Low-carbohydrate diets are thought to promote weight loss by encouraging your body to metabolize fat in a different way, helping you feel more full than usual, encouraging your body to lose excess water and reducing overall calories, according to the Mayo Clinic. Constantly having to buy fresh meat and vegetables can be time-consuming, as well as a financial drain. It may be helpful to purchase frozen low-carbohydrate food or to freeze food yourself.
Frozen Meat
For a lot of low-carb diet followers, meat is a staple. Buy meat that is already frozen or freeze fresh meat as soon as you bring it home. Most meats are acceptable, but avoid breaded meats that may contain carbs. Consider the fact that diets high in red meat can lead to a shortened life span and an increase in diseases such as cancer, heart disease and stomach ulcer. Restrict red meats and instead buy white meats like poultry.
Frozen Fish
Choose cold-water fish such as mackerel, salmon and tuna, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. These healthy fats are important in any diet and may play an important role in brain function, heart health, growth and development. The American Heart Association recommends that you eat two portions of fish a week as a part of a healthy diet. Again, avoid breaded fish or fish with added sauces, which may contain carbohydrates. Purchase frozen fish or freeze fresh fish as soon as you get it home.
Frozen Vegetables
The U.S. Department of agriculture recommends that you eat three to five portions of vegetables per day. Vegetables low in carbohydrates include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, asparagus, avocado and kale. All can be purchased already frozen. Do not thaw frozen vegetables before cooking them to avoid losing vitamin C content, according to a paper published in the journal "Nahrung" in 2000.
Considerations
Food stored constantly at zero degrees Fahrenheit will always be safe, according to the USDA. If you are going to freeze fresh food, do so soon after its purchase to retain freshness. Although a low-carbohydrate diet may help you lose weight in the short term, extremely restrictive diets come with risks, such as constipation, nausea, dehydration and irritability, according to the Mayo Clinic. The healthiest diet is a balanced one that contains healthy quantities of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds and with lean sources of protein, according to the Mayo Clinic.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Low Carb diet
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Freezing and Food Safety
- Pubmed: Nahrung: Vitamin C losses in some frozen vegetables due to various cooking methods. 2000
- Drugs.com: Too Much Red Meat May Shorten Lifespan
- Low Carb is Easy: Diet Plans
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Food Guide Pyramid
Member Comments