It's not easy to maintain a healthy weight. Fad diets never work, and let's face it: nobody wants to starve. We all want to enjoy what we eat, but how can you eat well and still be healthy? Carbs are one of the biggest obstacles to healthy eating, and if you know a few tricks, you can cut some carbs and not miss out on good food. Here are some tips on how to eat well without all those carbs:
Cook More Often.
The truth of the matter is, we all eat far too many processed foods. If you can cook your own food more often, you can do without some of the carbs that processed foods pack into your day. Besides, cooking can be fun for the whole family. Start out simple, by making your own sauces and salad dressings. Then branch out and try new recipes. Look for low-carb versions of your standard family favorites, and spread your wings even more. You can even try some desserts that cut the carbs. You may discover things you never knew you loved and meet some new favorite dishes.
Enjoy Your Dips without the Chips.
Everybody loves a good dip, especially at parties. You know that you wind up scooping dips with a carb-laden chip, but you don't have to. Next time, try that french onion dip with a slice of cucumber or zucchini instead of potato chips. Scoop your hummus with a carrot instead of a pita chip. Sliced veggies provide a nice crunch without having to subject yourself to a ton of carbs. This principle works with sweeter treats as well (yes, even though the sweet stuff usually contains plenty of carbs on its own). Instead of making a peanut butter sandwich, spread it on some celery or an apple. You can still enjoy some of the tastes you crave and cut out some carbs at the same time.
Splurge on Seafood.
One of the best ways to enjoy terrific food and eat healthy is seafood. Whether you're well versed in seafood recipes or not, there are plenty of ways to eat fish and other seafood that can satisfy every taste. While it's true that seafood can be expensive, it can be a nice splurge that offers great flavor and healthier eating. Seafood recipes can be simple or complex. Start with the basics: the possibilities with shrimp, scallops, and salmon are endless. Then branch out to other great seafood options. Freshwater fish and crawfish have plenty of exciting potential to open your horizons to healthy eating as well.
Try Veggies Instead of Pasta when You Enjoy Italian Food.
Who doesn't love pasta? It's fun to eat and delicious, but it's loaded with carbs. But you don't have to cut your favorite Italian dishes completely out of your life. There's a great alternative: vegetables. You can substitute veggies for pasta and still make the best Italian meals delicious. Try sliced zucchini or eggplant with your favorite sauces, or invest in a spiralizer to create swirly, twisty veggie noodles. You can even lightly fry up veggies to give them a little extra bite. You'll be surprised how much flavor veggies can bring when you season them up and use them in place of pasta for healthier eating.
Omelets or Oatmeal Make a Terrific Breakfast.
You've heard it said time and time again that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but for such an important meal, so many breakfast options weigh you down with carbs. Biscuits, toast, and bagels come with more carbs than you need to start your day. So what do you do for a healthy breakfast that's hearty? Omelets are a great option for a flavorful and filling breakfast. Add meat and cheese or veggies to an omelet, and throw in some peppers for a bit of spice. You can also turn oatmeal into a tasty healthy breakfast. Throw some fresh berries and honey into the bowl to create a treat that wakes you up right.
Have you heard about the 1200 calorie high protein low carb diet? Are you wondering if this is the best diet to help you achieve the body of your dreams? You are not alone. When it comes to weight loss and trying to shed the excess pounds, the options on what you can do to help you achieve this can seem endless. After all, there is not one diet option that seems to work the same for everyone. Read on to find out if this meal plan could be perfect for you and your goals.
What is a 1200 calorie high protein low carb diet?
Before defining what a 1200 calorie high protein low carb diet is, you must first realize that there are numerous options and variations of low carb – high protein diets out there. Common examples include the Atkins diet, Protein Power, SugarBusters, and many more.
In this case, however, a 1200 calorie high protein low carb diet simply means; an eating plan that restricts your calorie intake to 1200 a day. It also requires you to consume meals that are relatively high in protein, have moderate/adequate amounts of fats, and have very little carbohydrates.
How does the 1200 calorie high protein low carb diet work?
