Low-Carb High-Protein Breakfast Foods

Low-Carb High-Protein Breakfast Foods
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Although carbohydrates are normally your body's main source of energy, many diets suggest dramatically restricting, or even completely eliminating, carbohydrate intake. This is because carbohydrates increase the levels of insulin in your blood, and insulin is used for fat storage. However, it is overall calories that determine weight loss or weight gain, not necessarily nutrient intake. Protein is preferred by some diet plans because it supports a healthy metabolism and your body burns more calories digesting it than carbohydrates or fat--a phenomenon known as the thermic effect of food. Before beginning any diet plan, consult a doctor.

Sausage

Sausage is a traditional breakfast food that is low in carbohydrates but high in protein. However, sausage is also high in fat, which may not be appropriate for you, depending on the restrictions of your weight loss plan. According to The Daily Plate, three sausage links contain 140 calories, with 11g of fat and 9g of protein. If you want an option that is lower in fat and calories, you may want to try chicken or turkey sausage. Sausage is typically found in links or patties.

Eggs

Eggs are low in carbohydrates and high in protein, and each contains about 70 calories, according to the online nutrition resource The World's Healthiest Foods. Eggs contain a number of nutrients, such as vitamins B2, B5, B12 and D, as well as iodine, selenium and phosphorous. In addition, eggs contain choline, which The World's Healthiest Foods suggests may help reduce inflammation and promote brain function. Eggs may also aid in weight loss, explains The World's Healthiest Foods. Although eggs do contain some fat, fat can help you feel full and help you eat less food throughout the day.

Canadian Bacon

Canadian bacon is another high-protein breakfast option, and unlike sausage, it is low in fat and calories. According to The Daily Plate, a three-slice serving of Canadian bacon contains 60 calories, with 2g of fat, 1g of carbohydrates and 9g of protein. Canadian bacon can be eaten on a sandwich or wrap, or on its own, usually with a condiment such as mustard.

Turkey Bacon

You may find turkey bacon to be a healthful substitute for regular bacon, as it is lower in calories, fat and saturated fat. According to health and lifestyle website FitSugar, turkey bacon has a similar taste to regular bacon and can also have a crispy consistency. FitSugar points out that one serving of turkey bacon has 3g of fat, compared to 6g of fat in regular bacon. Turkey bacon is also higher in protein, with 7g per serving, compared to 4g of protein in regular bacon.

Lox

Lox is another name for smoked salmon, and it is often used as a topping for bagels and bread. Although those items may be too high in carbohydrates for your diet, you can put lox on vegetable strips for a low-carbohydrate alternative. According to the Daily Plate, lox is low in carbohydrates and fat--one serving contains 90 calories, with 1.5g of fat and 18g of protein.

References

Article reviewed by Lisa Dittrich Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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