Low-carb diet: Can it help you lose weight?

A low-carb diet limits carbohydrates — such as those found in grains, starchy vegetables and fruit.

A low-carb diet is generally used for weight loss. Some low-carb diets may have health benefits beyond weight loss

You might choose to follow a low-carb diet because you:

• Want a diet that restricts certain carbs to help you lose weight
• Want to change your overall eating habits
• Enjoy the types and amounts of foods featured in low-carb diets

A low-carb diet restricts the amount of carbohydrates you eat.

sources of naturally occurring carbohydrates include:

• Grains
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Milk
• Nuts
• Seeds
  

  Typical foods for a low-carb diet

  In general, a low-carb diet focuses on proteins and some non-starchy vegetables. A low-carb diet generally limits grains, legumes, fruits, breads, sweets, pastas and starchy vegetables.

  Results

• Weight loss

  Most people can lose weight if they restrict calories and increase physical activity. To lose 1 to 1.5 pounds

• benefits

  Low-carb diets that emphasize healthy sources of carbs, fat and protein may help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Risks

A sudden and drastic reduction in carbs can cause temporary side effects, such as:

• Constipation
• Headache
• Muscle cramps