Generally, the average woman and man needs about 2000 to 2500 calories, respectively, to maintain their weight. This number may increase or decrease depending on age, lifestyle, and level of fitness. When you consume just 1200 calories a day, you are putting yourself on a calorie deficit, which makes it that much more likely for you to lose weight.
On the other hand, a high protein low carb diet means that your carbohydrates intake is quite restricted. With no carbs to be transformed into glucose to use as energy, the body uses fat storage, which it uses as fuel. This, in turn, puts your body in ketosis state where your body starts using ketones as an energy source, causing more weight loss.
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What does a 1200 calorie high protein low carb diet consist of?
Before jumping headfirst into this way of eating, you must familiarize yourself with the kind of foods and drinks you can consume and those you must avoid. This will ensure that you do not deviate from the meal plan and can reap all the fantastic benefits of the diet.
Read More: The 90-Day Diet Plan: The Simplest Way To Lose Weight And Form Life-Long Healthy Eating Habits
What to eat on a 1200 calorie high protein low carb diet
Being on this diet does not mean that you will have a hard time finding meals to consume and being full and energized throughout the day. However, if you are unsure, this 1200 calorie high protein low carb diet food list will give ideas of what foods to shop for and which ones to avoid.
Foods that you can safely add to your 1200 calorie high protein low carb diet menu include:
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1. Non-starchy vegetables
Vegetables might not be high in protein, but they should always be included in every meal as they are high in other nutrients like vitamins and fiber. Veggies are also quite low in carbohydrates and thus will not greatly affect your diet. Some fantastic examples of vegetables include leafy greens such as spinach, kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, and Romaine lettuce. Other very low carb vegetables include bell peppers, asparagus, zucchini, mushrooms, cabbage, eggplants, cucumber, and Brussels sprouts.
2. Beans and lentils
While these foods are high in protein, they are also quite high in carbohydrates. In light of this, you should ensure to measure and carefully track your intake of beans and lentils to avoid going over your allowed carbs for the day.
3. Seafood
You can never go wrong by adding fish and other seafood to your meals, no matter what diet you are on. Some amazing examples of seafood that are packed full of proteins include salmon, tilapia, cod, flounder, shrimp, pollock, and halibut.
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4. Lean cuts of beef
These will ensure that you are getting your required amount of protein for the day without ingesting a lot of fats.
5. Chicken and turkey breasts
These are full of protein and have less fats as compared to other parts such as the thighs.
6. Eggs
They are very high in protein and should always be part of your 1200 calories high protein menu.
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7. Nuts and seeds
Examples such as hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, almonds, pistachios, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds, chia seeds, and cashews are full of protein and healthy fats.
8. Fruits
While some fruits are high in carbs, you can still opt for options with lower sugar contents, such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.
9. Whole grains
The diet is a low carb high protein one, and therefore you will still need to eat some carbs, albeit in very small amounts. Some options that you can consume include quinoa, barley, brown rice, buckwheat, and bulgur as they have a higher fiber content, which will help with the absorption of glucose.
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10. Vegan protein powders
You could also have plant-based protein powders if you are vegan or vegetarian. Pea and soy protein powders are among the most popular options.
11. Plant-based protein sources
Tofu and tempeh, are perfect for anyone who does not eat meat or eggs.
12. Dairy products
Such as milk, cheeses, and yoghurt. Not only are they a good source of protein, but they also provide calcium for your bones.
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What to avoid on a 1200 calorie high protein low carb diet
Always make sure to count your calories to ensure that you are eating the right amounts to avoid undereating and overeating. On the other hand, foods you should completely avoid on the 1200 low carb high protein diet plan include:
1. Refined carbohydrates
Also known as simple carbs, they include sugar and refined grains that have been stripped of all bran, fiber, and nutrients. Some common examples include bagels, waffles, and pastries, most breakfast cereals, white rice, bread, tortillas, and pizza.
2. Saturated fats and fried foods
Saturated fats can be found in animal-source foods like beef, lamb or pork, dark chicken meat such as thighs and drumstick and high-fat dairy foods like whole milk, butter, cheese, sour cream, ice cream.
3. Sugar
From candy and sweetened condiments. Always check the nutrition fact labels on your condiments before you buy them.
