Let's Chew the Fat about Low Carb Foods

When people talk about diets, low carb diets are always a hot topic. There are many well known versions of the low carb diet along with celebrity endorsements. A low carb diet means you are lowering blood sugar and insulin levels which lead to weight loss. Carbs are also used for energy and when you lower your carb intake; your body will use stored fat for energy - which also means weight loss. 

Eating foods low in carbs eliminates many fats that can cause weight gain and other health problems. Low carb foods are also rich in minerals and high in protein. Once you decide that a low carb diet is right for you - the next step is to figure out is which carbs are good, and which carbs are bad. 

Bad carbs are foods such as pasta, white bread, alcohol, white rice, and all the typical - and favorite junk foods that are high in sugar. Other bad carb foods to avoid include: bacon, beef ribs, canned meats, deli meats, fatty beef and pork roasts, sausage and steaks, fruit juices and dried fruits. 

Good carbs are foods are healthy for you in more ways than one - they are foods that give you the nutrition you need - the energy you crave - and the taste you desire. Let's break down each good carb food group to give you a better idea of the foods you should eat: 

- Low Carb Fruits - these include apples, avocados, bananas, berries, grapefruits, lemons, kiwi, oranges, pears, pineapples, plums and strawberries. 

- Low Carb Vegetables - these include asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussel spouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, lettuce, olives, spinach, summer squash and zucchini.

- Low Carb Meats - these include chicken, Cornish game hen, duck, kielbasa, lean meats, pork, quail and turkey. 

- Low Carb Seafood - these include abalone, anchovies, clams, crab, halibut, lobster, mackerel, mussels, salmon, sardines, scallops, shrimp and trout. 

- Low Carb Herbs and Spices - these include dill, peppers, oregano, sage, thyme and turmeric.

- Low Carb Oils - these include butter, canola, corn, olive, peanut, sunflower, soybean and walnut.

- Low Carb Snack Foods - Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, dill pickles, hard boiled eggs, beef jerky and nuts.

- Other Low Carb Foods - Bagels, brown bread, eggs, pita bread, high-fiber breakfast cereals and oatcakes. 

To stay on a low carb diet, you need to choose the foods that will not only help you lose weight, but satisfy your taste and urges. Food was meant to be enjoyed. And just because you are eating low carb foods, doesn't mean they are low on the enjoyment scale. Once you adjust to your new low carb diet, you will quickly start to feel better and look better. The weight will come off and your energy levels will turn on even higher.

Please remember that before you start any type of weight-loss program or special diet, it's a good idea to consult with your doctor or other health care professional.

If you are interested in a weight loss program that consists of only meals with good carbs, we recommend you try Nutrisystem.