Are you thinking about going on a low carbohydrate diet — but are still not quite ready to take the plunge? Giving up the breads and pastas isn’t easy! But to give yourself some extra motivation, read on to find out the amazing things that will happen to your body when you lower your intake of carbohydrates.
1. You’ll Lose Weight
One of the things that you’ll notice first when you go low carb is that you start to drop weight pretty quickly. This is because when your body is not able to use carbohydrates for energy, it will start to burn fat instead. Studies have shown that people who follow low carb diets tend to lose two to three times the weight as those who go low fat — and also tend to keep that weight off, too.
2. You’ll Stabilize Your Blood Sugar
If you are diabetic, you know exactly how hard it can be to keep those blood sugars in check. Eating a lot of carbs can make the problem worse, because these break down fairly quickly in the body and cause blood sugars to spike. A low carb diet, on the other hand, can stabilize blood sugars and lead to a decrease in insulin resistance, both of which are great if you are struggling to manage your diabetes.
3. You’ll Shrink Your Belly Fat
When you go on a low carb diet, it’s not just any weight you’ll be losing — you’ll be shrinking belly fat! Also called visceral fat, the pounds you pack onto your waistline aren’t just frustrating and unsightly, they also put you at a greater risk for diabetes and heart disease. The good news? Research has shown that those who follow a low carb diet lose a greater percentage of their weight from their abdominal area.
4. You’ll Curb Your Appetite Naturally
Anyone who’s ever tried to lose weight knows that hunger is one of the main reasons people cheat on their diets! However, foods that are low in carbohydrates and high in protein and/or fiber will take longer to digest and will help decrease the appetite without having to use diet pills or suppressants to do it. Studies have found that those who follow a low carb diet report far less hunger than those on a low fat regimen.
5. You’ll Cut Your Cholesterol Level
High cholesterol is a problem for many Americans, which explains why Lipitor and other statin drugs are so widely used. This condition puts people at a greater risk for heart attacks and strokes, but a low carb diet can help. This is because scientists have discovered that it is not a high-fat diet that causes cholesterol, but a diet high in simple carbohydrates like fructose.
6. You’ll Also Lower Your Blood Pressure
High blood pressure– also called hypertension – is common problem in America — and a low carb diet has been proven to help. Partly this is because of the weight loss which low carb diets help with, but also because eating fewer carbs decreases insulin levels and this in turn allows the kidneys to release more excess water from the body. Getting rid of extra water weight can help to lower blood pressure.
7. You’ll Decrease Your Risk of Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a condition many Americans suffer from. It comes from a combination of a large waistline as well as elevated blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It is also a major risk factor for heart disease and other serious conditions. But because, as mentioned above, a low carb diet can help with all four of these symptoms, it is an excellent choice for those with metabolic syndrome.
So, yes, looking the other way when you pass the doughnut shop and opting for a salad instead of a pile of pasta for lunch is a challenge! However, these pretty amazing things can happen to your body when you make the commitment to go low-carb — and the benefits these changes bring can make the effort well worth your while.