Beside considering this 1200 calories high protein low carb food list, always be sure to first consult a doctor and dietitian if you are looking to make changes to your diet. They will help you make these changes without putting your health at risk.
Read More: No Sugar Diet Food List To Keep Your Carb Intake Reined In
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Pros of a 1200 calorie high protein low carb diet
Some benefits of a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet include:
Weight loss
Eating 1200 calories a day, regardless of your type of diet, puts you on a calorie deficit, which means that you should start losing weight eventually if you maintain this diet for an extensive period of time.
You will feel full longer
Despite eating on a calorie deficit, you are likely to remain full for a longer amount of time. This is because proteins take a longer time to be fully digested. Due to this, you are also less likely to snack, keeping your energy intake intact for weight loss.
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Building and maintaining muscle mass
Increased protein intake contributes to greater strength and muscle mass gains when coupled with resistance exercise. It also allows for greater muscle mass preservation when consumed during periods of negative energy balance, i.e, when you are not working out (1).
Increased bone health
Most people reach their peak bone mass between the ages of 25 and 30. By the time we are 40 years old, we slowly start losing bone mass, and this can lead to weak and brittle bones, which can further deteriorate to osteoporosis. However, clinical studies have shown that a high protein intake could delay this by increasing muscle mass, calcium absorption, suppressing parathyroid hormone, and augmenting insulin-like growth factor 1 production (2).
Controlling blood sugar
This is especially beneficial to people at risk or those already suffering from type 2 diabetes (4).
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Cons of a 1200 calorie high protein low carb diet
Despite the above benefits, a 1200 calories low carb high protein diet plan can have some cons and drawbacks. They include:
Bloating and constipation.Due to consuming small amounts of carbs, your body tends to lack fiber. Fiber plays a vital role in keeping the digestive tract flowing and healthy, and without it, you are likely to suffer from bloating and constipation.
Weight gain.This will most likely happen if you are not paying attention to your 1200 calorie limit. Healthy foods can make you gain weight because extra calories will still be converted into fat regardless of whether they are from healthy or unhealthy food sources.
Heart disease.When choosing high protein low carb foods, some people choose options that are quite high in fats such as red meat and full-fat dairy products. These foods cause high cholesterol leading to clogged arteries, heart attacks, and strokes. Always go for lean cuts of meat and low fat dairy products.
Increased risks of kidney stones (3).
Worsening kidney problems.Anyone with a kidney problem should not try a high protein low carbohydrate diet because your body may have trouble eliminating all the waste products of protein metabolism.
While the 1200 calorie high protein low carb diet is a relatively safe eating plan for most people, it is always a good idea to first speak to your doctor or dietitian before deciding to undertake it.
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How to make an effective 1200 calorie low carb high protein diet plan
Many diets fail because people fail to plan appropriately. For you to actually achieve your weight loss goals, you must be dedicated and plan accordingly. Some things that you could do include:
Meal plan
Always knowing what you are going to eat before you have to consume it prevents you from making wrong and unhealthy decisions when you are hungry, especially after a long day.
Meal prep or food prep
When you choose to meal prep, you pick a day of the week to make and portion out all the upcoming meals for the week. These meals are then frozen so all you have to do is take them out and reheat them. This keeps you on your diet as you always have something healthy to eat that sticks to the diet.
If eating the same meals all week does not appeal to you, food prepping is the way to go. Unlike meal prepping, you do not have to cook all the meals. Here you can just cook the food options that take the longest to prepare. Everything else is chopped or grated and kept in airtight containers for future use. This cuts down the amount of time spent cooking, but it also gives you more leeway on the types of high-protein, low-carbohydrate meals you can consume in a week.
Carry the appropriate snacks
Many people can confess that they are snackers. However, choosing the right diet-appropriate snack can be hard to do when faced with more options. To prevent this, choose to carry low carb high protein snacks such as hard boiled eggs, unsweetened yogurt, a handful of nuts, and cheese slices; as long as they are counted within the 1200 calorie intake for the day.
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Sample 1200 calorie high protein low carb diet
Here is a two-day menu that you can use as your guideline of what a high-protein low-carb diet should look like:
Day One
Breakfast – Spinach and Egg Muffin Cups
1 tbsp olive oil, 2 cups chopped bell peppers, 1 cup onion, 2 cups baby spinach, 1 cup mushrooms, 4 whole eggs, 4 egg whites, 2 garlic cloves, salt and pepper to taste.
