Top

Simple Low Carb

What's a Low Carb diet anyways?

Sometimes referred to as “Keto”, a low carb diet is designed to re-train your body to burn and use fat for energy rather than the carbohydrates and sugars you have probably become used to having.

Let’s talk about the basics of the diet and how you can get started with this way of eating…

But why Low Carb?

Eating less carbs has great benefits! It aids in hunger suppression + helps curb those icky cravings for unhealthy foods. When combined with a calorie deficit diet, low carb eating will make you lose weight.

People with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) benefit a great deal with this way of eating because it reduces insulin levels and may even improve fertility. PCOS commonly affects one’s ability to maintain or lose weight, and making more mindful choices to avoid the types of foods that are high in net carbs or full of sugar will not only alleviate symptoms – some report them gone entirely.

How does it work?

Your body produces Insulin, an important hormone that’s meant to regulate blood sugar levels and energy storage.

Unfortunately, not everyone’s body handles carbohydrates well such as people with PCOS who struggle with insulin resistance, or those with diabetes who either don’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it as well as they should.

Your body wants to try to use incoming carbohydrates as an energy source. This means your body will use those carbohydrates first before it begins using the fat cells stored away on your body.

By reducing the amount of carbohydrates we consume, we give our body a chance to utilize the fat for energy instead. When paired with the correct amount of “macros” you’re allowed (Short for Macronutrients – the breakdown of protein, fat, and carbs in each food) for your Lean Body Mass and Height, you can either maintain a desired weight, or lessen your macros to lose weight.
More about Macros

Everything has carbs - what can I eat!?

You’ll be surprised by the many wonderful foods that you can still enjoy (we’re looking at you bacon!). Protein is your main focus and we highly encourage you to keep things simple by choosing a meat and vegetable at each meal – especially in the beginning. Here at Simple Low Carb, we’re maybe a bit more lenient than others who teach and speak of this way of eating because we don’t believe in things like “egg fasts” to start, or removing Diet Soda from your life. There’s a list of approved foods to help you get started in your Low Carb journey (It’s honestly sort of like Atkins – except you never incorporate additional foods). Still, there’s plenty of foods that you can combine into all sorts of delicious meals… so long as you are regularly weighing and tracking your food’s Macronutrients.
Approved Foods

Do I need to drink a lot of water?

While hydration is definitely important (we’re made of up to 60% water after all), it’s important to only drink to thirst, rather than forcing yourself to drink gallons of water every day.

Things work a little differently when you’re doing this way of eating and it’s important that you understand the role Sodium and other necessary nutrients play in your body’s functions.

That means you’re going to need to replenish your electrolytes by adding more sodium to your diet, and being mindful to consume potassium rich foods, and get in enough magnesium.
Electrolytes