Low carb diets, such as Atkins, the Zone and South Beach, have become very popular for weight loss. These diets reduce carbohydrates such as breads and grains, starchy vegetables, fruit and all forms of simple carbs like sugar. Low carb diets focus mostly on fats and protein and, according to the Mayo Clinic, can have health benefits such as lowering blood cholesterol levels. However, these benefits only occur if saturated fats are still limited. It is important when following a low carb diet that meals and snacks are also low in saturated fat to reduce risks of heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fats to less than 7 percent of total daily calories, even for low carb diets.
Tomato and Cheese Stacks
This tasty snack is not only quick and easy to prepare, it is both low carb and low in saturated fats. Layer a slice of tomato, a thin slice of low fat mozzarella cheese and a fresh basil leaf. Drizzle on top a small amount of balsamic vinegar or olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy immediately or let it rest at least 10 minutes for a stronger flavor.
Butternut Squash Fries
A potato is a starchy carbohydrate that is not considered part of a low carb diet, but substituting butternut squash still allows the low carb dieter to enjoy french fries. Butternut squash has only 10g carbohydrates per 1/2 cup, which is about half the amount of potatoes. Slice the squash into french fry size sticks and place on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Make sure the fries are not touching each other, sprinkle with salt and spray again with cooking spray. Bake at 425 degrees for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping once halfway.
Veggies and Dip
Chopped up vegetables make a healthy snack that is easy to take on the go. Take time one day a week to chop and prepare vegetables and keep them in a sealed container to access throughout the week. Red bell peppers, carrots, celery, jicama, cucumbers and green snap peas are tasty raw and provide a satisfying crunch. Adding dips to vegetables not only makes them taste differently, but it also adds more protein, which can help keep you feeling fuller longer. Healthy low carb dips include tzatziki, which is a greek dip made from yogurt, and hummus, low fat ranch and peanut butter.
Low Carb Chips and Salsa
Make your own baked tortilla chips with low carb flour or corn tortillas. Slice one tortilla into chip size triangles and place evenly on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt, chili powder and spray again with cooking spray. Bake tortilla pieces in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 6 to 7 minutes until brown and crunchy. Make fresh salsa by mixing chopped tomatoes, onions and cilantro, or to decrease preparation time, used jarred salsa.
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