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Low Carb Food List: What’s Allowed and What Isn’t?
Have you recently decided to pursue a low carb lifestyle as part of an overall diet and wellness plan? Are you confused about what food items may or may not be included in a low-carb food list? The truth is that many people who set off on this type of diet plan are still a bit unclear as to which foods are low in carbohydrates and which foods should be, well, avoided. This is problematic because with more and more people opting for a diet lower in calories and carbohydrates these days, the need for a universal food list has never been greater. As a start, in this article we will provide a short, abbreviated sample of a low-carb food list, along with some of the foods you should always try to avoid.
Low Carb Food List: Foods to Avoid
The first step in creating a low carb food list is to identify the foods that should NOT be included. Some of the foods on this list are just plain unhealthy and will be obvious, while others are often considered staples of a healthy diet and may surprise you. Nevertheless, the following is a brief list of foods to limit or avoid when walking the “low carb path.”
• Sugar. Sugar, especially refined sugar which is found in items such as candy, cakes, and sweetened soft drinks, should be completely avoided.
• Bread. Although white bread is the biggest culprit here, all types of breads are loaded with carbohydrates.
• Rice. All types of rice, whether white, brown or wild rice also contains carbohydrates.
• Pasta. It’s true. The low carb lifestyle means saying goodbye to your favorite pasta dishes.
• Alcohol. Alcohol of any kind breaks down to sugar and is loaded with carbohydrates. Therefore, if you’re going to drink, do so in moderation.
Low Carb Food List: The Good News
For some people, especially those initially setting out on a low-carb lifestyle, the restrictions mentioned above may seem just too outrageous to bear, but you may be surprised by how many tasty foods are considered healthy in a low carb food list. The next time you visit the grocery store, try putting some of the following items on your list:
• Meat. This includes meat of all kind including beef, pork, chicken and turkey.
• Seafood. Fish and shellfish are loaded with protein and other nutrients, yet very low in carbohydrates.
• Fresh Fruit and Vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables do contain carbohydrates, and while many low-carb diets (including the Atkins diet) warn you to limit these foods, nutritional experts say that is plain “hogwash.” Fruits and vegetables are jam-packed with vitamins and minerals which are essential to your overall health.
• Dairy Products. Like meat, dairy products are high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Foods such as milk, cheese, eggs, cream and even butter can be included as low-carbohydrate foods.
• Healthy Fats. Olive oil, avocados, mayonnaise and all other non-Trans fat products are permitted in a low carb diet.
• Coffee, Tea, Water and Diet Soda. These beverages, as long as they are not sweetened (artificial sweetener is acceptable) are considered healthy in a low-carb diet.
This low carb food list should give you an idea regarding the types of foods that are acceptable and recommended, but if you need a more comprehensive list or specific recipes, try searching online using the search phrase “low-carb foods.”