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The beginning of the year is a popular time for making dietary changes, often due to the desire to re-balance the bounty of rich food and drink at Christmas and New Year. If you went a bit heavy on the carbs, sugar or alcohol over the festive season, it’s possible that you might have emerged with carbohydrate cravings or put on a few extra pounds. Some of us will consider going plant based while others may find this approach best for them.
Why curb the carbs?
Cravings for sugar or refined carbohydrates could be a sign that it is time to readdress your patterns of eating. Cutting out excessive carbs and sugars can support weight management and improve glycaemic control. It is interesting to note that studies comparing low-carb diets and low-fat diets indicate that people restricting their carbohydrates lose more weight in the short-term without being hungry. *
It is easier to curtail high GI (glycaemic index) carbs or a sugar habit if you swap for healthier alternatives. Have to the ready guilt-free low-carb treats, as well as snacks you can take to work or eat on- the-go. Most regular so called ‘healthy’ snack bars in stores and health food shops are loaded with sugar syrups or dried (high GI) fruit, so they are likely to perpetuate cravings. Low carb means low GI- so no blood sugar spikes and subsequent drops! But no need to deprive yourself when you can choose great-tasting nutrient-dense, low-carb alternatives:
What makes a low-carb nutritious snack:
Keto Collagen Snack Bars & Bites are the perfect option for on-the-go nutrition for a low carb and low glycaemic diet. Enhanced with Locako’s non-GMO, grass-fed Collagen, coconut MCTs, prebiotics and live gut friendly cultures, these delicious low-carb snacks are packed with protein and essential fats. Choose from great tasting Chocolate Hazelnut, Chocolate Caramel, Almond Collagen, Peanut Butter Jelly, and Chocolate Orange!
Discover delicious low-carb DIY treats:
A range of make at home delicious treats that will satisfy die-hard sweet-tooths and best of all they are all low-carb and keto friendly. Loaded with collagen, keto fats and clean ingredients, these convenient mixes are guilt-free!
✓ Peanut Butter Collagen Brownies
✓ Chocolate Chip Edible Cookie Dough
✓ Chocolate & Peanut Butter Mousse
How does stress effect carb & sugar cravings?
Unmanaged stress in our lives can lead to chronically elevated cortisol levels that can increase feelings of hunger, and cravings for sugar and unhealthy foods. Regular exercise and relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness meditation and gentle yoga, can help with lowering stress levels, making it easier to make healthier choices.
What is a low-carb, keto diet?
A ketogenic diet is high in fat and low in carbohydrate. A successful ketogenic diet needs quality fats to benefit from nutritional ketosis. Ketosis is when the body uses fats as its primary fuel instead of glucose from carbohydrates. Fats are metabolised into ketones, giving the brain, muscles and other tissues the energy to function. A standard ketogenic diet typically consists of 70% fat, 20% protein, 10% carbohydrates. Testing strips can be utilised to see if one is in a state of ketosis, by measuring the level of ketone bodies in the urine. Research suggests that the keto diet may have favourable impacts on short-term body weight and fat loss. *
Quality oils, such as coconut oil, MCT oil, avocado, olive oil, butter and omega 3 fish oils, are central to a keto diet. Other foods encouraged include fish, eggs, full-fat dairy, meat, nuts, berries and a variety of non-starchy vegetables.
MCT oil is the ultimate keto fuel! - Ideal for those following a Ketogenic diet, MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) deliver highly digestible fatty acids that quickly convert to ketones, giving the body fast and sustained energy. If using MCTs to boost your diet, make sure they are derived from coconuts and extracted through distillation without the use of chemicals or solvents. Nutiva’s Certified Organic MCT Oil is perfect added to salads, smoothies and hot drinks.
Locako’s Keto Coffee Creamers and Keto Collagen Protein Powders are packed with coconut derived MCT powder and grass-fed collagen protein- expertly designed to help sustain long lasting energy levels, increase satiety and reduce food cravings.
Why Locako products?
Locako is Australia’s #1 low carb and keto brand, bringing you delicious keto-friendly foods containing only the cleanest, healthiest and ultra-low carb ingredients. This pioneering brand is approved and recommended by qualified nutritionists and naturopaths.
Discover our full range of keto-friendly and low-carb products on our website here.
** Ketogenic diets and low carb diets are not suitable for everyone. If you are pregnant, lactating or have a medical condition please speak to your doctor before making changes to your diet. Any claims are based on clinical research, are not aimed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Food supplements should be used within the framework of a healthy lifestyle and not used as substitutes of a varied and balanced diet.
* References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022347602402065
