What is "Low-Carb"?

To me, eating low-carb isn't so much a diet as a lifestyle

Sure, you can do it for a few weeks or a month, but that's when the effects really begin to take place, and you're missing out if you quit early. The true advantage seems to come from adopting a reduced carbohydrate intake for months at a time, or even longer. 

But what does it mean? 

A low-carb diet, also known as a ketogenic diet, is best described in the "Keto in a Nutshell" document written and updated by the keto community on the popular site Reddit:


A Ketogenic Diet is any diet that causes ketones to be produced by the liver, shifting the body’s metabolism away from glucose towards fat utilization. Typically on a moderate to high carb diet, the body will prefer glucose for fuel (usually from dietary carbs), but by restricting carbs, the body will prefer fat for fuel. By inducing ketosis, a series of adaptations will take place.
Ketosis is also an effective way to control your blood sugar. When you eat something high in carbohydrates, your body produces insulin to get rid of all the sugar in your blood. But since there is already carbs to be used for fuel, your body will be storing fat cells and not releasing any to be burned. So by reducing carbs and being in ketosis, your insulin levels will be regulated at a lower level, and your body will want to access your body fat for fuel instead. In most cases this means impressive weight-loss! 
With controlled blood sugar levels, you will experience less hunger and cravings. Paired with an adequate protein and high fat intake, you will feel both satisfied and satiated by the diet.


I recommend that everyone interested in eating low-carb read through the "Keto in a Nutshell" guide. This is a quick and easy read that will get you started. It is easy to begin a healthy lifestyle that will bring lasting health benefits. 




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