Low-carb diet plans utilize the process of ketosis, reducing the body's access to complex carbohydrates and forcing it to convert fat into glucose for fuel. To enable this process, dieters must carefully monitor the amount of carbohydrates they eat and in some cases cut them out altogether. Luckily, there are enough foods suitable for the low-carb lifestyle to offer dieters some variety.
Meats
The most obvious source of low-carb nutrition comes from meat. Meat naturally consists of protein and fat, with no carbohydrates whatsoever. Beef, pork, poultry and fish are all excellent choices for those living the low-carb lifestyle. It's important to note that while meats contain no carbohydrates, they can contain high amounts of saturated fats and cholesterol, so choosing lean meats is best for any dietary plan. Beef jerky can make a good substitute for carb-laden snacks like potato chips, but its high sodium content should make it an occasional treat.
Dairy
Many types of dairy products are suitable for the low-carb lifestyle. Milk can contain 12 to 15 g of carbohydrates per serving, as can plain or sugar-free yogurt products. Cheese makes an excellent low-carb snack, however, with most varieties containing 1 g or less of carbs per ounce. Nutritionists recommend sticking to skim or low-fat varieties to reduce the overall calorie count.
Eggs
Eggs make a good breakfast food for low carb dieters. One egg, scrambled, contains less than 1.5 g of carbohydrates. Hard boiled eggs are even better for the diet, at around half a gram per egg.
Nuts
Nuts make a good low-carb snack when enjoyed in moderation. The carbohydrate content depends on the individual variety, with cashews on the high end at 9 g per ounce and macadamia nuts and pecans offering less than 4 g per ounce. Peanuts range between 4 g for oil-roasted varieties to 6 g for dry-roasted peanuts.
Salads
The carbohydrate content of vegetables can vary significantly, but there are a few categories that are generally safe to choose from. Salad greens are low in carbohydrates, usually running between 1 and 2 g of carbs per cup. A cup of cucumber slices contains around 4 g, but carrots can add around 11 g per ounce. Tossed with some additions such as a hard-boiled egg, bacon bits, nuts or cheese, a salad can make an excellent addition to the low-carb menu. Blue cheese and Italian dressings offer the lowest carbs per tablespoon, at 1.13 and 1.53 respectively. Steer clear of Russian, French and thousand island, which are closer to 5 g.
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