High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets are popular in the weight loss world, as many believe carbohydrate consumption puts you at a higher risk for obesity than other nutrients. Although total calorie intake determines weight loss, reducing your carbohydrate intake may have some advantages, explains sports nutrition expert Glen Danbury. One main advantage is that restricting carbohydrate intake puts many foods off limits, and it may be hard to overeat on a select few foods. In addition, Danbury notes that low-carbohydrate diets reduce insulin levels, which makes it easier for fat to be released from cells and burned. Before attempting any diet plan, consult your doctor.
Poultry
Chicken is one of the most commonly recommended diet foods because it is inexpensive, low in fat, contains very few carbohydrates, and is high in protein. However, chicken isn't the only meat product with those characteristics. Other poultry sources, such as turkey can be good high-protein, low-carb diet choices as well. Because it is low in calories, turkey can fit into any diet plan.
Seafood
Seafood is similar to poultry in that it is low in or devoid of carbohydrates and high in protein. Seafood sources vary in fat content, with some sources--such as tuna and shrimp--low in fat, and others--salmon and catfish--high in fat. Online nutrition resource World's Healthiest Foods notes that the fat in sources such as salmon can be good for you, though. Salmon contains omega-3 fats, which may help prevent cardiovascular risk factors and may reduce the risk of obesity by improving insulin response, explains World's Healthiest Foods.
Beef
Beef is another rich protein source, but many types of beef, such as ground beef, can be high in fat. However, during a low-carb diet, you'll want to consume adequate levels of fat to support your activity. As nutrition expert Glen Danbury points out, low-carb diets make your body accustomed to burning fat for energy, so you'll need to consume dietary fat to prevent your body from using protein--from your diet or your muscles--to keep you going.
Vegetables
Although vegetables do contain carbohydrates, it's important to eat them because they contain vitamins, minerals and fiber, all of which are needed for optimal health. As women's health website Bella Online points out, there are many vegetables that are low in carbohydrates, such as celery, broccoli, lettuce, bok choy, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower and mushrooms.
Oils
Because you won't have carbohydrates for energy, consuming adequate levels of dietary fat is important on a high-protein, low-carb diet. Oils are fat sources that contain no carbohydrates or protein, just fat. According to the MayoClinic.com, you should consume fat sources that are mostly unsaturated, such as canola oil, corn oil, olive oil, peanut oil and vegetable oil. Oils are calorie dense, so consuming too much oil can lead to weight gain.
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