Examples of High-Protein, Low-Carbohydrate Foods

Examples of High-Protein, Low-Carbohydrate Foods
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Whether you're following the Atkins Diet, the South Beach Diet or another special high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, you need to know which foods fit into your new way of eating. These diets may help you to lose weight, but plans need to be carefully followed for maximum effectiveness. A variety of low-carb, high-protein foods can help you meet your goals.

Eggs

Eggs are one example of a good food to eat on a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. The George Mateljan Foundation for The World's Healthiest Foods website reveals that one egg contains 5.5g of protein but just 0.49g of carbohydrate. During the first phase of the Atkins Diet, for example, you must limit your carbohydrate intake to 20g per day, and eggs can help you decrease the carbohydrates in your diet while still providing you with a range of vitamins and minerals. Eggs serve as a source of vitamin B2, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids.

Chicken

Skinless chicken breasts may play an important part of your diet when following a diet that requires low carbohydrates and high protein -- this food offers quality protein without the saturated fat found in other meats, like beef. One 4 oz. portion of chicken breast provides you with no carbohydrates and 33.79g of protein, according to The World's Healthiest Foods. In addition, chicken contains an abundance of vitamin B3, B6, phosophorus and selenium as well as zinc, potassium, magnesium and iron.

Cheese

Cheese, like cheddar, Colby, mozzarella and Monterey jack, can serve as a healthy, high-protein snack or feature in your meals while you're following a low-carbohydrate diet. A 1-oz. portion of cheddar cheese zero carbohydrates and 7g of protein, according to Nutrient Facts. It also provides you with a rich source of calcium, containing approximately 20 percent of the daily recommended intake. Cheddar cheese also serves as a source of vitamins A and B12, as well as zinc and phosphorus.

Salmon

Incorporating salmon into your high-protein diet will help you meet your nutrition goals. The World's Healthiest Foods notes that one 4 oz. portion of salmon contains no carbohydrates and 29.14g of protein. It also adds critical vitamins and minerals to your diet. One serving of salmon offers nearly 103 percent of the vitamin D you need for a single day as well as serves as a rich source of vitamins B2, B6, B12 and E, folic acid, magnesium, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids.

References

Article reviewed by Elizabeth Ahders Last updated on: Oct 26, 2010

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