Eating a low carb diet does not have to break your bank account. You can even follow a low-carb diet when eating at inexpensive restaurants. You may also buy cheap but healthy food from your local grocery or supermarket while still eating within low-carb diet parameters. Low-carb diets limit sugar, starchy vegetables and grain products -- especially refined grains.
Fruits
Fruits are generally not allowed during the initial phase of low carb diets such as the South Beach Diet, SouthBeachDiet.com explains. You may slowly incorporate fruits into your low carb diet after the initial phase of the South Beach Diet. The Atkins Diet specifically allows low glycemic fruits like blueberries, raspberries and avocados, Atkins.com notes. These fruits can be consumed even when on the go. You should avoid canned fruits because, while usually cheap, most of them are soaked in syrup or are heavily sweetened.
Lean Meats
Low carb diets such as the Atkins Diet and South Beach diet generally recommend the consumption of lean meats. Chicken, lean ground beef and fish are great examples of lean meats that are low in carbohydrates and also inexpensive. You can get these two types of meats at your local grocery or supermarket at reasonable prices. You should be careful to only stick to the grilled kind so that you avoid loading up on trans fat and calories. You could eat grilled tuna or grilled chicken as these are inexpensive low-carb meals.
Eggs and Cheese
The next time you are at the grocery or supermarket keep an eye out for eggs and cheese, Atkins.com notes. These types of food are generally inexpensive, and can be used in various low-carb dishes, including rich-tasting desserts like cheesecake without the crust. Cream cheese can be used to stuff celery or can be mixed with sour cream and spices for a creamy salad dressing.
Non-Starchy Vegetables
Low-carb diets often recommend loading up on non-starchy vegetables, such as cabbage, lettuce, celery and spinach, MayoClinic.com explains. You may decide to make these into a salad, for example. Broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, green beans and any kind of peppers make good cooked vegetable choices for a low-carb diet. For dressing that is low-carb and easy on the budget, you might consider making vinaigrette out of soybean oil and inexpensive, but good quality, vinegar.
Nuts and Seeds
Snacks composed of nuts and seeds, such as almonds and sunflower seeds, can be inexpensive low-carb alternatives to potato chips, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. Sugar-free peanut butter makes a fine snack with celery, or eat a spoonful of it as a "sucker."
Member Comments