44 Incredible Low Carbohydrates Healthy Foods
Cutting back on carbohydrates can have remarkable health advantages.
It has been demonstrated to significantly lessen appetite, which frequently results in weight loss without the need for calorie counting (1, 2).
Low-carb diets can result in up to 2-3 times more weight loss than low-fat diets, according to at least 23 studies (3, 4).
Reducing your carb intake can also improve your "good" HDL cholesterol, and lower your blood sugar, blood pressure, and triglycerides, among many other health advantages (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10).
Additionally, low-carb eating doesn't have to be challenging.
To lose weight and improve your health, simply base your diet on whole, low-carb foods.
The majority of the 44 low-carb foods listed below are extremely delicious, healthy, and nutritious.
After each chapter, the number of carbohydrates in a typical serving and the number of carbohydrates in 100 grams are listed.
However, bear in mind that some of these foods are high in fiber, which could further reduce the amount of digestible net carbs.
1. Eggs and Meats with low carbohydrates
All types of meat and eggs have almost no carbohydrates. The exception is organ meats, like the liver, which has about 5% carbohydrates (13).
Eggs (Almost Zero)
One of the world's healthiest and most nutrient-dense foods is the egg.
They contain a variety of nutrients, some of which are crucial for your brain, as well as substances that can enhance eye health (11, 12).
Almost no carbs.
Beef (Zero)
Beef is a very filling food that is also rich in essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12. There are numerous variations of beef, including ribeye steak, ground beef, and hamburger.
0 carbohydrates.
Lamb (Zero)
Similar to beef, lamb is full of healthy nutrients like iron and vitamin B12. Because it is frequently raised on grass, lamb usually has a high concentration of the beneficial fatty acid CLA (14).
0 carbohydrates.
Chicken (Zero)
Popular meat around the world is chicken. It has a high concentration of many healthy nutrients and is a superior protein source.
Going for fattier cuts like wings and thighs may be a better choice if you're following a low-carb diet.
0 carbohydrates.
Bacon is a type of pork (Usually Zero)
Bacon is a favorite of many people on low-carb diets, and ostrich is another delicious type of meat.
Since bacon is processed meat, it cannot possibly be considered a healthy food. On a low-carb diet, moderate amounts of bacon are generally permitted.
Don't burn your bacon while cooking it by attempting to purchase it locally, without artificial ingredients.
0 carbohydrates, however, check the label and steer clear of bacon that has been sugar-cured.
Jerky (Usually Zero)
Meat that has been dried after being cut into strips is jerky. Jerky can be the ideal low-carb snack food as long as it doesn't contain added sugar or artificial ingredients.
But be aware that a lot of the jerky sold in stores is unhealthy and heavily processed. Your best option is to create your own.
based on the type of carbohydrates. If it's just meat and seasoning, it ought to be very close to zero.
Other Meats Low in Carbs :
- Turkey
- Veal
- Venison
- Bison
2. Seafood with low carbohydrates
Fish and other seafood are frequently very nutrient-dense and healthy foods.
They are especially rich in nutrients that many people don't get enough of, such as B12, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Almost all varieties of fish and seafood are virtually carbohydrate-free, similar to meat.
Salmon (Zero)
For good reason, salmon is one of the most popular fish varieties among health-conscious people.
As a fatty fish, it has a high concentration of heart-healthy fats, specifically omega-3 fatty acids.
Salmon is also a good source of vitamin D3, iodine, and vitamin B12, all of which are nutrients.
0 carbohydrates.
Trout (Zero)
Trout is a type of fatty fish, like salmon, that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients.
0 carbohydrates.
Sardines (Zero)
Oily fish called sardines are typically consumed almost entirely, down to the bones.
Almost all of the nutrients your body requires are found in sardines, making them one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet.
0 carbohydrates.
Shellfish
Unfortunately, people don't eat shellfish more frequently because it's one of the healthiest foods there is.
In fact, they are low in carbohydrates and have nutrient densities that are comparable to organ meats.
Per 100 grams of shellfish, there are 4-5 grams of carbohydrates.
