Meals for High Protein, Low Carb Diets

Meals for High Protein, Low Carb Diets
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High protein, low carbohydrate diets come in many forms, with different restrictions on carbohydrate intake and calorie levels. For the most part, however, carbohydrate level is kept as close as possible to encourage your body to burn fat, rather than carbohydrates, for energy. Because of this, you'll have to eat enough dietary fat to power your activity. In addition to consuming low-carbohydrate, high-protein meals, exercise physiologist Anssi Manninen recommends using a fiber supplement and multivitamin to ensure you get enough nutrients on your diet. Before beginning any diet or supplement regimen, you should consult a doctor.

Flank Steak Salad

Steak may not seem as though it is an appropriate diet food, but on a low-carb, high-protein diet, it is. Flank steak is high in protein, contains no carbohydrates and has moderate levels of fat, according to The Daily Plate. The nutrition information from The Daily Plate lists a 3-oz flank steak with 23 g of protein and 9 g of fat. In addition, salad greens are low in calories and low in carbohydrates. If you need more fat calories for your personal nutrition plan, you can cook the flank steak in olive oil or butter. You may also want to add a low-carbohydrate salad dressing.

Surf and Turf

Surf and turf is a classic dish that pairs seafood--the "surf," usually lobster or shrimp--with steak, which is the "turf" component. This meat and seafood dish is low in carbohydrates, depending upon the side dishes. In addition, it is high in protein. Fat content varies, depending upon the cut of steak and the cooking methods used. When eating surf and turf in restaurants, ask how your meat is prepared, as sauces or other garnishments may add carbohydrates.

Chicken Kebabs

Chicken kebabs are easy to prepare and can have as much protein and as few carbohydrates as you desire. Kebabs contain cubed pieces of meat and sliced vegetables that are cooked on skewers. If you choose to use vegetables, use low-carbohydrate vegetables. According to the women's health website Bella Online, some low-carbohydrate vegetables are squash, tomato, peppers, onions and mushrooms. Be sure not to use high-carbohydrate marinades for your chicken.

Beef Soup

Homemade soup is relatively easy to make and can be a low-carbohydrate, high protein. Beef broth is low in carbohydrates, while beef is high in protein and high in fat. As with the chicken kebabs,use low-carbohydrate vegetables, such as onions, turnips, bok choy, turnips and celery. To add to the protein content, you can add other meats other than beef.

References

Article reviewed by James Dryden Last updated on: Sep 7, 2010

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