1/2 scoop pumpkin spice protein powder, 1/4 cup nonfat milk, 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, 1/4 banana, 1/4 cup plain 0% Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup water
4 salmon fillets, 1/2 cup toasted and finely chopped pecans, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley, 1 tbsp butter, salt and pepper to taste
Note that these measurements make 4 servings. One serving = One fillet
Total Intake for the day: Calories: 1165. Fat: 64 g, Proteins: 65 g, Carbs: 32 g.
Note that this is just a simple guide. You can adjust your amount of proteins, fats, and carbs to suit your needs.
The Bottom Line
If you are looking for a meal plan to help you lose weight, then the 1200 calorie high protein low carb diet could be a good plan to follow. This eating plan is low in calories and carbohydrates – two things that can hinder your weight loss goals if consumed in excessive amounts.
On the other hand, high amounts of protein keep you fuller for longer, preventing unnecessary snacking and boosting muscle growth when combined with exercising. If you are curious to try this eating plan for your weight loss, please talk to your doctor and dietitian to figure out if this meal plan is safe for you.
If you are interested in healthy meal plans, you may be curious about other methods of supporting your body health. Supplement a proper meal plan with some exercise and take up this 20 Min Full Body Workout at Home.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any medical conditions. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
SOURCES:
Dietary Protein and Muscle Mass: Translating Science to Application and Health Benefit (2019, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Dietary protein is beneficial to bone health under conditions of adequate calcium intake: an update on clinical research (2014, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
High protein diet brings risk of kidney stones (2002, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Very high-protein and low-carbohydrate enteral nutrition formula and plasma glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized crossover trial (2018, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Meat, poultry, and fish are low in carbohydrates. Anyone following a low carb diet should focus on eating healthy fats and proteins such as fish, nuts, and beans.
A low carb (low carbohydrate) diet is one that focuses on limiting carbohydrates to help the body burn fat instead of sugar for fuel. With a low-carbohydrate diet, dieters typically consume between 60 and 130 grams of carbohydrates per day, compared to a standard diet that contains 200 to 300 grams of carbohydrates.
Popular low carb diets include:
Atkins Diet plan
South Beach Diet plan
Keto diet
Paleo diet
What Do You Eat on a Low Carb Diet?
Carbohydrates are found in fruits, vegetables, grains (breads, rice, pasta, and cereal), alcoholic beverages, and dairy products. Meat, poultry, and fish are low in carbohydrates.
Anyone following a low carb diet should focus on eating healthy fats and proteins such as fish, nuts, and beans. Some low carb diets allow for foods high in saturated fats, such as found in butter and red meat, which can increase cholesterol levels and raise the risk of heart disease.
In general, foods to eat on a low carb diet include:
Vegetables
Fish and shellfish
Poultry
Meat
Eggs
Oils, butter, mayonnaise
Some cheeses
Low sugar fruits such as berries, cherries, and melon
Unsweetened yogurt
Nuts
Whole grains
Legumes such as lentils and beans
Unprocessed high fiber whole grains
Foods to avoid on a low carb diet include:
Foods with added sugars such as processed cake, cookies, candy, pastries, and soft drinks
Simple carbohydrates such as in juices, breads, cereals, and dried fruit
Starchy foods such as simple carbs like bread, pasta, rice, and chips
Starchy vegetables such as corn and potatoes
Any sugars, including honey, maple syrup, and agave
Fat free salad dressings, which often have added sugars and carbs
Milk
Juice
Beer
QUESTION
Weight loss occurs in the belly before anywhere else.See Answer
What Are Advantages of a Low Carb Diet?
Low carb diets may help with:
Weight loss
A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association compared the Atkins Diet, a popular low carb diet, to other popular diets (Zone, Weight Watchers, and Ornish) for weight loss and found each diet modestly reduced body weight and several cardiac risk factors at 1 year
Lowering triglycerides
Boosting HDL ("good") cholesterol
Increasing heart health, but only when protein and fats come from healthy sources such as vegetables
Low carb diets high in animal fats and proteins do not offer as much protection
What Are Disadvantages of a Low Carb Diet?
