If you are trying to lose weight, there are several diet options. Low-carbohydrate diets have been shown to provide a quick weight loss and attract many people due to this. A low-carb diet limits the amount of carbohydrates in the diet but not fats. Many animal protein sources, often included in a low-carb diet, are high in fat. If you are also concerned with your fat intake, there are low-carb foods that are also low-fat.
Meat, Poultry and Fish
A low-carb diet is typically high in protein, which helps to keep you feeling full after a meal. Meat, poultry and fish are rich sources of protein, however, animal products often carry high levels of fat. Some of the fat is saturated, which is more harmful to your body because it can raise cholesterol levels. The lowest-fat options in this category are chicken or turkey breast without the skin, fish, shellfish, Canadian bacon, extra-lean ground beef, pork tenderloin and egg whites.
Dairy Products
Dairy products are also high in protein, but they are not always low in carbs or fat. Milk and flavored yogurts tend to be higher in carbs, while butter, cream and sour cream are higher in fat. Like meat products mentioned above, some of the fat will be saturated fat, which is harmful to your health if eaten in large amounts. Options for both low-carb and low-fat dairy foods are 1 percent cottage cheese, reduced-fat cheeses or fat-free cheeses. Plain, low-fat Greek yogurt is also lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein than regular yogurt.
Fruits and Vegetables
Unlike meats and dairy, fruits and vegetables are mostly low-fat, but not necessarily low-carb. Green leafy vegetables and non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower and spinach are both low-fat and low-carb. Vegetables that are higher in carbs are potatoes, corn, peas and winter squashes. Fruits tend to be higher in carbs because they are made of sugar, which is the simplest form of carbohydrate. Lower-carb fruits include berries, apricots and melons, such as honeydew, cantaloupe and watermelon.
Other foods
When choosing your beverages, the most natural low-carb and low-fat choice is water. There are also many artificially sweetened drinks available, as well as diet soda. Butter, margarine, oil and mayonnaise are all low-carb, but have high fat content. Choosing light margarine and mayonnaise is one way to lower the fat content. Cereals and grains are carbohydrate based, so most will not be low-carb. Puffed rice or puffed wheat cereals have a lower carbohydrate content and are also low in fat.
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