Although fats, protein and carbs are all important aspects of a healthy diet, consuming a low-carb diet can help in reducing excess weight. In this article we are going to discuss some low-carb diet plans for women.
For losing weight, you need to follow a diet plan that is low in calories and also take up an effective exercise regimen. One of the most hyped diet plans that claims to help you lose a lot of excess weight is a low-carb diet. As we all know, carbohydrates is an important component of a healthy diet and our body uses carbohydrates to convert it into sugar which provides the body with energy. So, it would not be wrong to say that carbohydrate is like fuel for the body. The problem occurs when people consume excess carbohydrate in their diet. The body will use only that much carbohydrate that is required for its proper functioning. The excess carbohydrates is converted into glucose which is then converted into fats.
Low-carb diet plans for women consists of restricting the amount of carbs that a person consumes. Food items that have a very high carbohydrate content like white rice, pasta, bread and other wheat products cannot be eaten while you are on this diet. Vegetables like sprouts, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, mushrooms and asparagus can be eaten on a low-carb diet. But vegetables which are high in carbohydrates like potatoes, corn, parsnips and plantains have to be avoided.
Low-Carb Diet for Women
There are many popular low-carb diets that have helped women to lose weight. Some popular ones that work are Atkins diet, South Beach diet and Sonoma diet. All these diets restrict the amount of carbohydrates a person can consume and the diet focuses on eating more protein like eggs, poultry, meat and fish. Given below is a low-carb diet plan for women.
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
| 1 poached egg with 2 grilled sausages | Mixed green salad with soy and wasabi dressing, 2 roasted tomatoes | Grilled chicken breast, steamed asparagus |
| 2 muffin made with flax meal, 2 grilled turkey sausages | 1 medium-sized grilled steak with stir fried peppers | 1 salmon fillet with honey mustard sauce, steamed collard greens |
| 1 scrambled egg with tomatoes and mushroom | Garden salad with citrus vinaigrette, 1 bowl fresh tomato soup | Grilled tuna, curry with tofu, peas and tomatoes |
| 1 hard-boiled egg, 1 glass strawberry milkshake | Shrimp salad with lettuce and tomato salad, steamed green beans with sesame oil | Turkey meatloaf, sauteed mushrooms |
| Whole wheat sandwich with cucumbers, salami and onions | Seared scallops with balsamic vinegar, 1 bowl wild mushroom soup | Roasted pork tenderloin, sauteed spinach and red peppers |
| 1 poached egg, 2 grilled turkey sausages | Steamed salmon with cilantro and olive oil dressing, steamed broccoli | Herb roasted chicken with gravy, cherry tomato salad |
| 1 Spanish omelet | Sauteed tilapia with lemon-peppercorn pan sauce | Pork tenderloin with mustard sauce, steamed green beans |
This was a sample 7 day low-carb diet menu for women who want to lose weight. Most women find it difficult to stick to a low-carb diet as it restricts all carbohydrate rich foods like pasta, bread and rice. So people who like their risottos and creamy pastas might find themselves craving for such food. If you manage to stick to this diet for a week, then you can easily follow this diet.
Possible Risks
Although a low-carb diet can help in burning fat, it is not a feasible diet to follow for a prolonged period. Lack of carbohydrates in a person’s diet can lead to low energy levels and chronic fatigue. A person might also become irritable and cranky due to low sugar levels. Another problem with low-carb and high-protein diets is that it may contain too much protein and saturated fats. This might increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases which is a serious side effect of this diet. Many women who follow a this diet complain of feeling listless and chronic fatigue throughout the day.
The best diet plans for losing weight is a low calorie diet and not necessarily a low-carb diet. Although you will notice dramatic weight loss by following this diet, you might regain the lost weight once you stop dieting. And worse it could lead to many health complications. To lose weight in a healthy way and to sustain this weight loss, it is best to follow a healthy balanced diet that is low in calories and saturated fats.
