A low-carb diet forbids starchy, refined carbs like those found in white bread, white rice, chips, crackers and artificially flavored puffs. But no matter how healthy your diet and lifestyle, it is human to sometimes crave something salty and crunchy, which can threaten your low-carb regimen. Pork rinds are free of carbohydrates, making them acceptable as an occasional treat when you are on a low-carb diet.
Pork Rinds
Pork rinds are made of pig skins that have been cut into strips, smoked and deep fried. They are more popular among Mexican-Americans, but enjoyed a surge in world-wide popularity when mentioned as a favorite snack by George H.W. Bush during his 1988 presidential campaign. Pork rinds are high in fat, but 43 percent of the total fat is unsaturated. They are very high in salt -- a 1-ounce serving contains 521 milligrams of sodium.
Carb Facts
Carbohydrates are necessary for energy and for brain function. Natural carbohydrates like those found in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and legumes do not cause the insulin spike and drop in blood sugar levels that starchy, refined carbohydrates do. Pork rinds offer the salty crunch of potato chips without the starchy carbohydrates.
Low-Carb Dips
Cream cheese, sour cream and certain full-fat cheeses are relatively low in carbohydrates. Adding spices and flavorings like liquid smoke does not add any appreciable carbs, and chopped bacon or clams add texture without adding carbs. Experiment with different mixtures until you find one that is right for you. Substituting turkey bacon can help lower the saturated fat count slightly, but will add sodium.
Warning
Pork rinds are not as high in saturated fat as you might think, but they are loaded with sodium. Eating a high-sodium diet can increase your risk for hypertension and heart disease and can also make you retain water, which will defeat your aim of lowering those numbers on the scale. If you are determined to stay away from carbohydrates, but can’t resist the crunch, make homemade pork rinds by baking strips of ham skin in an oven preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit for three hours. Ham already contains sodium, so do not add salt before or after baking.
Member Comments