Following a low-carb diet can seem like picking your way through a minefield, since so many common foods have very high carb counts. But it is possible to enjoy a low-carb diet menu that contains adequate amounts of vegetables, protein and other nutrients--you just need to choose your foods carefully.
Significance
People follow low-carb diets for different reasons--some may be low-carbing to lose weight, while others may follow the diet to control their diabetes or for other health reasons, according to Vanderbilt University. If you're following a specific diet, you need to make sure your low-carb menus conform to that diet's requirements.
Misconceptions
It's a misconception to believe that your low-carb diet menu can't include many vegetables or any fruit. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's list of carbohydrate content, it's possible to include plenty of vegetables and some fruit in a low-carb diet menu. For example, half an apple contains about 10 g of carbs, while 1 cup of asparagus contains only about 4 g of carbs.
Types
You may need to rethink how you view breakfast to follow your low-carb diet menu, since high-carb items such as cereal and toast won't fit into your low-carb diet. Instead, consider fixing yourself two fried eggs, which contain less than 1 g of carbs, or an omelet with some sliced onions and bell peppers, which will come in at less than 5 g of carbs, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Snacks can include half an apple, half a banana or a handful of almonds or walnuts, all of which contain 10 g of carbs or less.
Options
For lunch, you'll need to avoid the traditional sandwich. Consider switching to a large green salad with sliced chicken and walnuts, topped with olive oil and balsamic vinegar--that should only "cost" you about 7 or 8 g of carbohydrates, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And for dinner, you can have a large broiled steak seasoned with salt and pepper, with a cup of asparagus on the side and, if you wish, another green salad.
Considerations
Any diet menu potentially can get boring after a while if you can't have foods you enjoy. But it's possible to enjoy all sorts of different foods on a low-carb diet menu--all you need to do is count carbs to make sure you don't go over your daily allotment, which will differ depending on which diet you're following. Just remember to check with your physician before starting any diet, including a low-carb diet, to make certain your provides enough vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Member Comments