Many people make the mistake of assuming that every vegetarian subsists strictly on carbs. Whereas this is true to some extent, the carbs available to vegetarians range far beyond pasta and rice. Understanding what kinds of carbs are healthy, and which offer nothing but empty calories is the key to incorporating a vegetarian low carb diet into your lifestyle. Putting emphasis on health rather than weight loss is the trick.
What kind of carbs do you eat?
Developing a fitting vegetarian low carb diet is the first step to any successful weight loss plan. However, you need to understand the word "fitting." Any diet should address your needs and your habits. So keep track for a week or so-what carbs do you eat? Do you eat many pastas and grains, do you eat mostly fruits, what about beans? Tracking your eating habits will help familiarize yourself with changes that need to be made, and help you structure a plan that will work with your lifestyle.
Cut the empty calories.
Carbs come in all shapes and sizes. The best way to embrace a healthy vegetarian low carb diet, however, is to cut out the main culprits-the empty calories. The majority of empty calories are present in sugars, which are the building blocks of many carbs. So kick the candy bars, and find healthier, nutrient-dense substitutes for snacking. These could include nuts or string cheese. Switch to whole-grains, and opt for more veggies over more fruit. Get a variety of colors, and make sure to eat plenty of dairy, protein-rich and with healthy doses of fat.
Low carb does not mean no carbs.
Many people make the mistake of assuming that a vegetarian low carb diet involves no carbs at all. This would not only be unhealthy, but also rather dangerous. Our bodies need a certain amount of carbs to operate-and give us essential energy for our everyday lives. You don't want to be lethargic constantly, so be sure to incorporate some amount of healthy carbs at every meal. Just keep in mind that those refined sugars cause a spike-then drop-in your blood sugar, which can also cause lethargy. Stick to the healthy options and you should have no problem.
Incorporating a great vegetarian low carb diet is absolutely possible, and can be quite easy if you can distinguish healthy carbs from those that offer little nutritional benefit.