Low carbohydrate diets can have some health risks, such as:
Low blood pressure
Kidney stones
Constipation
Nutrient deficiencies
Increased risk of heart disease
"Keto flu" which includes symptoms such as upset stomach, dizziness, decreased energy, and mood swings caused by the body adapting to ketosis
Low carb diets may not be sustainable for many people, resulting in weight gain if they stop following the diet and start eating more carbohydrates.
A low-carb, high-fat diet involves a person reducing the number of carbohydrates they consume and replacing them with healthful fats. In recent years, this type of diet has become popular among people trying to lose weight.
A low-carb, high-fat diet (LCHF) involves using ketones from fat for energy instead of glucose, which comes directly from carbohydrates. When a person significantly reduces or limits the number of carbs they consume in a day, it forces the body to use fat stores as fuel, which may lead to weight loss.
However, science does not always agree on the safety of LCHF diets. Although some research supports its use to help a variety of health conditions, other studies report that LCHF diets can be dangerous.
Read on to learn more about LCHF diets, how to begin, and are they safe?
Share on PinterestAn LCHF diet may have a positive effect on type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
Eating a diet that is high in protein and fat tends to make a person feel full faster than they would if they consumed only carbohydrates, particularly simple carbohydrates, such as sugar.
As well as weight loss, some evidence supports the use of LCHF diets to help certain medical conditions.
An LCHF diet may have a positive effect on the following conditions:
type 2 diabetes
certain cancers
polycystic ovarian syndrome
Alzheimer's disease
heart disease
However, scientists need to carry out more research to understand the LCHF diet's long-term effect on overall health. There is conflicting evidence on the safety and effectiveness of the LCHF diet. One study suggests that diets low in carbohydrates may lead to premature death from heart disease, cancer, and stroke.
For some people who want to lose weight, simple lifestyle changes, such as exercise and a balanced diet, might be all they need to improve their overall health and well-being.
However, for those who want to follow an LCHF diet, it is essential that they implement it in a healthful, well-planned way. It is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before beginning an LCHF diet, particularly for those people with a medical diagnosis.
It might be a good idea to ease into an LCHF diet by first cutting out refined and processed carbs, such as white bread and processed sugar and focusing on whole food based carbohydrates, such as fruits, beans, legumes, and whole grains. This may be a good start to reaching weight loss and health goals without having to drastically reduce the number of carbs eaten.
An LCHF diet can include anything from a casual reduction in carbohydrate intake to following a much more structured plan. However, any LCHF diet involves reducing carbohydrate consumption. Most LCHF diets recommend that a person eats 50 grams (g) or less of carbohydrates in a day.
The Atkins diet
The Atkins diet is a popular LCHF diet that promotes weight loss.
The Atkins diet involves four phases:
Phase 1: A person eats no more than 20 g of carbohydrates a day for 2 weeks.
Phase 2: A person can start to add more foods, such as nuts, fruits, and low-carb vegetables, into the diet.
Phase 3: As the person approaches their goal weight, they can consume more carbohydrates.
Phase 4: A person can eat whole grain carbs and other healthful carbohydrates as long as they do not start gaining weight.
Many of the pre-packaged products linked to the Atkins diet are processed and contain sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners.
Some research links these types of sweeteners to metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and weight gain. If following an Atkins-type diet, it is a good idea to focus on whole food sources rather than processed foods and bars.
The ketogenic diet
The ketogenic, or keto, diet also encourages a low-carbohydrate and high-fat intake.
Though there are a few variations, a ketogenic diet typically involves a person consuming no more than 5–10 percent of carbohydrates in their daily diet — this equates to about 20–50 g of carbs per day.
The ketogenic diet aims to help the body achieve a state of ketosis. Ketosis occurs when there are not enough carbohydrates available for the body to use for energy, so it starts to break down fat stores to use instead.
This effect typically induces weight loss and may have other health benefits for some people. However, the diet may also have side effects and scientists need to carry out further research to identify the long-term benefits and dangers of the ketogenic diet.
