Low-carb diets force you to limit carbohydrates like bread, starchy vegetables and sugary foods, and focus instead on protein and fat. Those who choose this diet typically want to lose weight. In theory, cutting carbs leads to lower levels of insulin, the fat-storage hormone, and causes your body to use stored fat for energy. However, the Mayo Clinic explains, though people do lose weight on low-carb diets, this theory is likely not the explanation. Consult a doctor before beginning any new diet.
Meat, Fat and Vegetables
You are likely to eat eggs and bacon for breakfast on a low-carb diet; most meats, fish, poultry and shellfish are fair game as well. Dairy products such as cream, cheese and butter are included, as are non-starchy vegetables like asparagus, spinach, broccoli, beet greens and water chestnuts. The only fruits included the initial phase of the famed low-carb Atkins Diet are some more commonly thought of as veggies --- tomatoes, avocados and olives.
Lean Meats, Healthy Fats, Whole Grains
Some low-carb diet plans don't involve a free-for-all with fatty meats and products such as butter, note Bettina Newman and David Joachim in "Lose Weight the Smart Low-Carb Way." The authors advocate lean protein like skinless chicken, healthy fats such as olive oil, and vegetables. This plan also does not entirely cut out grains, but does require the high-fiber, whole-grain versions in lieu of the processed, refined-grain varieties. According to the Mayo Clinic, many of the less strict low-carb diet plans allow fruits along with whole grains and vegetables, though a daily limit of 50 to 150 carbohydrate grams is typical.
Specialty Foods
Though you do not have to purchase special foods to follow a low-carb diet, many grocery and online stores stock shakes, sugar-free candies, energy bars, snack foods, prepared foods and mixes meant to fit into the low-carb lifestyle, note Kitty Broihier and Kimberly Mayone, authors of "The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook." You can even find low-carb breads, bagels, pastas and tortillas.
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