Breakfast cereals, toasts, sandwiches, pasta, pizza and rice are very typical in a standard American diet, but do not constitute suitable options if you are following a low-carb diet and trying to keep your carb intake as low as possible. Low-carb diets usually provide between less than 20 g to 150 g of carbohydrates a day, which can help promote weight loss and healthy blood cholesterol levels. Carbohydrates are found in grains, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and legumes. They're also abundant in sugar and sweets.
Chicken Salad
Salads are perfect for your carbohydrate-restricted diet. Fill up your plate with non-starchy low-carb vegetables such as leafy greens, spinach, radicchio, cucumber, tomatoes and green onions. Top your salad with a 4 to 6 oz. of grilled chicken breast, shredded cheddar and two slices of crumbled bacon. Drizzle low-carb ranch dressing over your salad that is now ready to enjoy. This healthy salad contains very few carbs, less than 10 g, which are provided by the vegetables only. The other ingredients in this meal are free of carbohydrates.
Salmon and Veggies
The best combination for a low-carb meal is protein, non-starchy vegetables and healthy fats. For example, you can serve a 4 to 6 oz. serving of salmon fillet with a generous serving of non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli, red bell pepper and cauliflower, cooked in olive oil. Spread a mixture of equal parts of sour cream and Dijon mustard over your salmon before cooking it in the oven and season your vegetables with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. This healthy low-carb meal contains less than 10 g of carbohydrates, depending on your choices of vegetables.
Low-Carb Mini Pizzas
You can have pizza on a low-carb diet, but not with the usual pizza dough. Instead use Portobello caps. Top the Portobello caps with a sugar-free tomato sauce. Add sausage, bacon or chicken if you like and garnish with slices of mushrooms, bell pepper and onions. Top with shredded cheese and bake in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. These low-carb pizzas are sure to please and each one provides no more than 6 to 8 g of total carbohydrates, of which about half are dietary fiber.
Sausage Omelet
Omelets are super easy, quick to prepare and can help you stick to your low-carb eating plan more easily. Beat whole eggs with your favorite seasonings in a small container. Meanwhile, heat a skillet with olive oil. Add a combination of non-starchy vegetables, such as onions, zucchini and broccoli. Cook a few minutes before adding slices of pre-cooked sausages and the egg mixture. Top the omelet with shredded cheese and cook until set. This healthy dish is practically carbohydrate-free, with less than 5 g of carbohydrate per serving provided by the non-starchy vegetables.
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