Low carb life

Many people want to take off extra pounds for summer, but diets are notoriously prone to failure. It's hard to cut calories and be subjected to a rumbling stomach, plus intense exercise is unpleasant and time-consuming. So what are we supposed to do when we know we're skinny people trapped in not-so-skinny bodies?

Fortunately there are zillions of diet experts out there who promise quick, foolproof results if you follow their eating plans. One particularly popular option is low carbohydrate. Low carb diets essentially mean no sugar or grain. So, no sweets or bread or cereal. That's the downside. The upside is you can eat all the meat and fat and veggies you like, which typically means a cheeseburger without the bun is fine. 

There are plenty of variations on the low carb theme, which are outlined in books that offer meal plans, recipes, and benefits of the low carb lifestyle. If you're looking for basic low carb information, you can check out something like Living Low Carb: Controlled Carbohydrate Eating for Long-term Weight Loss.

A popular variation on the low carb theme is the low glycemic diet. These diets don't just dictate "NO CARBS!" Instead, they consider how quickly different types of carbs are metabolized by the body and provide guidance about good and bad foods using that criteria. Glycemic Index Diet for Dummies offers help with this type of eating, and you can also find plenty of low glycemic recipe books. Some people adopt this type of diet because it might help manage diabetes. If this includes you, consult your doctor before starting any diet. Needless to say, a book review blog written by a pair of cousins who have absolutely no medical training shouldn't be used as a substitute for medical advice.

"Eat like a caveman" describes yet another type of low carb diet. It's commonly known as the Paleolithic Diet. Supporters of Paleo believe that our bodies are designed to eat lots of fresh meat and veggies and avoid carbs and processed foods, just the way our ancestors did when they were wearing animal skins to hunt and gather thousands of years ago. Want to eat like a caveman? Get more information from books like Paleo for Beginners: Essentials to Get Started.

So if you're looking to shed a few pounds this summer to look better in your bikini, or just so your kids stop yelling at you for displacing all the water in their kiddie pool, check out the low carb option. Good luck!