Following a low-carb diet is a way to drop pounds and create a leaner-appearing physique. Decreasing the amount of carbohydrates in your diet naturally means increasing the amount of protein you consume. Foods such as fresh vegetables, lean beef, fish and white-meat poultry should feature prominently in a high-protein, low-carb plan. Before following any diet plan, check with your doctor to make sure it is appropriate for your health situation.
Features
Most low-carb diets restrict your intake to 50 to 150 g of carbohydrates per day. Carbohydrates are found in varying amounts in grains, cereal, bread, fruits, nuts dairy products and vegetables. A high-protein plan usually involves consuming about 20 to 35 percent of daily calories from protein, or about 1 g per 1 lb. of your body weight. When following a high-protein plan, consider limiting your intake of proteins high in saturated fat -- specifically fatty cuts of red meat and cheese. Too much saturated fat can contribute to an increased risk for heart disease.
Breakfast
A high-protein, low-carb plan might begin with two whole eggs scrambled with two egg whites, 3 oz. lean ground turkey, 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, 1 cup cooked broccoli in 1 tsp. of olive oil. Have 1 cup of raspberries on the side. This meal provides 27 g of carbs, 54 g of protein and 15 g of fat.
Lunch
Salads are a natural on a high-protein, low-carb diet plan. Add 5 oz. of grilled chicken breast to a salad consisting of 4 cups of romaine lettuce, 1 cup chopped cucumber and 10 radishes. Sprinkle with 1 oz. blue cheese and dress with 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar and 1 tbsp. olive oil. Have a cup of no-sugar added jello for dessert. In this meal, you get 15 g of carbs, 51 g of protein and 32 g of fat.
Dinner
For dinner, broil 3 oz. of sirloin steak and enjoy with 1/2 cup quinoa and 2 cups of steamed greens, such as kale, dandelion greens or Swiss chard. Season the steak with Italian spices and minced garlic before cooking for flavor without added carbs. This meal contains 33 g of carbs, 40 g of protein and 8 g of fat.
Between Meals
Snacking between meals helps you fit in additional protein, while helping you keep your appetite in check. Have two snacks each day. Examples of possible snacks include: 1 oz. cheese with 1 oz. toasted, unseasoned almonds, 3 oz. of deli meat wrapped with mustard in lettuce leaves, 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese mixed with 3 oz. canned salmon and 1 tsp. capers, cut up red peppers with a dip made from low-fat sour cream, garlic salt and onion powder or 2 tbsp. peanut butter with celery stalks.
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