Carbohydrates stimulate the body to produce the hormone called Insulin. Insulin controls the movement of sugar from food into the cells of the body where it is then either used for energy or stored as fat. Years of excessive insulin production (Hyperinsulinemia) from eating high amounts of carbohydrates leads to a steady decrease in the sensitivity of the cells to insulin which in turn leads to the body having to make more and more insulin to get the same job done.  This condition is known as Insulin Resistance and if left untreated it eventually leads to high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity and type II diabetes. 

Restricting one's consumption of high carbohydrate foods is the most effective way to control Insulin Resistance and the host of disorders and health problems which typically accompany it. Most low carb diet plans like the Atkins Diet and the Protein Power Life Plan etc. promote eating nutrient dense carbs like green vegetables and salads with moderate amounts of protein-rich foods like meat, eggs and cheese. The goal is to force the body into buring fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. This is known as benign dietary ketosis. Although the emphasis is on counting "carbs" instead of calories, one does still need to consume fewer calories than one is burning in order to lose weight. See my Low Carb Foods list for more details on what to eat during the induction phase.

The main difference with low carb diets is that the low carbohydrate intake will reduce hunger and appetite which makes it much easier to eat smaller portions than a regular low calorie diet. Low carb diets also gives you more energy thus making you more likely to want to exercise. So the bottom line is that you are not starving all the time. And the best part of it all is that this way of eating can be modified for maintenance when you are finished with your diet so that you don't regain your weight. 

Since Low Carb Diets have become so popular there are now many new Low Carb Products, Low Carb Snacks and Low Carb Recipes available to help the dieter stay on track. If you want to add variety to your diet and eat Low Carb Pasta, Low Carb Bread or Low Carb Cereal.