The theory behind the low carb diet is that if you restrict carbs, your body will go into a state of ketosis where it burns stored fat for energy. The end result of this process is a loss of weight. Learn what foods are low in carbs if you are about to start this type of diet.
Vegetables
With the exception of corn, sweet potatoes, regular potatoes and yams, vegetables are predominately low in carbs. Tomatoes, zucchini, broccoli, asparagus, alfalfa sprouts, cabbage, celery, cucumbers and spinach all have less than 5g. Vegetables are also high in water content, vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Meat
All forms of beef and pork have minimal amounts of carbs. They are also high in protein, but high in saturated fat as well. If you want to add these to your diet plan, choose lean varieties like pork tenderloins, tri-tip steak, eye of round and top sirloin steak.
Poultry
Chicken, turkey, duck and goose are all high in protein and very low in carbs. The dark meat of these birds is also high in saturated fat.
Fruits
Fruits are mostly high in carbs, with a few exceptions. Figs, avocados, kumquats, passion fruit, prunes, peaches, tangerines and rhubarb all have 10g of carbs or less. Fruit is also high in water and vitamin content, but lower in fat. Fruit has a high amount of fiber.
Dairy
In their regular form, dairy products are all high in fat, but they are also high in calcium and protein, and low in carbs. Skim milk, whole milk, sour cream, butter, cream cheese, cheddar cheese and cottage cheese are examples. Skim milk is on the higher end with just under 14g of carbs per serving and salted butter is at the lower end with under one gram of carbs per serving. Other than milk, all of the other diary products can be purchased in low-fat forms.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are low in carbs, high in protein and high in essential fatty acids. Walnuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, pecans, macadamia nuts and almonds all have less than 6g of carbs.
Eggs
Eggs are high protein foods that are low in carbs. This goes for the whites and yolks. A single large egg has about 3g of carbs. Egg substitutes are also low in carbs.
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