Not all carbs are equal. There are carbs in healthy foods, like vegetables and also carbs in unhealthy ones, such as candy bars and cake. The same is true for low carb foods. So how do you tell the difference between the ones that are good for you and ones that aren’t. What are the best and the worst low carb foods, so you can make sure you make the healthiest choices. Some low carb foods are packed with nutrients, while others aren’t.
Check out nuts to see a difference in carbs based on variety.
Nuts are good for you and often lower in carbs. There are always exceptions. While pecans, Brazil nuts and macadamia nuts have fewer carbs, pistachios and cashews have more. For instance, cashews contain 22 grams of carbs, while pecans only have 4 grams for the same serving size. Both are healthy and contain healthy fat and protein, but the low carb option of pecans seems a better choice.
What’s the worst type of low carb option?
Low carb candies might sound tempting, but you should really look the other way and choose a different option. Manufacturers replace the sugar with sugar alcohol, which can cause explosive diarrhea and gas. These options also contain ingredients that are inflammatory, such as highly refined vegetable oils, while also providing no nutritional value. Other highly processed low carb, unhealthy options are string cheese, processed meat, low carb bread and low carb tortillas. Frozen low carb meals and many keto approved fast foods are filled chemicals. Always read labels and look for natural options.
Healthier low carb options are easy to find.
All types of animal products like seafood, beef, chicken and eggs are low in carbs, but high in protein and healthy nutrients. While avoiding food with trans fats, butter is also a healthy option, especially if it’s from grass fed cows. Broccoli, asparagus, spinach, leafy greens, cabbage and peppers are on the list of the nutritious low carb foods. Vegetable alternatives to pasta, such as spaghetti squash and zoodles, are also good options.
- Vegetables grown above ground are normally lower in carbs than those grown beneath the ground. Both have nutrients, but the ones grown above ground have fewer carbs to help you keep your weight in check. Bone broth and fermented foods are good options.
- While fresh fruits and vegetables are healthy, go lightly on fresh fruit. They’re sweeter, so they contain more carbs. Stick with blackberries, raspberries, cantaloupe and strawberries, rather than bananas, grapes and apples.
- Not only does what you eat make a difference, so does what you drink. Stick with healthy options like water, plain tea and coffee without sugar. Don’t fall for the diet drinks that add chemicals and have proven to add fat around the midsection.
- Some healthy low carb alternatives include 70% cocoa dark chocolate sweetened with stevia, mushrooms, avocados, grilled shrimp and mango on a bed of couscous and lettuce.
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