INTRODUCTION TO LOW-CARB

To help with weight issues and for overall improved health, many people turn to diets. In
fact, government statistics show that while about 65 percent of Americans are
overweight, 38 percent are actually doing something about it.

And according to a recent survey by the National Health Institute, about a third of
overweight Americans who are trying to lose weight, are doing so by eating less
carbohydrates (carbs) largely because of the increased popularity of fad diets like Atkins
Diet and the South Beach Diet.

Although there have certainly been other low-carb or low-sugar diet plans before, and
more will most assuredly come out in the years ahead, let’s take a look at the basics
behind many of the major plans. And let’s take a look at how they fit into the real world
today. Because while it might be great to lower the body’s sugar content and be healthier,
wouldn’t it be great to learn how to do so while being part of this fast-paced world?




In the world of instant messaging, quick Internet interaction and the already multi-faceted
day-to-day hectic schedules, dietary food budgeting, planning, preparing and shopping
are issues that can become major sources of stress and reasons for dieting failure. Dual
income families on-the-go and other super-busy wage earners and dieters often already
suffer from more than their share of everyday stressors like fears of being laid off, their
jobs being relocated or terminated, juggling more than one job, dependents (both elderly
and minors) and trying to fund and juggle continuing education into their lives, budgets,
and daily routines.

People want and need simpler solutions. And they need simpler dieting plans. Forget
spending mega bucks on gourmet, hard-to-find items. Forget spending hours just to
prepare meals. And forget counting, measuring, and weighing ingredients.

Either a low-carb plan fit into real-world lives, or it doesn’t. First we’ll take a look at
some basic terms and definitions to help understand the science behind low-carb plans.
Let’s see how many of the major players’ plans measure up.




Note that the contents here are not presented from a medical practitioner, and that any
and all dietary planning should be made under the guidance of your own medical
practitioners. This content only presents overviews of low-carb research for educational
purposes and does not replace medical advice from a professional physician.