrates contain many sugar molecules (called saccharides) and require more work to digest and absorb. These carbs are found in foods like vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
Simple sugars (the simplest carbohydrates) only have one or two sugar molecules and are digested very swiftly. These carbs are found in foods like sugar, candy, soda, and fruit juice. These foods offer very little in the way of additional nutrients.
What are the benefits of a low carb diet?
Initially, you may miss eating carbohydrates, but as you progress in your weight loss and increase your physical activity, you can increase your carbs. Once you are in maintenance you will generally find that you can eat enough healthy carbohydrates to find this a sustainable life-style. There are plenty of foods that provide the nutrients you need to thrive without loading your body down with sugar and empty calories.
The benefits of a low carb diet have been clearly documented. Some of those benefits include:
- Better appetite control
- Easier weight loss and weight maintenance
- Lower triglycerides
- Increased “good” HDL cholesterol
- Improved blood sugar levels
- Better brain health
These are just some of the benefits available from embracing a low carb diet.
Is it difficult to change to a low carb diet?
Food is an essential part of daily life. From the moment you wake until late in the evening, you spend time planning, preparing, and consuming meals, shopping for food, prepping food for storage, packing lunches, figuring out where to go out for dinner, or what kind of takeout will make everyone happy.
It can be challenging to make any significant changes to your existing nutrition routine. Dr. Chastanet offers personalized guidance and support to make the transition easier to navigate.
Expect some adjustments as you learn to choose foods with the right balance of carbs, fats, and proteins. But you should also expect to enjoy all that a low carb diet has to offer. There are delicious low carb meals, snacks, and beverages that can boost your health and give your body exactly what it needs to thrive.
Get started today by watching Dr. Chastanet’s Medical Weight Loss Seminar, and then give us a call to schedule your first appointment. Because medical weight loss is often covered by insurance and involves extensive personal care, these appointments must be made over the phone to allow us to gather information and prepare you for the appointment.
