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Low carb diets plans are based on the idea that excess carbohydrates causes weight gain. When following these diets you will have to avoid foods like bread, pasta and eat more high protein foods like meat and soy products. Generally you will only eat around 20 to 60 grams of carbs a day. Most low carb diets (such as the popular Atkins diet) are what is known as ketogenic, which means that they make the body burn fat for energy instead of carbs.

Different types of diet plans are available, like the Atkins diet, Carbohydrate Addicts, Protein Power, the Zone diet, and all other high-protein low-carb diet plans. These diet plans serve different purposes, so you should carefully select the one that is good for you. You should always consult your doctor before selecting a diet plan.

Here is an overview of four of the most popular low carb diets plans for you to consider.

Atkins Diet

The most famous low carb diet is the Atkins Diet. The Atkins Diet was created by Dr. Robert C. Atkins. It Focuses on the consumption of nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods and vita-nutrient supplementation, the Atkins diet restricts processed/refined carbohydrates, such as high-sugar foods, breads, pasta, cereal and starchy vegetables. The Atkins Diet sells products and offers more information called the Atkins Advantage.

The Zone Diet

The Zone Diet was developed by Barry Sears, a former researcher in biotechnology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Zone dietary program is based upon consistent insulin control coupled with the supplementation of high-dose fish oil.

The Zone’s eating plan is a combination of a small amount of low-fat protein, fats, and carbohydrates in the form of fiber-rich vegetables and fruits. Proteins should be eaten with every meal and at every snack. Carbohydrates should be twice the size of the protein portion.

These include vegetables, beans, and whole-grains. “Unfavorable carbohydrates” such as brown rice, pasta, bananas, bagels, etc. should be eaten in smaller portions.

Protein Power

The Protein Power Plan book was published in 1995, Michael and Mary Eades. Protein Power is most closely compared to Atkins in that it is at the more restrictive end of the spectrum where carbohydrates are concerned.

However there are some differences. The Eades permit the consumption of alcohol and caffeine unlike Atkins. PP was also one of the first plans to allow for the deduction of fiber from the total carbohydrate count, thus permitting a higher Effective Carbohydrate Level.

Special Carbohydrate Diet

The premise of this diet is that a nourishing, healthy, natural diet, minus grains, sugar and preservatives, can often restore a digestive system to good health. The diet does not limit the amount of carbohydrates eaten, just the kind of carbohydrates. This diet is outlined in the book ‘Breaking the Vicious Cycle’ by Elaine Gottschall.

In the end though, whether a diet plan is effective will mostly depend on the eating habits it teaches people. Will you just lose weight while on the diet and then gain everything back as soon as you stop? The best weight loss plans, be it low carb or otherwise, show you how to change your eating habits and replace junk food with healthy foods. They will also teach you the importance of exercise for long tern weight loss and health.

Read About Fast Weight Loss also Read about High Glycemic Index Foods and Low Carb Diet Plans