Additionally low-carb fish and seafood
- Shrimp
- Haddock
- Lobster
- Herring
- Tuna
- Cod
- Catfish
- Halibut
3. Vegetables with low carbohydrates
Most vegetables have few carbohydrates. Particularly low levels can be found in cruciferous vegetables and leafy greens, where fiber makes up the majority of the carbohydrates.
Potatoes and sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are starchy root vegetables that are high in carbohydrates.
Broccoli (7%)
A tasty cruciferous vegetable that can be consumed both raw and cooked is broccoli. It is rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and powerful plant compounds that fight cancer.
7 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams, or 6 grams per cup.
Tomatoes (4%)
Despite being primarily consumed as vegetables, tomatoes are technically fruits or berries. They contain a lot of potassium and vitamin C.
A large tomato has 7 grams of carbohydrates or 4 grams per 100 grams.
Onions (9%)
One of the tastiest plants on the planet, onions give your dishes a rich flavor. They contain lots of fiber, antioxidants, and different anti-inflammatory substances.
Carbohydrates: 9 grams per 100 grams, or 11 grams per cup.
Brussels Sprouts (7%)
Brussels sprouts, a vegetable related to broccoli and kale, are very nourishing.
They are rich in vitamin C and K as well as many other advantageous plant compounds.
Carbohydrates: 6 grams per half cup or 7 grams per 100 grams.
Cauliflower (5%)
A tasty and adaptable vegetable, cauliflower can be used in your kitchen to create a variety of tasty dishes.
It contains a lot of folates, vitamin K, and C.
Per cup and per 100 grams, there are 5 grams of carbohydrates.
Kale (10%)
Given its many health advantages, kale is a very well-liked vegetable among those who are health-conscious.
It's packed with antioxidants from the carotene in addition to fiber and vitamins C and K.
Carbohydrates: 10 grams per 100 grams, or 7 grams per cup.
Eggplant (6%)
Another fruit that is frequently eaten as a vegetable is eggplant. It is very high in fiber and has a variety of interesting uses.
Carbohydrates: 6 grams per 100 grams, or 5 grams per cup.
Cucumber (4%)
Popular vegetable cucumber has a mild flavor. With only a trace of vitamin K, it is primarily composed of water.
2 grams or 4 grams of carbohydrates are present in every 100 grams of food.
Bell Peppers (6%)
Popular fruits and vegetables with a distinctive and satisfying flavor are bell peppers. They contain a lot of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants from carotene.
Carbohydrates: 6 grams per 100 grams, or 9 grams per cup.
Asparagus (2%)
A particularly delicious spring vegetable is asparagus.
It contains a lot of fiber, antioxidant carotenoids, vitamin C, folate, and vitamin K.
In addition, it contains a lot more protein than the majority of vegetables.
Carbohydrates: 2 grams per 100 grams, or 3 grams per cup.
Green Beans (7%)
Even though green beans are technically legumes, they are typically eaten like vegetables.
They are very high in fiber, protein, vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, and potassium when compared to calories for calories.
Carbohydrates: 7 grams per 100 grams, or 8 grams per cup.
Mushrooms (3%)
Edible mushrooms are frequently referred to as vegetables even though they aren't technically considered plants.
They have good potassium content and a high B vitamin content.
3 grams of carbohydrates per cup and 3 grams per 100 grams (white mushrooms).
Other Vegetables Low in Carbs
- Celery
- Spinach
- Zucchini
- Swiss chard
- Cabbage
The majority of vegetables are low in carbohydrates, except starchy root vegetables. Because of this, you can consume a lot of them without exceeding your carbohydrate limit.
4. Fruits with low carbohydrates
Even though fruits are generally regarded as being healthy, low-carb dieters find them to be very controversial.
That's because, in comparison to vegetables, most fruits tend to be high in carbohydrates.
You might want to limit your fruit consumption to 1-2 pieces per day, depending on how many carbohydrates you want to consume.
However, fatty fruits like avocados and olives are exempt from this rule. Strawberries are one more wonderful option for low-sugar berries.
