With so many diets relying on carbohydrate control, you need to be informed before you shop for groceries. It is imperative to look for the leanest meats and most natural products that you can find. When purchasing packaged items, read the labels and concentrate on grams of carbohydrates and sugar content. The higher the sugar, the more carbohydrates the food will have. In addition to helping you lose weight, a low carbohydrate diet is recommended for people with diabetes and epilepsy. You'll need to avoid the cookie and candy aisles as well as fruits with high glycemic content.
Meat, Poultry and Seafood
Unless they contain additives, meats are naturally low in carbohydrates. You'll need to avoid consuming too much fat, so look for low-fat beef, pork, turkey, chicken, duck, buffalo, salmon, fish, sardines, tuna, lobster, shrimp, crab and scallops. Stay away from canned or processed meats, deli meat, stuffed meats and most sausage. If you want steak, choose the leanest cuts you can find to prevent overloading your diet with artery clogging fat.
Green Vegetables
Purchase leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, bok choy, dark lettuce, dandelion greens, cabbage and watercress. If possible, buy fresh vegetables. However, most frozen vegetables have maintained the nutrients, but avoid those with sauces that may be high in sugar or other forms of carbohydrates.
Other Vegetables
Vegetables, such as broccoli, celery, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, squash, eggplant, cucumbers, artichokes, kelp and tomatoes, are packed with nutrients and very few carbohydrates. Carrots and potatoes are loaded with carbohydrates, so you'll want to limit those.
Sprouts, Herbs and Mushrooms
Add alfalfa, clover, onion, garlic, oregano, thyme, cilantro, basil and any type of mushroom to your list.
Seeds and Nuts
Most nuts are low in carbohydrates. Purchase walnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and pine nuts.
Fruits
The lowest glycemic fruits are apples, blueberries, peaches, cherries, strawberries, oranges, grapes, pineapple, avocado and kiwi. Lemons and limes are good for garnish and seasoning.
Other Low Carbohydrate Items
All types of eggs (chicken, goose and duck) are low in carbohydrates and high in protein. You are also safe with olive oil, flaxseed oil and canola oil. Sour cream, cottage cheese, sugar-free yogurt, cheese, cream cheese, natural peanut butter and low-sugar salad dressings are good. Most diet sodas are low in carbohydrates. There are also some low carbohydrate beers and wines on the market.
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