List Of Low Carb Healthy Food

Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy. Once consumed, the body breaks them down into glucose for immediate energy or to glycogen for future energy. When carbohydrates are eaten in excess they are stored as fat. Harvard Medical School states in the article "The Skinny on Popular Diets" that low carb diets work for some people but not everyone. They further go on to state that some people may even gain weight on a low carb diet and that there is no evidence that supports short-term weight loss will lead to sustained weight loss. Some fitness professions such as Dr. John Berardi and Ryan Andrews suggest that what types of food the carbs come from and when the carbs are consumed during the day is key to weight control. Low carbohydrate foods help to keep blood glucose level and nourish the body with vitamins, minerals and proteins.

Meat and Fish

Lean grass fed meat and fish are healthy sources of low carbohydrate, high protein and high unsaturated fat foods. Farmed fish and feedlot meats can contain antibiotics, hormones, excess minerals and unhealthy levels of saturated fat. According to www.thefoodrevolution.org, grass-fed beef is lower in total fat and saturated fat and contains more healthy omega-3 fats than grain or feedlot beef. Fatty fish such as salmon, herring and halibut also contain high amounts of omega-3 fats. The University of Maryland states that there is strong evidence to support that omega-3 fats are helpful in treating heart disease. Low carb healthy meat and fish include all grass-fed meats (e.g., buffalo, bison, veal and elk) and tuna, halibut, salmon, trout, bass and cod.

Fruits and Vegetables

Ryan Andrews states in his article "All About Carbohydrates" that the majority of carbohydrates in the diet should come from fruits and vegetables. Fruits tend to be higher in carbohydrates than vegetables due to their fructose content; however, there are a few that are low in carbs. Vegetables are low in carbohydrates and are also a rich source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Low carb healthy fruits include sweet cherries, grapefruits, grapes, lemons, peaches, plums and tangerines. Low carb healthy vegetables include asparagus, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, eggplant, kale, lettuce, mushrooms, peppers, seaweed, spinach and tomatoes.

Nuts and Seeds

The American Heart Association states that diets containing nuts, seeds and other foods containing omega-3 fatty acids can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Nuts and seeds are also a source of fiber and amino acids. Low carb healthy nuts and seeds include almond butter, cashews, hazelnuts, peanuts, pine nuts, sunflower kernels, black walnuts, English walnuts and soy nuts.