Avocado (8.5%)
One particular kind of fruit is avocado. It is rich in healthy fats rather than having a lot of carbohydrates.
In addition to being very high in fiber and potassium, avocados are also a good source of other nutrients.
Remember that the majority of the carbs in avocados, or about 78 percent of them, are fiber when you look at the carb counts listed below. As a result, it has almost no net carbs that can be digested.
Carbohydrates: 8.5 grams per 100 grams, or 13 grams per cup.
Olives (6%)
The olive is another delicious fruit with a lot of fat. It is high in copper and iron content and contains a good amount of vitamin E.
Carbohydrates: 2 grams per ounce or 6 grams per 100 grams.
Strawberries (8%)
Strawberries are among the fruits that have the fewest carbohydrates and the most nutrients per serving. They are rich in manganese, vitamin C, and various antioxidants.
11 grams of carbohydrates per cup, or 8 grams per 100 grams.
Grapefruit (11%)
Oranges and other citrus fruits like grapefruits are related. They are rich in carotene and vitamin C antioxidants.
13 grams, or 11 grams per 100 grams, of carbohydrates, are present in a half a grapefruit.
Apricots (11%)
The apricot fruit has a delicious flavor. Apricots are high in potassium and vitamin C but low in carbohydrates.
8 grams of carbohydrates, or 11 grams per 100 grams, are present in two apricots.
Other Low-Carb Fruits
- Lemons
- Kiwis
- Oranges
- Mulberries
- Raspberries
5. Nuts and Seeds with low carbohydrates
Low-carb diets are very popular with nuts and seeds. They typically contain few carbohydrates but are high in fat, fiber, protein, and several micronutrients.
While seeds are more commonly used to add crunch to salads or recipes, nuts are frequently consumed as snacks.
Additionally, nut and seed flours are frequently used to make low-carb bread and other baked goods. Examples include almond flour, coconut flour, and flaxseed meal.
Almonds (22%)
Almonds are delicious and crunchy to the extreme.
They are one of the best sources of magnesium, a mineral that most people don't get enough of, and are also a great source of fiber, vitamin E, and other nutrients.
Almonds are also incredibly filling and have been shown in some studies to aid in weight loss (15, 16).
Carbohydrates: 6 grams per ounce or 22 grams per 100 grams.
Walnuts (14%)
Another tasty variety of nuts is walnut.
It contains a variety of nutrients and is especially rich in the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
14 grams of carbs per 100 grams, or 4 grams per ounce.
Peanuts (16%)
Although technically a legume, peanuts are usually prepared and eaten like nuts.
They contain a lot of fiber, magnesium, vitamin E, and other vital nutrients.
Carbohydrates: 16 grams per 100 grams, or 5 grams per ounce.
Chia Seeds (44%)
Currently, chia seeds are one of the most well-liked health foods on the planet.
They can be used in a variety of low-carb recipes and are packed with many essential nutrients.
Additionally, they are one of the world's richest sources of dietary fiber.
Remember that chia seeds contain 86 percent fiber when looking at the carbohydrate amounts listed below. They have a very low net carbohydrate content that is digestible.
Carbohydrates: 12 grams per ounce or 44 grams per 100 grams.
Additional Nuts and Seeds Low in Carbs
- Hazelnuts
- Macadamia nuts
- Cashews
- Coconuts
- Pistachios
- Flaxseeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
6. Dairy with low carbohydrates
Full-fat dairy products are excellent low-carb foods if you can tolerate dairy. Nevertheless, always read the label and steer clear of anything that has added sugar.
Cheese (1.3%)
One of the best low-carb foods is cheese, which can be consumed both raw and as an ingredient in a variety of delectable dishes. It goes especially well with meat, like on top of a burger without a bun.
Additionally, cheese is very nutritious. An entire glass of milk's worth of nutrients is found in one thick slice.
Carbohydrates: 0.4 grams per slice or 1.3 grams per 100 grams (cheddar).
Heavy Cream (3%)
Although heavy cream is low in protein and carbohydrates, it is high in dairy fat.
