Low-carb diets focus on foods that avoid foods high in carbohydrates, particularly those high in the glycemic index. Finding low-carb products depends upon knowledge of what is and isn’t allowed on the diet. Meals for the diet revolve around certain meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Manufactured substitutes for high-carb items, such as flour or sugar, are also available. The best low-carb products depend on the time available to cook and personal taste preferences.
Most meats are allowed on a low-carb diet, as they consist mostly of protein and fat. Ground beef, grilled chicken, and bacon are all good low-carb products. Deli and canned meats may contain flavoring ingredients, however, such as in honey-baked ham, that will carry a hefty carbohydrate count, so they should be avoided.
Cheeses are another generally safe bet on this diet. Sliced, shredded, and block cheeses in most flavors will be appropriate low-carb products. Additives, such as gourmet cheese embedded with fruit, could lift the carbohydrate count. It’s best to check the nutrition label on unfamiliar varieties of cheese to make sure that the carbohydrate levels are low.
Vegetables should be consumed in moderation, with the exception of salad greens. Celery, mushrooms, and asparagus are all examples of low-carb products suitable for this diet. Corn, beans, and seaweed exemplify high carbohydrate vegetables and should be avoided.
It is possible to create baked goods on a low-carb diet using a flour alternative. There are nut flours, such as soy or almond, and flax seed meal. The best flour low-carb product substitute depends largely on personal taste. Nut flours tend to result in a lighter final presentation of the baked goods than the flax seed meal would produce.
Artificial sweeteners can replace sugar to minimize the carbohydrate count. Packets, granules, and liquid versions exist of artificial sweeteners. The liquid version is the best to use, however, as it contains fewer filler ingredients which could carry hidden carbohydrates.
Convenience foods are available as well that allow a dieter to eat on-the-go without sacrificing the diet. Meal replacement bars, protein shakes, and power bars exist in formulations that are suitable to this diet. This type of alternative food should only be used as a substitute for one meal of the day. Low-carb products such as these do tend to be slightly more expensive, so you may need to consider your budget when looking to replace a meal with this option.
Those who have more time to cook will want to stock the refrigerator and freezer with an array of meats and ready-to-use cheeses. Meal planning will take some practice and it’s best to keep a food diary, tracking both the carbohydrates and caloric intake. Personal preference regarding the best low-carb products depends upon experimentation and tracking what works, so being meticulous in record-keeping can help you to achieve your desired results.
