Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This is especially true for dieters. After a night of fasting, breakfast provides energy and nutrients to sustain daily activity. Many breakfast skippers complain that it's also difficult to find low carbohydrate foods to eat for the first meal of the day. There are quite a few foods that are healthy yet low in carbs. According to an article on the University of Maryland Medical Center website, a six-month controlled study showed that obese people lost more weight on a low carb diet than a low fat diet.
Cottage Cheese and Fruit
Although all fruit has some carbohydrates, certain types are low, yet provide many of the vitamins necessary for good health. A cup of cottage cheese for the protein and calcium and 1/2 cup of blueberries, strawberries or cantaloupe will satisfy early morning hunger and provide energy that will last through the morning. Cottage cheese and fruit will give you about 10 to 16 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the fruit you select.
Breakfast Burrito
With low carb tortillas on the market, this is a winning combination. Scramble a couple of eggs, stir in 1/4 cup of shredded cheese and wrap. Then scoop 1/4 cup of salsa over the top for a delicious and nutritious breakfast filled with protein, calcium and vitamins. A breakfast burrito has approximately 15 to 20 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the size of the tortilla.
Yogurt and Berries
One cup of plain yogurt and 1/2 cup of berries will fill you up without adding too many carbs. The yogurt contains calcium and protein, while the berries provide vitamins and fiber. This will give you about 12 to 15 grams of carbs for one serving.
Frittata
If you have time to cook, a frittata makes a delicious and nutritious breakfast food. Beat 2 eggs with 1 tbsp. of milk and salt to taste. Stir in an ounce of diced or chopped lean ham, 1/4 cup of diced bell peppers or broccoli and 1/4 cup shredded chest. Pour into a seasoned iron skillet and bake in a 350 degree oven for approximately 10 minutes. This has approximately 4 to 6 grams of carbs.
Turkey Bacon and Eggs
Cook carb free eggs however you prefer them. Turkey bacon can be cooked in a skillet, in the oven or in the microwave. Turkey bacon has approximately 1/3 the fat of pork bacon, yet it still has zero carbs.
Other Low Carb Options
There are many other low carb options. Substitute salmon for the bacon with eggs for another no carb meal, and you'll add the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for your heart. Grocery stores now carry many low carb cereals, as well as waffles and pancakes that can be eaten with sugar-free syrup. Some of the diet shakes in the nutrition sections of stores are low carb and convenient to grab on the run.
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