Foods Low in Carbs

According to some sources, eating foods low in carbs can help you lose weight. Read on for more insight into this controversial diet plan and discover which foods are best if you decide the low carb path is right for you.

The Mystery Behind the Low Carb Diet

The Atkins diet caused a low carb craze that is still going strong today. The whole concept of the diet is that eating foods low in carbohydrates and high in protein is the secret to a slimmer waistline. However, especially in recent years, the Atkins diet has come under fire from doctors and other medical professionals. Some contest that it is the type of carbs you eat, not the amount, that makes a difference. Still others argue a low carb diet makes no difference at all.

One of the main adversaries to Atkins is the American Heart Association, which states a high protein diet causes people to exclude healthy foods from their meals that provide them with important nutrients. Experiencing a distinct lack of vitamins and minerals can lead to serious health problems down the road, and so popular American diets including not only Atkins but also the Zone and Sugar Busters are not recommended.

If you choose to make eating foods low in carbs part of your weight loss plan, check out our food lists below to discover what will and will not work according to Mr. Atkins and other low carb gurus.

Meat and Seafood

Most meats including poultry and fish carry virtually no carbs. Ruling out processed meat is a good idea, as it is often likely to contain added sugar, which ups the amount of carbohydrates.

If you are looking for some high protein goodness to add to your list of foods low in carbs, consider the following:

• Hamburger Patty
• Steak
• Chicken Breast
• Tuna
• Pork Chop or Pork Loin
• Ham
• Bacon (in very moderate amounts)

Some of these carry as much as 29 grams of protein, making them ideal choices for those trying to lose weight.

Eggs and Dairy

Another great thing about sticking to foods low in carbs is the fact you don't have to give up yummy dairy products. As always, consume in moderation, but feel free to choose from these:

• Egg
• Milk
• Cottage cheese
• Yogurt
• Soft cheeses (Mozzarella, Brie, or Camembert)
• Medium cheeses (Cheddar or Swiss)
• Hard cheeses (Parmesan)

Fruit and Vegetables

Unfortunately unlike most other diets, fruits and veggies are blacklisted from a low carb meal plan. If you plan on following suggestions from experts like the folks over at the American Cancer Society who recommend eating five or more servings of fresh fruit and vegetables daily, then you are going to run into some issues.

It is possible to eat vegetables and fruit still, but you must omit dairy or whole grains, which can pose a meal challenge and a lack of diversity within your diet.

Some fruits and veggies that you can eat if you choose to focus more on these than dairy include:

• Lettuce
• Cauliflower
• Berries
• Spaghetti Squash
• Sprouts
• Celery
• Jicama
• Mushrooms
• Tomatoes

Some vegetables in particular that will not work:

• Beets
• Corn
• Carrots
• Potatoes
• Peas

Surprisingly, if you are following a low carb diet, you can also have olive oil and butter in your foods, which may help to curb the less than appealing taste of some of your produce options.

Nuts and Other Miscellaneous Foods Low in Carbs

You can add some creativity to your diet with:

• Tofu
• Soy milk
• Most beans (black, pinto, lentils, etc)
• Peanut butter
• Almonds
• Cashews
• Pecans
• Sunflower seeds
• Pumpkin seeds

Staying Fit

Eating foods low in carbs is only one way to lose weight. Slimming down the healthy way is best achieved by balancing your diet to include healthy and nutritious foods while committing to a regular exercise routine. Physical fitness is the ultimate weapon against excess body weight, and countless Americans have discovered that fad diets – as wonderful as they may seem – rarely work in the long term.