Low-carb prepared foods, along with other low-carb options, can help to promote weight loss and maintain safe blood glucose levels. Foods containing carbohydrates break down into sugar, causing a spike in blood glucose, according to Harvard's School of Public Health. This is potentially dangerous for diabetics and also might prevent fat breakdown and weight loss.
Significance
Using low-carb prepared foods as part of your low-carb lifestyle or diet makes meal and snack preparation easier -- which can make it easier to follow a low-carb plan.
Types
Low-carb prepared food options include "heat-n-eat" frozen foods, nut mixes, refrigerated meat products and packaged breads, cookies, cereals and crackers. Other convenience low-carb prepared foods you can find in the refrigerated section of your supermarket include prepared salads, cut vegetables and some fruits, deviled eggs, sugar-free yogurt, quiches, cheeses, low-carb tortilla wrap sandwiches, guacamole and tuna, chicken and crab salad.
Ingredients
Many low-carb prepared foods use artificial sweeteners such as Splenda in place of sugar. Other than that, look for low-carb prepared foods that include primarily natural ingredients such as spices, oils, vegetables, fruits, meats and dairy. Nut flours and flax seed or meal replace flour in foods such as cookies, crackers, breads and cereals.
Suggestions
Read ingredient labels for carbohydrate counts. Sugar-free products, typically considered low-carb foods, still can contain carbohydrates. Some products including processed meats, salad dressing and condiments contain high levels of carbs.
Keep track of your daily carbohydrates. According to the Mayo Clinic website, most low-carb diets limit your carbohydrate intake to 50 grams to 150 grams a day. Follow the suggestions of your physician or the guidelines for your particular diet plan.
Warnings
If you are diabetic and eating low-carb prepared foods, monitor your blood glucose level carefully. Some low-carb prepared foods still can cause your blood glucose level to spike to unhealthy levels. Ask your doctor what foods are appropriate for you to eat in your particular situation.
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