Strawberries are among the lowest carb and most nutrient-dense fruits you can eat. They are very rich in vitamin C, manganese and several antioxidants. A whole cup will cost you just 30 calories and contains only 6 grams of carbohydrates, but it has an impressive 3 grams of fiber and, like other cruciferous vegetables, is rich in cancer-fighting compounds called glucosinolates. A full cup of eggplant (yes, that's the other name for this pretty purple vegetable) contains less than 5 grams of carbohydrates and contains nasunin, a compound that protects brain cells from oxidation.
Possibly the most convenient form of protein, a single egg contains 0.6 grams of carbohydrates and 6 grams of protein. And don't throw away that yolk, it's packed with choline, an important nutrient for brain health. Keep hard-boiled eggs handy and sprinkle them on a slice of Ezekiel toast for a grab-and-go breakfast or sprinkle with sea salt and cayenne for a simple snack. Green beans provide 7 grams of carbohydrates per cup and are rich in vitamin K, which contributes to bone health, healthy blood clotting, and may help prevent heart disease.
Mix 1 cup of steamed beans with a teaspoon of pesto and top with a soft-boiled egg or roasted chicken for a super quick, nutrient-rich lunch. Eating between two tablespoons of olives will continue to consume just under 1 gram of carbohydrates and the antioxidant oleuropein, which is specific to olives and has been shown to lower cholesterol and prevent oxidative stress. One ounce provides you with less than 5 grams of carbohydrates and high amounts of biotin, a B vitamin important for metabolism, nerves and digestive health. Crumble them before mixing them into a salad, combine a handful with a piece of fruit for a snack, or add them to your next vegetable sauté or tofu.
These super seeds have 15 grams of carbohydrates per ounce and are loaded with magnesium, a crucial mineral for maintaining healthy blood pressure and overall better digestive health. Add to oatmeal or mix with guacamole for a crisp touch. Salmon is a satiating fish that provides you with zero carbohydrates. It is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help burn fat, make skin glow and fight inflammation.
Add salmon to eggs, coat high-fiber cookie with lemon splash, or grill with pomegranate glaze. ½ cup of shrimp provides you with less than 1 gram of carbs. It's also low in calories and high in protein for everyone who cares for their waistlines. Shellfish also contains zinc, an important mineral in helping the immune system fight viruses.
Sauté shrimp with broccoli, peas, onions and shredded carrots for a quick, simple and healthy meal on weekdays. A medium tomato has less than 5 grams of carbohydrates. This perfect sandwich topper has 1.5 grams of fiber and is also rich in beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, which helps the skin shine and strengthens the immune system. Interestingly, because of this phenomenon, even though fiber content appears on the nutritional label as carbohydrates, it can often be subtracted from your total daily carbohydrate intake, leaving you with a net amount of carbohydrates.
Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables have particularly low levels, and most of their carbohydrates consist of fiber. The type of carbohydrates will also change the way your body chooses to process and store them, meaning that your body can tolerate carbohydrates in fruits and vegetables better than carbohydrates in a soda or potato chips. The carbohydrate content of a standard serving and the amount of carbohydrates in a 100 gram serving are listed at the end of each chapter. Most of them are very low in carbohydrates, but they have a powerful nutritional punch and help add flavor to your meals.
Reducing your carbohydrate intake allows you to eliminate these “extra options” from your day and reduce calories naturally, but this could also be said to reduce fat intake or calories from other sources in your diet. When looking at the carbohydrate numbers listed below, keep in mind that most, or about 78% of the carbohydrates in avocados, are fiber. Cut into thin slices and layer them with red sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese to get a low-carb form of your lasagna fix. Once people reach their weight-loss or health goals, some people find that they can add a few more carbohydrates to their diets from time to time.
Practically all meats are considered low in carbohydrates because most of them contain few or no carbohydrates. Looking at the carbohydrate numbers listed below, keep in mind that about 25% of the carbohydrates in dark chocolate are fiber, which reduces the total net digestible carbohydrate content. . .
