Creating a diverse menu of low-carb meals and snacks can make following a low-carb diet more manageable for both dieters and those who must cook for them. While traditional low-carb meals and snacks tend to include a lot of animal products like meats, cheeses, and eggs, low-carb meals and snacks can also include a variety of vegetables and even fruits. Other low-carbohydrate options include prepared and processed specialty foods.
Low-carb meals and snacks are frequently made with meat, poultry, or eggs for many people on carbohydrate-restricted diets, as these foods are carbohydrate-free or very low in carbohydrate, with a few exceptions. Some organ meats, as well as certain types of seafood, are exempt. Meals are usually built around a meat or egg dish that has been seasoned with low- or no-carb seasonings and condiments. Eggs can be cooked in a variety of ways, including omelets and quiches. For quick protein and energy, hard-boiled eggs can be added to salads or eaten on their own. While meat dishes are typically eaten as complete meals, there are a variety of low-carb meat jerkies and sausages that can be used as snacks in between meals.
Low-carb meals and snacks can also include a variety of vegetables. Most green, leafy vegetables are low in carbohydrates and high in nutrients, and can be used to add flavor, color, and nutrition to omelets or crustless quiches. Low-carb lunch or dinner salads can be made with salad greens like romaine lettuce or baby spinach. Dieters can eat grilled chicken breast, salmon, or even steak in a salad with greens and a sugar-free salad dressing. Some low-carb dieters include low-sugar berries in their diets in moderation. Although some people prefer to snack on fresh or frozen berries, they can be added to low-carbohydrate cereals and smoothies.
While many people believe that whole foods should be the foundation of a low-carbohydrate diet, there are a variety of low-carb prepared foods available. Sugar-free hard and gummy candies that do not contain starches are examples of low-carb snacks. Low-carb shakes and nutrition bars have been developed by some companies that are very similar to higher-carbohydrate products. If you don’t have time to cook or are craving something sweet, these can be great low-carb meals and snacks. Sandwiches made with low-carbohydrate breads made from soy, almond, or coconut flours are another option. These flours are naturally low in carbohydrates and often contain additional nutrients not found in traditional grain-based flours.