Some people who follow a low-carb diet add it to their coffee or cook with it. Adding some whipped cream to a bowl of berries can make a delectable low-carb dessert.
Carbohydrates: 3 grams per 100 grams or 1 gram per ounce.
Full-Fat Yogurt (5%)
Since full-fat yogurt has many of the same nutrients as whole milk, it is incredibly healthy.
But yogurt is also a great source of probiotic bacteria because it has live cultures.
Carbohydrates: 5 grams per 100 grams or 11 grams per 8-ounce container.
Greek Yogurt (4%)
Greek yogurt, also referred to as strained yogurt, is significantly thicker than regular yogurt. It contains a lot of healthy nutrients, particularly protein.
Carbohydrates: 4 grams per 100 grams, or 6 grams per 6-ounce container.
7. Fats and Oils with low carbohydrates
A low-carb, real-food-based diet is acceptable for consuming a variety of healthy fats and oils.
When consumed in excess, refined vegetable oils like soybean or corn oil are extremely unhealthy, so stay away from them.
Butter (Zero)
Butter has been making a comeback after being demonized in the past for its high content of saturated fat. If you can, choose grass-fed butter because it contains more vitamins and minerals.
0 carbohydrates.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Zero)
The world's healthiest fat is extra virgin olive oil.
With its abundance of potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, it is a mainstay of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet.
0 carbohydrates.
Coconut Oil (Zero)
Medium-chain fatty acids, which are abundant in coconut oil and have significant positive effects on your metabolism, are a very healthy type of fat.
These fatty acids have been demonstrated to decrease appetite, increase fat burning, and aid in the reduction of belly fat (17, 18, 19, 20).
0 carbohydrates.
Other Low-Carb Friendly Fats
- Avocado oil
- Lard
- Tallow
8. Beverages with low carbohydrates
On a low-carb diet, the majority of sugar-free beverages are perfectly acceptable.
Remember that fruit juices should not be consumed because they are very high in sugar and carbohydrates.
Water (Zero)
No matter how the rest of your diet is structured, water should always be your preferred beverage.
0 carbohydrates.
Coffee (Zero)
Despite being maligned in the past, coffee is one of the top sources of dietary antioxidants and is actually very healthy.
Additionally, studies have shown that people who drink coffee live longer and are less likely to develop serious illnesses like type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26).
To avoid adding anything unhealthy, drink your coffee black, though full-fat milk or heavy cream are also acceptable.
0 carbohydrates.
Tea (Zero)
Studies have shown that tea, particularly green tea, has several impressive health benefits. It might even marginally increase fat burning (27, 28).
0 carbohydrates.
Club Soda / Carbonated Water (Zero)
In essence, club soda is just water with carbon dioxide added. As long as it doesn't contain sugar, it's fine. Make sure by reading the label.
0 carbohydrates.
9. Other Foods with low carbohydrates
The last group of foods is those that don't quite fall into any other category.
Dark Chocolate
Some people might be surprised to learn that good dark chocolate makes the ideal low-carb treat.
Select genuine dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70 to 85%. This guarantees that there is little sugar in it.
There are many advantages to dark chocolate, including increased blood pressure and brain function (29, 30).
Additionally, studies reveal that eating dark chocolate significantly lowers the risk of developing heart disease (31).
Remember that about 25% of the carbs in dark chocolate are fiber, which reduces the total amount of digestible net carbs when comparing the numbers below.
13 grams of carbohydrates are present per ounce, or 46 grams per 100 grams. The type will determine this, so be sure to read the label.
Herbs, Spices, and Condiments
An infinite number of delectable herbs, spices, and condiments are available. The majority of them have very few carbohydrates but are incredibly nutritious and help make your meals taste better.
Salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, mustard, and oregano are a few famous examples.
The Bottom Line
Cutting back on carbohydrates can be simple and have significant health advantages.
The majority of low-carb foods are incredibly tasty, wholesome, and healthy.
They also cover a wide variety of important food groups, such as meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and many others.
You can reduce your weight and enhance your health by following a balanced, low-carb diet made up of real foods.