Since its introduction in the 1970s, low-carb dieting has become one of the more popular weight loss methods. Plans like the Atkins Diet and the Paleo Diet work on the principle that your body accelerates fat burning when most carbohydrates are eliminated from the diet. To break the monotony and to give yourself the most nutrients possible, you'll need to eat a wide variety of foods that are naturally low in carbohydrates.
Meats
Unprocessed meats of all varieties are acceptable on a low-carb diet. While moderately low-carbohydrate plans, like the Paleo diet, call for leaner cuts of meat, stricter plans, like the Atkins diet, require more dietary fat--which is needed for energy in the absence of carbs. While meat naturally contains no carbohydrates, processed meats like sausage, meatballs and meatloafs often have added carbohydrates and may not be acceptable, depending on the strictness of your diet.
Greek Yogurt
Thicker and stronger in taste than the American variety, Greek yogurt is naturally high in protein, with only 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving. Greek yogurt can be eaten on its own as a snack, as a substitute for sour cream, or used to make healthy dips.
Vegetables
Vegetables, especially leafy greens, contain few carbohydrates and are loaded with important vitamins and minerals. Veggies are an important component of low-carb dieting because they are one of the few naturally low-carb sources of fiber. You can add a broad range of colors and flavors to your diet by eating a wide variety of vegetables.
Nuts
Nuts of all types are low in carbohydrates and high in protein and healthy fats. Nuts are particularly useful to low-carb dieters, because they are one of the few naturally low-carb snack foods. Nuts are a convenient snack food because they do not require refrigeration and can be carried with you for a healthy, low-carb snack on the go. A 28g serving of dry roasted mixed nuts contains only 7g carbohydrates.
Coffee/Tea
With most juices, soft drinks and dairy beverages containing sugar and carbohydrates, beverage choices are limited for dieters who wish to avoid artificial sweeteners. Home-brewed coffee and tea are natural beverages that contain no carbohydrates. Drink them hot or iced when you need a break from plain water. To sweeten them without sugar or artificial sweetener, you can use stevia extract, a natural low-card sugar alternative available in most supermarkets.
References
- "The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Food You Were Designed to Eat"; Loren Cordain; 2002
- "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution, Revised Edition": Dr. Robert Atkins: 2002
- "The Metabolic Diet"; Dr. Mauro Di Pasquale; 2000
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