Low Carb Lifestyle

A Brief Overview: How Complex Carbs Fit into the Top Four Diets

Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution
The Theory: Cut carbs and the body burns stored fat for energy and fast weight loss.
What's on the menu: No set limit of fat and protein in the form of meat, eggs, butter, most cheese and some vegetables.
Bring on the carbs!: Complex carbohydrates are gradually introduced after an initial weight loss. Most fruit is not favored.

South Beach Diet
The Theory: Eat the right carbohydrates and the right fats to lose weight quickly at first.
What’s on the Menu: Lean meal, low-fat cheese, eggs, nuts and vegetables in Phase one.
Bring on the carbs!: Phase two includes whole wheat bread, brown rice, pasta, cereal and fruit.

The Zone
The Theory: Specific quantities of foods at prescribed times changes metabolism and promotes gradual weight loss.
What's on the Menu: Carbohydrates, Protein and Fat in a 40-30-30 ratio at every meal.
Bring on the carbs!: "Favorable carbohydrates" such as vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains are permitted. "Unfavorable carbohydrates" such as rice, pasta, cereal, bread and juice are allowed in smaller amounts.

Weight Watchers
The Theory: Eat a balance of healthy foods within your point range to lose weight gradually.
What's on the Menu: Anything you want-just count every point every day.
Bring on the carbs!: Carbs count-just be sure to add 'em up.

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	Vitamix is the Solution for a low carb lifestyle.
		Eating nutritious Low-Carb Meals has never been easier! Here's how Vitamix helps: Carbs: How low can you go? Carbs: The good, bad and the ugly Fiber is your Secret Weapon in the War on Unwanted Pounds The fiber factor: How much is enough? A Brief Overview: How Complex Carbs Fit into the Top Four Diets

CARBS - How low can you go?

With 65 percent of the American population overweight or obese, it’s no wonder so many people are seeking the sure-shot solution to shedding excess pounds, stabilizing blood sugar and improving metabolic and cardiac health. But is “low carb living” the solution? Unfortunately, the longest low-carb study to date followed dieters for only a year, so until the results of larger, more comprehensive studies are released, we just don’t know. What we do know, however, is that cutting carbs can help some people lose weight more quickly than a simple calorie-restricted diet. The basic theory of low carb living is that restricting carbohydrates halts the production of insulin, the hormone responsible for storing body fat, raising blood pressure and packing on the pounds. But a few words to the wise: Calories do count and all carbs are not created equal.

Carbs: The good, bad and the ugly

Before joining the low-carb camp, here’s a quick look at exactly what carbs are, what they do for your body and why many experts think they are important for your health. Carbohydrates—the sugars, starches and fiber abundant in the plant world-- are the main source of energy for our bodies. Although the low-carb craze has many people believing that all carbohydrates are bad, the “complex” or unrefined carbohydrates found in the fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (and in Vitamix meals!) are full of valuable fiber and very beneficial. They are rich in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that fight disease. That’s all good.

Bad are the “simple” carbs that are practically devoid of fiber and nutrition— foods like—you guessed it—white bread, pasta, baked goods, and candy. These foods get digested quickly, convert into glucose and raise blood sugar levels. The pancreas then produces insulin to help the body process all the glucose and blood sugar drops. When that happens—here’s the ugly part--the brain gets a signal that the body is hungry and we grab whatever’s available to eat to help our body get blood sugar back to normal.

Fiber is your Secret Weapon in the War on Unwanted Pounds

It’s the fiber found in the complex carbohydrates that make all the difference!
Fiber is why you can—and should—have a delicious and nutritious breakfast of
Vitamix whole food juice and homemade Vitamix whole wheat bread. The complex
carbohydrates in whole foods supercharge your brain and contain appetite-suppressing
fiber that keeps you satisfied until lunch. You’ll feel great first-thing,
experience fewer hunger pangs and be less tempted to overeat later in the day.
It’s a win-win-win!

The fiber factor: How much is enough?

The National Academy of Science’s Institute of Medicine—that’s the group that sets national dietary guidelines—recommends eating 25 grams of fiber a day. A high-fiber diet may reduce your risk of diabetes, some gastrointestinal disorders, high cholesterol and coronary disease. They suggest a balance of soluble and insoluble fiber every day.

Oats, beans, peas, barley, apple and citrus fruits are great sources of soluble fiber which helps keep cholesterol levels healthy. The best sources of insoluble fiber are whole wheat flour, whole grain cereals, nuts, most vegetables and fruits with edible seeds such as strawberries. Insoluble fiber keeps your digestive tract intact.

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