When you see the words “low carb meal plan for weight loss,” do you think, “Not that again?” or “Been there, tried that?” If so—or even if you are still holding out hope—I have good news for you. There is something in the “low carb” idea; it is the concept of balance that is largely lacking in the fad diets—as well as, for some, the concept of prepackaged, processed foods.
Too Many Grains
The truth is, Americans consume far too many grains. Some grains are good for us, and we do need carbohydrates in our diet. But all grains and all carbs are not created equal, and even the good ones need to be eaten in the correct proportion to proteins, fats, vegetables, and fruits.
As far as grains go, whole wheat, contrary to popular belief, is not that good for you. Better than white, yes, but not that much better. I suggest eating bread in moderation anyway, but when you do eat it, it should be sprouted whole grain bread or rice or spelt bread. In the beginning of a weight loss program, though, even those good types of bread should be eliminated from the diet for best results. It can be added in, in small doses, later.
Certainly, anything containing wheat—which includes more things than you would think, such as baked goods and even ice cream—should be cut out. Wheat is hard for us to digest and makes weight loss difficult.
No More White Food Stuff
Similarly, the white stuff has got to go: white sugar, artificial sweeteners, flour, potatoes. (Cauliflower can stay.) Potatoes—organic ones, because conventionally grown potatoes have a large residue of pesticide, but that’s really another story—are not inherently evil, but should not be included in a diet when weight loss is the goal. Once you have reached your target weight, and depending on your metabolic type, the occasional (organic) potato is fine.
The Six-Week Low Carb Plan
I usually recommend a six-week plan in which grains are not included at all until the fourth week, and then still minimally. You still get some carbs, though, from vegetables and fruits—because our brains need carbs to function! And if you have a carb-type metabolism, you require more carbs in your diet than other people.
My low carb diet plan includes a protein option, a veggie option, and a fruit option for each meal and each snack (mid-morning and mid-afternoon) each day for the first week. The second week, I switch it up a little and take out the fruit but include a fat choice (such as avocado—actually a fruit—or flaxseed oil) with breakfast. The third week, fruit is back on the menu.
In Week 4 we add some grains back in—a carb choice with lunch each day, which could be brown rice, millet, or quinoa—or sweet potato or beans, which are not grains, but do provide some extra variety.
I think you see how my low carb plan is a little different from others you’ve tried before…
Let the Diet Solution Program teach you how to drown out the fad diet noise so you can feel confident in your ability to lose weight for good. A low carb meal plan for weight loss doesn’t consist of a diet that tells you not to eat fruits and vegetables, find out why!
