Low-carbohydrate foods help you lose weight by keeping your blood sugar low. This prevents your body from releasing high levels of insulin into your bloodstream which, in turn, triggers hunger. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that, unfortunately, many foods that contain few carbohydrates also contain high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol---placing your overall health at risk. By making smart dietary choices, however, you can adhere to a low-carbohydrate diet plan while also limiting your saturated fat intake and getting plenty of nutrients.
Leafy Greens
Leafy green vegetables, such as cabbage, spinach, kale, broccoli, mustard greens and romaine lettuce contain few carbohydrates but are packed with nutrition to help you stay healthy while also losing weight. These vegetables are rich in calcium and help you make up for the calcium your diet may lack due to avoiding high-carbohydrate dairy products. Leafy green vegetables also contain plenty of fiber, which helps lower your cholesterol and improves your digestive health
Fish and Seafood
If you need a low-carbohydrate lean meat to serve with dinner, look no further than the seafood section at your local supermarket. Fish and seafood are naturally low in carbohydrates. Crab, cod, oysters, lobster, mussels, tuna, salmon and shrimp are all low-carbohydrate options full of flavor and nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to your neurological function and cardiovascular health. When preparing fish and seafood, avoid frying them as this adds unnecessary carbohydrates and fats to an otherwise healthy dish.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb makes a tasty and low-carbohydrate treat. This bright red, tart vegetable is a common addition to pies, pastries, jellies, jams and sauces and is naturally low in carbohydrates. One cup of raw rhubarb contains only 6 g of carbohydrates. You can eat rhubarb steamed, add it to salads or, using a carbohydrate-free sweetener, include it in a multitude of dessert recipes. An added benefit of rhubarb is its high potassium and vitamin C content.
Eggs
Eggs aren't just a breakfast food. Consider adding this low-carbohydrate option to your salads and casseroles or choosing a vegetable omelet or quiche for your next family dinner. According to the Egg Nutrition Center, one large egg contains only 0.4 g carbohydrates. What eggs lack in carbohydrates, however, they more than make up for with other nutrients. At only 72 calories, a single egg boasts 26 mg calcium, 6.3 g protein, 18 mg vitamin D and 67 mg potassium---making eggs a great low-carbohydrate addition to any meal.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Low-Carb Diets---The Right Way to Go?
- Center for Young Women's Health: Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
- Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Important Basics Food Chart---Carbohydrates
- University of Illinois Extenstion: Rhubarb
- Egg Nutrition Center: Nutrient Content of One Large Egg



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