Carbohydrates are important for a healthy diet, and they can provide a valuable source of energy, but for some people, watching carbohydrate intake is important. You can choose to lower carbohydrate intake as a part of a weight-loss diet, while people with diabetes tend to keep a close count on carbohydrates because too many can lead to unhealthy spikes in blood sugar. Therefore, having low-carbohydrate food options can be beneficial knowledge.
Leafy Greens
According to the American Diabetes Association, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, collards and kale are low in carbohydrates and calories, making it hard to eat too much. These green leafy vegetables can be used in a number of ways. They can be made into salads, sauteed and served as side dishes or mixed into whole-grain pasta or rice dishes.
Sugar-Free Drinks
Sugar-free drinks contain an insignificant amount of carbohydrates. Carbohydrate-free drinks include water, black coffee, unsweetened tea and diet sodas. You can drink these as a substitute for beverages that contain a high amount of carbohydrates, such as sugary soda and coffee drinks.
Nuts
Incorporate low-carbohydrate nuts into your snacks and/or meals. According to the Nebraska Human Resource Institute, one serving of nuts such as almonds contain 4 g of carbohydrates, brazil nuts 4 g, walnuts 5 g and peanuts 6 g. There are some nuts that are higher in carbohydrates, such as pistachios and cashews; these would not be the best low-carbohydrate nut option.
Salmon
Salmon, a fatty fish high in valuable omega-3 fatty acid, is also low in carbohydrates. A serving of salmon contains an insignificant amount of carbohydrates.
Salmon can be consumed in numerous ways, such as added to a salad, grilled, mixed into a pasta dish, added to a cracker snack or rolled into sushi. Eating salmon, or other fatty fish, two to three times a week can help you consume healthy amounts of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter can provide a versatile food low in carbohydrates. A serving of regular creamy peanut butter contains about 7 g of carbohydrates, and raw peanut butter will contain fewer carbohydrates because there is no added sugar.
Use peanut butter as a healthy snack on crackers or fruit such as bananas and apples. Peanut butter can also be added to smoothies or made into sandwiches. In addition to being low in carbohydrates, peanut butter provides a valuable source of protein and unsaturated healthy fats.
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