Identification

• A low carb diet means that carbs are restricted, and they are often replaced with a fat or protein. A carb would be anything in a group of organic compounds that include sugar, starch, cellulose and gums. Most identifiable carbs include breads, pastas, cereals and rice.
  
  

Function

• The function of a low carb diet in fast food is to reduce obesity or for weight control. When your body stops absorbing carbohydrates, your body can go into ketosis.
  
  

Expert Insight

• Some low carb fast food options:
  
  In-N-Out Burger: protein style burger. Replaces the traditional bun with lettuce leaves.
  
  Carl's Jr.: protein style burger. Lettuce replaces the bun.
  
  Burger King: tender grilled chicken without the bun (3 grams of carbs).
  
  El Pollo Loco: skinless chicken breast meal.
  
  

Tips

• Order salads with grilled chicken and don't get croutons.
  
  Order burgers and sandwiches with no bread.
  
  Compare nutritional information.
  
  Watch out for "empty carbs" like alcohol.
  
  

Benefits

• Benefits of a low carb diet include weight loss, improved triglycerides, increased HDL (good) cholesterol, decreased blood pressure and lower blood insulin level.
  
  

Benefits

• Benefits of a low carb diet include increased energy, better mental ability, improved mood, lower "compulsive" eating, less craving for sweets and carbs and lower blood pressure.