The low-carb lifestyle has its value in terms of health, but it requires choosing the right low carb superfoods to make it worthwhile.
Let's Explore Low Carb Superfoods
You want to make sure that your diet includes foods that are low in carbs but high in nutrients you need for good overall health. At the same time, you need foods that are also low in fat and calories so that you don't have to worry about gaining weight. The following foods are ideal choices for anyone's meal plan. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate amount of each for your diet.
1. Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and kale, are a nutrient-dense choice that can protect you from a wide range of health issues. They are also loaded with antioxidants that fight off everything from cancer to heart disease, all while being low in carbs. Serve leafy greens in salads or cook them as a side dish to replace high carb choices like rice or potatoes.
2. Eggs are Never a Bad Choice
Egg whites are full of protein, which can satisfy your appetite and give you energy when you're following a low carb meal plan. The yolk of the egg is filled with other important nutrients, such as choline and vitamin D, both of which support your health in various ways. Experts say that range free eggs are your best bet.
3. You'll Love What Berries Can do For You
You can find berries fresh or frozen all year round, and they are both low in carbs and high in nutrients. The fiber in berries will fill you up and keep you from becoming hungry between meals. They are also low in calories to help you maintain a healthy weight. Choose strawberries, blackberries, raspberries or blueberries.
4. Stock up on Olive Oil
Olive oil does contain calories, but it's low in carbs and chock full of healthy fats that your body needs for optimal brain and heart health. Olive oil is great for cooking with, but you can also use it to make low carb marinades, dressings and sauces.
5. Try Pumpkin, But Not in Pie
You might be surprised to find that pumpkin is one of the most outstanding of the low carb superfoods. Unlike some vegetables, pumpkin is low in carbs, but high in nutrients like Vitamin A, potassium and iron. Use pumpkin in stew or soup for a fresh new flavor that aligns with your low-carb goals.
6. Chia Seeds are a Powerhouse
Chia seeds are a delicious low carb choice and are one of the hottest new superfoods out there. They are perfect for adding fiber and nutrients to smoothies, oatmeal or pudding without overdoing it on carbs. You can find chia seeds whole or you can grind them for easier use in foods without changing the taste.
7. Choose Salmon Today
The American Heart Association recommends having at least two servings of fish each week. Salmon is one of your best choices because it's low in carbohydrates, but high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein and other nutrients your body needs. Grill or bake your salmon to keep the calorie content under control.
8. Crunch on Some Almonds
People looking for low carb superfoods can never go wrong with almonds or any type of nut, for that matter. Nuts are packed with protein and can give you the energy and satiety that you might be missing when you go low carb.
9. Revolutionize Your Health with Flax Seed
Flax seed is one of the best superfoods and is loaded with fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. It has a nutty flavor and can be used in many ways, including in muffins, smoothies, oatmeal or dry cereal.
10. Yes, You Can Eat Chocolate!
Most people will be happy to find that chocolate has a place in a low carb diet. Turns out it's also one of your top low carb superfoods because it also contains antioxidants that can boost immunity and keep you healthy. Choose at least 70 percent cacao for the best results. Stay away from milk chocolate or white chocolate, which don't contain the nutritional benefits and are much higher in sugar.
11. Cinnamon is a Spice You Should Always Have on Hand
Cinnamon is ideal for people on a low carb diet because it will help you control your carbohydrate intake while boosting your intake of antioxidants, and this spice can help you control your blood sugar. Use cinnamon in ethnic dishes or sprinkled on oatmeal, in pancakes or on toast.
12. Cranberries Are Great for More Than Just Juice
When you cut carbs, you want to fill up on fiber so that you don't get hungry. Cranberries are loaded with fiber, but also contain a wealth of antioxidants and Vitamin C. Use them to make sauces for pork or chicken or toss them into a batch of muffins or quick bread.
13. A is for Avocado
Not only are avocados low in carbs, but they are also rich in heart-healthy fats and fiber. They contain a good dose of potassium, which helps promote healthy blood pressure and can be used to make dip and sandwich spreads or as a garnish for tacos and burritos.
14. Sardines are Small Yet Super
These little canned fishes are one of the most affordable of the low carb superfoods. They are packed with protein and heart-healthy fats, so you can enjoy them as part of your low carb lifestyle while also getting an adequate amount of nutrients that can keep you healthy and satisfied at meal time.
15. Save Money and Boost Health with Beans
Beans are one of the best superfoods on store shelves for many reasons. They are loaded with protein and fiber to satisfy your appetite with very few calories, while also being low in carbs. Use beans to make dips, spreads or to fill out salads and soups. Any type of bean is great, so vary your choices to make meal time more exciting.
16. Greek Yogurt is Always a Healthy Option
Greek yogurt is much higher in protein than traditional yogurt and is a great choice for your low-carb diet. Eat Greek yogurt with chopped fruit or use it as a substitute in any recipe that calls for sour cream. Use Greek yogurt to make smoothies or top a baked potato for a lower calorie meal choice that still tastes great.
17. An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
Apples make the list because they are low in carbs, but high in nutrients. Apples contain fiber and vitamin C. They are also a great source of boron, which certain studies have found can help slow or stop the growth of cancer cells throughout your body. Any type of apple will do, so choose what's available and what's in season to save some money on your grocery bill.
18. Grass-Fed Beef is Superior
The average cut of meat isn't considered a superfood, but grass-fed beef is increasingly making the list due to the cow's healthier diet and lack of antibiotic use before the cows are sent to slaughter. It contains more heart-healthy fats than other types of beef and is packed with iron and B vitamins. Beef is a great choice for a low carb diet and can be used in many ways. Grilling the meat is your healthiest option when it comes to cooking, which keeps fat and calorie intake under control.
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