When a person starts an LCHF diet, it is essential that they plan their meals.
Meal planning can help a person:
buy only the food they need, which will save wastage and money
avoid eating the same foods repetitively
cut out meals heavy in carbohydrates
For those following an LCHF dietary plan, such as the Atkins or ketogenic diet, there are many resources available to help a person plan their meals and create shopping lists.
Share on PinterestCashew nuts are a good source of fat and protein for people on an LCHF diet.
LCHF diets typically require a person to eat foods that are low in carbohydrates.
In general, a person following an LCHF diet should include lean proteins and healthful fats in their daily diets. It is essential to be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating.
Some sources of fat and protein for LCHF diets include:
meat, including beef, pork, chicken, and turkey
fish, such as salmon, tuna, herring, and cod
cheese
butter
avocado
oils, such as olive, coconut, flaxseed, and avocado oil
nuts, such as peanuts, almonds, walnuts, and cashews
seeds such as sunflower, chia, and flax
eggs
Some fruits and most non-starchy vegetables are low in carbohydrates. These include:
spinach and other dark leafy greens
berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries
broccoli
cauliflower
asparagus
Brussels sprouts
carrots
small portions of melons, peaches, and apples
In moderation, a person can also eat dark chocolate and drink dry wine and still stay low-carb.
Depending on the exact dietary plan a person is following, they may choose to include small amounts of the following higher-carb food items:
quinoa
sweet potatoes
potatoes
beans and legumes
brown rice
oats
other tuber vegetables
other whole grains
People following an LCHF diet should avoid drinks that contain large amounts of added sugar, such as sodas, sweetened teas, and juices. Unsweetened teas, coffee, and water are excellent choices.
The most obvious foods to avoid are those that contain high carbohydrates with little nutritional value or fiber, such as refined and overly processed foods. This includes sodas, cakes, and cookies. These often contain a lot of added sugar, including artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols.
Other foods that people can avoid or consume in smaller quantities include:
white pasta
white rice
bread and rolls
baked goods such as pastries, cakes, and muffins
candy
drinks with added sugar, such as energy drinks, soft drinks, and fruit juices
beer
sugar-heavy coffees
diet drinks
low-fat foods as they may contain extra sugar
Some people may choose to avoid starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, beans, and whole grains. However, a person might not need to exclude all these foods to maintain an LCHF diet.
Share on PinterestA person may experience fatigue if they suddenly cut down on carbohydrates.
When a person suddenly cuts down on the number of carbohydrates they eat, they may experience some temporary side effects, including:
weakness or fatigue
muscle cramps
headache
constipation or diarrhea
skin rash
bad breath
As the body adjusts to these dietary change, these effects should go away.
There is currently not a lot of research into the long-term side effects of LCHF diets. However, some potential risks may include:
a higher chance of developing heart disease from eating animal protein and fat
increase in the risk of developing chronic diseases
nutritional deficiencies
Children and teenagers should not attempt a diet that reduces their carbohydrate intake. Nutritional deficiencies could lead to bone density loss or impaired growth.
People with medical conditions or other concerns should speak to their healthcare provider before starting an LCHF diet.
In the short-term, an LCHF diet may help a person lose weight. However, there is little research on the long-term health effects of LCHF diets. Some studies indicate that the diet may help a person avoid heart disease and other medical conditions, while others suggest it may lead to more chronic conditions.
Before starting an LCHF diet, a person should speak to their healthcare professional.
10 Diet Pills to Kickstart Your Weight Loss Efforts
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If you're struggling to lose weight, a diet pill can give you the boost you need to reach your goals. Some are available over-the-counter (OTC), while others require a prescription from your doctor. Either way, for the best results, combine any weight loss pill with lifestyle changes (like exercising more or eating a healthier diet). Here are a few diet pills that can help you get over your weight loss hump.
Best Overall: Phentermine
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Phentermine is a prescription diet pill consistently proven to help its users lose weight. Users report that phentermine boosts their energy levels, making it easier for them to increase their daily activity and exercise more. Most users also experience appetite reduction that makes it less arduous to eat less. However, phentermine users also find that the drug is less effective the longer you take it.
