Nowadays low carb diet food is highly sought after due to the increasing popularity and benefits. These diets give spectacular weight loss results, but before getting the desired results many dieters quit because of restricted meal options. Therefore, it is important to know the options available before starting any such diets.
There is no particular definition of low carb diet foods but it can be defined as a food item which contains less than 40 percent of carbohydrates. All the food contains carbohydrates, proteins and fats. If the ratio of carbohydrate is low this means the ratio of proteins and fats is high.
Almost every dieter gets confused about the food which they can eat on a low carb diet. Some essential food items must be included in one’s low carb diet to ensure good health. You must include these things in your diet:
VEGETABLES
Best source of low carb diet foods are non starchy vegetables. Green leafy vegetables like spinach, asparagus, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber and celery should be included in the diet. Vegetables like potatoes, corn, peas, winter squashes and beets which contain starch should be prevented.
FRUITS
Fruits like lemon, limes, rhubarb and berries like raspberries, cranberries and blackberries can be included in the diet. Fruits which have comparatively low level of sugar like peaches, apricots, melons, nectarines and apples can be consumed but in limited quantity. Dry fruits and fruits with high sugar content should be prevented as far as possible.
DAIRY PRODUCTS
Low carb diet plan promote the consumption of some of the fatty foods as it helps the body to absorb the carbs as energy and not hold it as fat. Some of the diet plans restrict the intake of fatty foods which differ from the low carb diet. Lowest carb ratios can be found in milk products from which the whey has been taken out such as cottage cheese and strained yoghurt. Dairy products should be consumed fairly because milk contains sugar in the form of lactose.
MEAT, POULTRY, SEAFOOD AND EGGS
Animal protein foods and red meats have low carbohydrate content, though some organ meats contain significant amount of carbohydrates and also in shellfish like oysters and mussels. It is important to remember that cured meats may also have added sugars.
CEREAL GRAIN PRODUCTS
Grain derived foods like bread, pasta, rice etc are rich in carbohydrates. Therefore their quantity of consumption should be looked upon.
SWEET FOODS
Sweet products usually comprise of lot of carbohydrates until and unless they are artificially sweetened. These include foods like chocolates and soft drinks and foods made of white sugar.
In most of the food groups low carb diet food can be found, and by doing a careful study of the food options available, you can have a great weight loss regime by following a low carb diet without giving up the enjoyment of having nutritious and wide-ranging meals.
