Carbohydrates are a macronutrient, along with fats and proteins. They are used for immediate energy by the body or they are stored in the liver and muscles in a converted form called glycogen. If you are looking to reduce your intake of carbs, it's important to know which foods have low amounts.
Meats
Meats are high in protein, B-vitamins, iron and trace minerals like zinc and selenium. One thing they are not high in is carbohydrates. Specific examples include beef, hamburger patties, turkey, chicken and game meats like venison, duck, goose, bison and rabbit.
Fish
Fish is considered meat by some and not by others. Any way you look at it, all types of fish are high in protein and low in carbs. Cold water fish, like salmon, mackerel, herring and tuna are also high in omega-3 fatty acids which help with heart health.
Eggs
Eggs are high in protein, tryptophan, choline, amino acids and cholesterol and they are very low in carbs. This goes for any preparation such as scrambled, poached, hard boiled or fried.
Drinks
There are various fluids that are all low in carbs. Examples of these include water, coffee, tea and diet beverages. But coffee and tea only remain low carb when you do not add sugar to them.
Various types of alcohol are also low in carbs. Examples of these include vodka, whiskey, sherry, red and white wine, light beer and gin.
Oils and Nuts
Cooking oils and butter are high in fat and have virtually no carbs. Examples of oils include olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil and coconut oil.
Nuts and seeds are also high in fat and low in carbs. Examples include almonds, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds.
Vegetables
Other than potatoes and squash, vegetables are relatively low in carbs. But there are some that are lower than others. Low-carb vegetables include spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, celery, mushrooms, bok choy and radishes.
Cheese
Cheese is a dairy product that is high in protein, fat and calcium. One thing that it is not high in is carbs. Some of the lowest carb choices are Monterey Jack, muenster, fontina, cheddar and Gruyere.
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