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Knowing Foods Low in Carbs: Essential to a Successful Low Carb Diet

Going on a low carbohydrate diet means saying goodbye to a number of foods to which you have been accustomed and which form part of your eating habits. The main reason for going on this kind of diet is to lose weight, and you should recognize that the foods you have been eating are the main cause of why you need to go on a diet in the first place. It is thus important to become familiar with foods low in carbs and learn to consume them on a more regular basis.

In all actuality, you’ll probably find that you’ve been serving and eating foods low in carbs throughout the years. Generally speaking, most high protein foods are carb-deficient. Meat dishes like pork kabobs, steaks, lamb chops, and venison stew are suitable for a low carb diet. So are poultry, including chicken, duck, turkey, and Cornish hen. Seafood is a particularly succulent source of low carb meals; both freshwater and saltwater fish are rich in protein and omega 3 fatty acids, a kind of oil that will do your cardiovascular system a lot of good.

Contrary to what many people believe, vegetables are necessary in a low carb diet. In fact, it is mainly from vegetables where you should get your carbohydrates. Remember though that some vegetables have a higher carb content than others; you should consider this when rationing your carbohydrate intake for the day. The same goes for fruits. Intake of some should be limited to once in a while, but others such as grapefruit, strawberries, and peaches are fine for the controlled-carb consumer.

Being a carb-counting dieter shouldn’t exclude you from the dietary zone known as “snack foods” or “comfort foods.” There are many prepared-food offerings out in the marketplace today that are specially formulated for people on low carb diets. Take your pick from low carb tortillas, sugar-free drinks, low carb pasta, and low carb cakes and pastries. For more natural snack options, try a handful of nuts: almonds, cashews, peanuts. They contain no carbs, only healthy amounts of protein and “good” oils and fats.

Foods low in carbs – especially whole foods – are easy to find. They can usually be cooked in a wide variety of dishes or enjoyed in their natural form (as vegetable salads, for example). If you need to lose weight, consuming low carb food can facilitate the process. If you just need to stay slim, they will help you do so as well.