Carbs are one of the three main food types that our bodies need to function, besides fats and protein. Carbohydrates give us energy, and the body breaks them down right after we ingest carb-rich foods or saves for later.

When we eat much more carbs than we actually need, they are stored in our muscles and then converted to fat. That’s why a low-carb diet allows us to provoke the organism to start using carbohydrates stored in our bodies when we cut on carbs in our meals.

The low-carb diet has been in use for decades and remains one of the most popular regimes for weight loss, normalized blood sugar, and other health benefits. If you have decided to cut on carbohydrates in your meals and start with a low-carb diet, here are the foods you need to eat, as well as the products you should avoid for sure.

Meat

First of all, you need to eat meat, as it is the main source of getting protein in your body. When you exercise, you need this component to build your muscles and restore after training. Working out while being on a low-carb diet appears to be harder, but with the proper dedication and well-thought-out meal plan, you can get through it and achieve the desired results.

It is better to choose such meats as sirloin and chicken breasts. These products are rich in protein and don’t have high fat content. When on the low-carb diet, you need to make protein the main food type you take.

Fish and Seafood

Fish contains a lot of nutrients needed for our proper body functioning. Eating skin-on fatty fish, such as salmon, will allow you to get heart-healthy fats. Moreover, most seafood is high in omega 3 fatty acids and will add no carbs to your meals.

Eggs

Eggs are another excellent source of protein for your body. No matter whether you like hard-boiled or fried ones, you can go for any recipe you like. Also, by eating them with cheese and natural oils, you can maximize the nutritious effect of eggs.

Cheese

If you can tolerate dairy products, adding cheese to your low-carb meals is a good idea. Opt for such cheese types as feta, brie, camembert, goat one, as these are low in carbs. Also, you can eat mozzarella and parmesan, but don’t buy canned or spray cheese, as such products are always heavily processed and contain a lot of stabilizers and other artificial components.

Green Vegetables

Green vegetables or those that grow above the ground contain almost no carbs. At the same time, they are full of useful nutrients and can help your body stay hydrated, thanks to the high water content in green veggies.

As seen on Forbes, when you are on a low-carb diet, it is essential to eat fiber-rich vegetables to minimize the risk of constipation. Besides, make sure to drink enough water throughout the day to maintain your water levels.

Protein Bars

As recommended by GiftWits, protein bars are ideal for those who are used to snacking, especially at work. Such products contain almost no carbs and have high protein content.

Thus, by eating low-carb protein bars, you not only stick to your diet but fuel your body with protein and nutritious components. What is more, the variety of existing tastes available on the market will allow you to choose a new bar a day.

Protein Coffee

Although you can drink coffee and tea when on the low-carb diet, you still need to think about the sugar that many retailed drinks contain. Therefore, you need to get your drinks without sugar or artificial sweeteners, as well as with little to no milk. If you don’t like the taste of the black coffee but don’t want to say no to coffee at all, consider trying protein coffee.

As seen on Healthcare Weekly, protein coffee positively impacts training, as it increases your metabolism rate and improves strength and stamina during your workouts. If you usually drink only coffee with milk and sugar and decide to cut carbs in your diet, protein coffee is a tasty solution to your problem and a working alternative to creamy coffee drinks.

I was recommended by a friend of mine and have personally tried a brand called Complete Nutrition. By taking their protein coffee instead of latte I was used to, I was pleased by the taste of the drink and the energy boost I got, thanks to it. Check it out here.

Foods You Need to Avoid

Now that you know what products you should organize your diet with, let’s take a look at the foods you should not eat when on a low-carb diet. These products include:

·             Potato

·             Fruits

·             Bread

·             Pasta

·             Rice

·             Pastry

·             Sweets

·             Fizzy drinks

The foods mentioned above contain a lot of sugar and starch. Although you may wonder why butter is not on this list, it is essential to diversify a low-carb and low-fat diet.

When sticking to the low-carb regimen, you can use butter, olive oil, and other natural fats. The main point is to eat when you are hungry and stop when you are full. By following this simple rule, you will lose weight comfortably and provide your organism with enough nutrition.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, if you decide to go on a low-carb diet, there are still plenty of foods to eat. And even if you can’t imagine a day without a latte and chocolate, you can find healthy and tasty alternatives, such as protein coffee and protein bars.

As recommended by ProMMANow, do your research when it comes to packed foods and choose the products that will add to your well-being and don’t contain artificial sweeteners, colorings, and hidden sugar. The low-carb diet proved to be effective for many, and carb cycling is a great way to lose weight and maximize the results of your workouts, as seen on Washington Post. So, eat the foods mentioned above and exercise regularly to achieve the desired effect.

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