Low-carb diet foods fulfill the requirements of a typical low-carb diet. These diets stress the avoidance of carbohydrates, such as bread and grains, to help someone lose weight. Among the best low-carb diet foods are meat, poultry, dairy products, fish, and specific vegetables and fruits.
The theories related to losing weight when following a low-carb diet are based on how a person’s body processes insulin and burns fat. Digestion results in carbohydrates being processed into sugar, driving up a person’s insulin level. This can lead to the use of sugar for energy, resulting in limited use of the body’s fat stores for energy. Supporters of a low-carb diet insist that avoiding carbohydrates will lead to the body’s increased ability to burn fat for energy instead of relying on sugar, or insulin, for this purpose.
Avoiding specific foods will help a dieter focus on the best foods to meet the restrictions of a low-carb diet. Foods to avoid are those typically high in carbohydrates, such as sweets and pasta. Also on the list are bread and starchy vegetables, such as beans.
Meat is one of the best low-carb diet foods a dieter can choose. Depending on the cut, meat can not only be high in protein but also low in fat. A low-carb diet doesn’t typically concern itself with fat consumption, but some may choose to include lower fat items in their diet to meet other health concerns. Options for meats to include in a low-carb diet include steak, ribs, sausage, and bacon.
Poultry, dairy, and fish also rank high on the list of the best low-carb diet foods. Chicken and turkey products are common poultry items to include in the diet. The options for dairy include milk, cheese, and butter. Various kinds of fish, such as halibut, also meet the requirements of the low-carb diet.
Non-starchy vegetables can also be consumed when following a low-carb diet. Celery, radishes, lettuce, and asparagus are examples of low-carb diet foods. Other non-starchy vegetable options include spinach, mushrooms, and cucumbers.
Fruit can be tricky when trying to follow a low-carb diet. While fruit is considered an essential part of a normal diet, some fruits can be high in sugar and should be avoided if following a low-carb diet. The fruits that are allowed on some low-carb diet plans include blackberries, cranberries, and watermelon. High sugar fruits, such as oranges, grapes, and bananas, should typically not be included in a low-carb diet.
