Low-Carb: A New Era of Dieting

Both Slim Fast and Jenny Craig have topped the list of the most popular diets for a countless number of years. Through careful planning and numerous tests, they were proven that if followed correctly, the unwanted pounds would shed away finally allowing someone to reach their desired weight and also maintain it.

Although these diets along with others are still quite popular and has a great amount number of followers, a new diet is emerging on the scene that also proves to be just as effective and produce longer lasting results. This phenomenon, more commonly known as the low-carb diet, has conquered the kitchen of many households by enabling millions to convert their eating habits; therefore, allowing them to lead more energetic and healthier lives. 

But, do these so-called low-carb diets actually work or do they just leave you hungry for more?

Nothing sounds better than a nice quiet evening alone or with a loved one and enjoying a nice dinner. An enjoyable home-cooked soul food meal that consists of a juicy piece of fried chicken, smooth mashed potatoes drizzled in gravy, tender greens (and a piece of fatback for flavor), steamy corn-on-the-cob and fresh homemade buttermilk biscuits. Sounds delicious? Maybe so, but this meal is loaded with carbohydrates.

A carbohydrate (or carb) is a large group of sugars, starches, celluloses and gums that contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in similar amounts found in different foods. (Yahoo Health) Carbs are used to provide energy for the body, particularly the brain and the nervous system. When carbohydrates are consumed, the body breaks them down into a sugar type substance called glucose. Glucose can be used as a fuel for the body. If the human body lacks a sufficient number of carbohydrates, it will leave a person feeling tired and weak. But if too many carbohydrates are consumed, especially at one given time, they will act against the body, causing a tremendous increase in glucose, which would then cause obesity.