Eating a diet low in carbohydrates requires the reduction in the amount of calories taken from food that contains carbohydrates and increasing caloric intake from foods rich in protein and fats, explains FamilyDoctor.org. Most low carbohydrate diets limit carbohydrate intake to below 100 grams per day, reports MayoClinic.com. Nevertheless, there are a number of food options that offer variety and are readily availabile in grocery stores.
All-Bran Cereal
All-bran cereal is both low in carbohydrates and a rich source of fiber. More to the point, all-bran cereal should definitely be included in the low carbohydrate grocery list because a half-cup serving only contains about 22 grams of carbohydrates, explains the United States Department of Agriculture.
Bananas
Fruits such as bananas are also low in carbohydrates. Consuming a banana that weighs about 100 grams contains below 27 grams of carbohydrates, explains the United States Department of Agriculture.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a great example of a starchy food that is relatively low in carbohydrates and also a rich source of both fiber and protein. Each 100-gram serving of brown rice contains only about 23 grams of carbohydrates, according to Carb-Counter.org.
Kidney Beans
Kidney beans are great food options to include on a low carbohydrate diet grocery list. Each 100-gram serving only contains a little over four grams of carbohydrates, notes the Carb-Counter.org. In addition to that, kidney beans are also great sources of protein.
Lentils
Lentils are fantastic foods to add to a low carbohydrate diet shopping cart. Every 100-gram serving of lentils contains less than 20 grams of carbohydrates, explains the United States Department of Agriculture.
Low-Fat Yogurt
One cup of low-fat, or fat-free, yogurt has only 12 grams of carbohydrates, according to East Carolina Family Practice Center. Low-fat yogurt also contains about five grams of protein per serving. This makes yogurt an excellent snack for people on low carb diets.
Mangoes
Mangoes are also great food options to include in a low carbohydrate diet grocery list. Each 100-gram serving of ripened mango contains about 18 grams of carbohydrate, explains the United States Department of Agriculture.
Unprocessed Meats
Unprocessed meats have virtually no carbohydrates. Beef, pork, poultry and fish are among the foods that have no measurable carbs. Processed meats like lunch meats, bacon and packaged sausage contain varying levels of sugar and grain fillers, so will likely contain some carbs.
Vegetables
Vegetables such as broccoli, and, celery are rich sources of fiber. Every 100 grams of broccoli contains about six grams of carbohydrates, while the same quantity of celery has less than four grams of carbohydrates, explains the the United States Department of Agriculture.
Whole Wheat Bread
Whole wheat bread has about 43 grams of carbohydrate for every 100 grams, notes the United States Department of Agriculture. Commercial low carb breads can contain as little as 8 grams per two-slice serving.
References
- Carb-Counter.org: Cabs In Nuts & Seeds
- East Carolina Family Practice Center: Carbohydrate Snacks
- FamilyDoctor.org: Nutrition for Weight Loss: Is a Low-Carbohydrate Diet Right for Me?
- MayoClinic: Low-Carb Diet: Could it Help you lose weight?
- United States Department of Agriculture: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 16
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