These virtually carb-free foods will help you feel great and lose weight!
I’m always looking for ways to fight flab and lose weight. If you want to jump start your weight loss induction too, finding low-carb foods and recipes will certainly push you in the right direction.
When you consume carbs, your body releases glucose and insulin, both of which have an effect on your blood sugar levels and ultimately your appetite. When you consume fewer carbs and focus on other nutrients instead (think protein and good fat), you’ll stabilize your blood sugar and probably notice a reduction in your hunger levels.
I know that when I choose an egg and veggie scramble with some avocado on top (a high protein, high healthy fat, low carb breakfast) over a bowl of cereal (a high carb, low protein, low healthy fat breakfast) in the morning, I stay full and satisfied much longer than when I choose that bowl of cereal.
On top of staying full longer (which in and of itself is a powerful weight loss tool), eating low carb meals can also boost your metabolism. So, a low carb diet pushes you to get in those other important nutrients, stabilizes your blood sugar levels, keeps you full longer, AND boosts your metabolism?! I’d say those are some pretty powerful flab-fighting factors! In fact, research indicates low-carb diets cause more weight loss than low-fat diets, along with carrying impressive health benefits.
Now, I know that right now you’re probably thinking about all of the foods that you love and would have to give up in order to eat a low carb diet. I’m here to tell you that it’s worth it. Believe me. I, myself, am a huge carb lover. I basically lived by the “No carbs? Over my BREAD body!” photos all over social media. Pizza, pasta, pizza, bread, pizza–did I mention pizza? Yeah, when I say that I’m a fan of carbs, I mean it.
However, I’m an even bigger fan of losing weight. If you are also a big fan of losing weight, then you will want to try these 50 “almost zero” low-carb foods and recipes. Not only will you lose that unwanted flab and unwanted weight, but you’ll also fall in love with new foods. Take it from someone who knows.
Cutting back on carbs might seem like a hopeless endeavor, especially if you’re a die-hard pizza fan like me, but with this list of 50 different foods and recipes, it isn’t as hard as it sounds. This list liberates you from that awful task of carb counting. The carb count is actually listed next to each food according to the serving sizes indicated. And, to top it off, the foods are sorted into categories:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Eggs & Dairy
- Cheese
- Seafood
- Meat
- Nuts & Seeds
It’ll be hard to miss that pizza when you have all of these other categories to choose from. Especially when these ingredients and meals will help you lose weight and look great! Sound too good to be true? Just keep reading to learn more.
Vegetables:
Based on ½ cup serving
1. Arugula: .2
Did you know that arugula can lower your risk of cancer, promotes healthy bones, improves eyesight, boosts metabolism, strengthens your immune system, and contains plenty of antioxidants? Yeah, pretty great!
So, not only will you delight your tastebuds with this Herbed Couscous with Arugula and Pistachios, but you’ll also get all of the health benefits above.
2. Parsley: .4
Treat yourself to this impressive Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Parsley!
3. Radish: .5
On top of being very colorful and pretty, radishes also provide numerous health benefits. Some of these health benefits include:
- aid in digestion
- treat urinary disorders
- hunger satisfying
- low in calories
- high in fiber
- metabolism boosting
4. Bok Choy: .7
This Bok Choy Egg Drop Soupmakes a great appetizer for an Asian-inspired menu!
5. Celery: .8
As a kid, I was a huge fan of the classic Ants On a Log snack. Dipping vegetables in peanut butter was pretty much the only way that I would eat vegetables, and it’s a good thing that I chose celery as my vegetable of choice.
Along with many other vitamins and minerals, celery contains calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B12, and fiber. On top of that, it can help lower cholesterol, detoxify your body, and reduce blood pressure.
6. Spinach: .2
This versatile Grilled Spinach Stuffed Portabello Mushroom Tops can be an entree or side dish!
7. Lettuce: .25
If you ask me, lettuce doesn’t get enough credit. People often associate it with salads, which are often seen as the enemy in a world full of Ice Cream Supermans and Pizza Spidermans.
But, contrary to the popular belief, lettuce is the real superhero. The green is incredibly low in calories, is a good source vitamins such as vitamin K and vitamin A, and contains minerals like iron and calcium. And that’s not even the best part!
To me, the best part is that you can pretty much eat lettuce with every meal. Use some to make a salad (I promise salads taste a lot better than you might think), throw some on your tacos, throw some on a sandwich, or better yet: put your sandwich IN lettuce! Substituting lettuce for bread is a very wise low-carb choice. Check out our 6 Easy Lettuce Wraps for some fun, delicious ideas.
8. Cauliflower: 2.5g
Whip up this clean and easy Cauliflower Stir Fry in a matter of minutes!
9. Swiss Chard: .5
This light and scrumptious Swiss Chard Simple Saute makes a nutritious meal your body will thank you for.
10. Cabbage: 1
Cabbage contains many nutrients such as vitamin C, fiber, and sulfur which helps fight infections. This leafy green can also be used in way more ways than you might think. You can use it to make many of our recipes such as:
- One Pot “Stuffed” Cabbage Stew
- Spicy Roasted Cabbage Wedges
- Fried Rice with Cabbage
- Crispy Chickpea Cakes with Cabbage Salad
- Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
You’ll find out that cabbage really doesn’t disappoint!
11. Avocado: .5
Need recipe ideas? Check out these drool-worthy 13 Delicious Ways to Eat Avocados.
12. Mushrooms: 1
Shake things up with these tasty, protein-packed 5-Ingredient Baked Egg Mushrooms!
13. Asparagus: 1.2
Start your morning with this mouthwatering, nutrient-rich Asparagus and Egg Scramble.
14. Yellow squash: 1.4
15. Cucumber: 1.8
Dive into one of these 5 Slimming Cucumber Salads for Summer. Colorful and bursting with bold flavors, this salad is a summer must!
Fruits
Based on ½ cup serving
16.Coconut: 1
Fuel up with one of these chewy, full-flavored Banana Coconut Energy Bars for a pre-workout treat!
17. Raspberries: 3
Berries are one of my all-time favorite foods. They are the perfect addition to any meal that could use some sweetness, and they’re full of antioxidants.
Jazz up your toast or peanut butter sandwiches with this delectable and low carb Mixed Berry Chia Seed Jam.
18. Blackberries: 4
Another type of berry to incorporate into this low-carb diet? I’m in!
These low calorie, low carb beauties top the charts when it comes to weight loss fruits. Check out Which Fruits are Best for Weight Loss? to learn about additional fruits that fight flab.
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