What are low-carbohydrate foods?
Low-carbohydrate foods are foods that are low in carbohydrates, typically containing fewer than 20-50 grams of carbohydrates per serving. Some common low-carbohydrate foods include:
Meat, poultry, and fish
Eggs
Non-starchy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and broccoli
Nuts and seeds
Dairy products, such as cheese, cream, and butter
Healthy fats, such as olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado
Berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries
Some low-carbohydrate fruits, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives
Sweeteners, such as stevia, erythritol, and xylitol
Alternative flours, such as almond flour and coconut flour.
It is important to note that while low-carbohydrate diets can be effective for weight loss and improving certain health markers, it is still important to choose nutrient-dense, whole foods and to consider the overall quality of the diet. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before starting a low-carbohydrate diet or making any significant changes to your diet.
5 Vegetarian low-carbohydrate food recipes:
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms: Remove the stem from large portobello mushrooms and stuff with a mixture of sautéed spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and minced garlic. Bake in the oven until tender.
Cauliflower Rice Bowl: Cook diced vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, in a pan until tender. Add grated or processed cauliflower “rice” and cook until heated through. Serve with diced avocado, sliced almonds, and a drizzle of soy sauce.
Zucchini Noodle Stir-fry: Spiralize zucchini and stir-fry with diced tofu, snap peas, and your choice of stir-fry sauce. Serve with chopped peanuts and cilantro.
Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Salad: Slice eggplant and tomatoes and roast in the oven until tender. Toss with chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Serve over mixed greens.
Avocado and Tomato Salad: Dice ripe avocado and cherry tomatoes and mix with chopped red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Serve over mixed greens or in lettuce cups.
5 Non-Vegetarian low-carbohydrate food recipes:
Baked Chicken Parmesan: Bread chicken cutlets in almond flour and bake in the oven until crispy. Top with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.
Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-fry: Stir-fry diced broccoli and shrimp in coconut oil with diced garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Serve over cauliflower rice.
Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa: Grill salmon fillets and top with a mixture of diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas: Place a pork shoulder in a slow cooker and season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic. Cook until tender and shred with two forks. Serve in lettuce cups with diced avocado and salsa.
Baked Buffalo Wings: Toss chicken wings in melted butter and hot sauce. Bake in the oven until crispy. Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.