Low-carbohydrate diets receive a lot of attention through the media and Internet, but be warned that all low-carb diets are not created equal. A good low-carb diet should allow you to hit your weight loss goals without unduly sacrificing proper nutritional standards. Finding ideal low-carb diets is not easy, but it can be done. Two low-carb options that fit the bill are the Seven Rules Diet and the Paleo Diet.
The Paleo Diet
For those who believe that all our advances in food processing, science and nutrition are actually doing more harm than good, the Paleo Diet is the perfect answer to your doubts. The Paleo Diet was created by family physician Dr. Ben Balzer, and it operates under the theory that humans were not meant to consume the processed grains and foodstuffs of today's supermarket. Instead, you should refocus your culinary efforts toward foods enjoyed by our primitive ancestors. By relegating yourself strictly to food choices that come straight from nature, Balzer believes, many common food-related diseases can be wholly eliminated.
To follow the Paleo Diet, simply remove all of the following from your list of edibles: grains, beans, potatoes, dairy, sugar and added salt. Instead of these things, consume only meat, fish, chicken, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts (but not peanuts or cashews), and berries.
The Seven Rules Diet
Another low-carb approach to eating is the Seven Rules Diet by nutritionist Dr. John Berardi. Berardi is a Canadian biochemist specializing in physique transformation and athletic nutrition. Regardless of whether you are a competitive athlete or a couch potato, Berardi's Seven Rules will be sufficient to whip you back into shape while keeping carbs low.
The Seven Rules are as follows:
1. Consume small meals every two to three hours.
2. Consume lean protein with every meal--meat, fish, chicken or eggs.
3. Consume fruits and vegetables with every meal.
4. Consume carbs from only fruit and vegetables -- this will keep your daily carb intake quite reasonable, as few people tend to "carb-gorge" on apples and pears.
5. Consume at least 25 percent of your daily calories from fat.
6. Drink only zero-calorie beverages.
7. Consume only solid meals--no liquid nutrition
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