Best Value: Nature Craft's Natural Raw Green Coffee Bean Extract
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Prefer something OTC? Nature Craft's Natural Raw Green Coffee Bean Extract contains caffeine to boost your metabolism, plus chlorogenic acid to slow the absorption of carbohydrates (aka everything delicious). Users find that they're less likely to overindulge when taking this diet pill, and report high energy levels with no jittery feelings or "crash." More than 900 reviewers have weighed in, giving it a solid 4.5 star average rating.
Best Diet Pill for a Low-Fat Diet: Alli Orlistat
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Alli Orlistat is a diet pill that blocks 25 percent of the fat from the foods you consume, creating a reduction in the amount of calories you absorb. Orlistat users experience the best results when they combine the diet pill with the suggested, healthy eating plan—seriously, you do not want to over-indulge. Users report that it's essential to adhere to a low-fat diet when taking Alli; otherwise, you risk digestive distress, stool leakage, and flatulence.
Best Diet Pill for Men: Prime Labs Prime Test Testosterone Booster
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Prime Labs Prime Test testosterone booster is a popular diet pill with men who want to lose a few pounds and increase their testosterone levels. Users find that they have more energy and have better performance in the gym and weight room. Is there's a six-pack under your pudge? Fans also report that this diet pill helps eradicate stubborn belly fat. It has over 25,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.5 rating.
Best Diet Pill for a Ketogenic Diet: Keto BHB
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If you want to try a ketogenic diet or prefer to eat low-carb foods, Purley Optimal's Keto BHB Supplement is an excellent diet pill to assist with your weight loss efforts and help you reach ketosis (the prized metabolic state where fat, not glucose, is used as fuel) as quickly as possible. Users report that Keto BHB helps combat the low energy levels that can accompany a low-carb diet, and boosts mental clarity to help prevent keto-related brain fog.
Best Diet Pill for Women: Nobi Nutrition Premium Women's Fat Burner
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Nobi Nutrition Premium Women's Fat Burner is formulated specifically to assist with the often frustrating female weight loss journey. Fans of this diet pill find that it gives them more energy and suppresses the appetite without making them feel jittery. They also report feeling less hungry between meals and having more self control around foods that typically trigger them to overeat.
Best Night Time Diet Pill: Dr. Emil Bedtime Burn
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Tackle your weight loss goals at night with Dr. Emil Bedtime Burn. This stimulant-free diet pill raises your metabolism while you sleep and contains ingredients to promote a better night's sleep—bonus! Bedtime Burn fans find that it helps reduce their cravings and raises their metabolism. It also aids them with falling asleep quicker and staying asleep so that they have ample energy to conquer their workouts.
Best Diet Pill for Overhauling Your Brain's Hunger System: CONTRAVE
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The brain's bitty hypothalamus, which is responsible for controlling the body's appetite and energy expenditure, can have an outsized effect on a person's weight. CONTRAVE is a prescription diet pill that reduces hunger and cravings by impacting how the brain's hypothalamus functions. While users of CONTRAVE report significant weight loss, this weight loss comes at a price. CONTRAVE can cost anywhere from $100 to $400 if it isn't covered by your insurance. Some users report side effects including headaches and constipation.
Best Multitasking Diet Pill: Native Nutrition Apple Cider Vinegar+
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Apple cider vinegar is associated with a slew of health benefits, like controlling blood sugar levels, easing indigestion, and lowering cholesterol levels. Native Nutrition Apple Cider Vinegar+ encourages weight loss and features all the qualities conventionally associated with this supplement—except the taste. Fans of this diet pill find it a far more pleasant alternative to drinking apple cider vinegar, and report that it's effective at reducing bloat and assisting with appetite control.
Best Diet Pill for Reducing Bloat: NutriRise 15-Day Colon Cleanse
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Bloated from overeating or consuming high sodium foods? Your body may be retaining water, which can conceal your weight loss. It's also incredibly uncomfortable. NutriRise 15-Day Colon Cleanse is an excellent way to jumpstart your lifestyle change and eliminate stomach-distending bloat. Users like that this cleanse eliminates that too-full feeling and encourages a loss in pesky water weight without causing significant digestive distress.
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