Low-carb high-protein diets are super trendy right now. Proteins are really necessary to help our bodies stay healthy and strong. It helps with cell tissue repair, it’s much slower to digest so we feel much fuller for longer after having eaten a protein-rich meal. It’s also said that following a low-carb, high-protein diet can help you lose weight and that it can help with muscle protein synthesis. Meanwhile, carbs are needed up to a point, but we tend to eat a lot of carbs, and they add to the fat stored in our bodies.
Foods for Low-Carb High-Protein Diet
So what foods can help you kick off your low-carb, high-protein diet?
1. Salmon
Salmon is tailor-made for this particular diet. Fish is great for the brain and you get those delicious omega 3 fatty acids which also help to control inflammation and keep your arteries fit. It can make a delicious meal if you know how to cook it right. It has no carbs and about 20 grams of protein depending on the serving.
2. Greek Yogurt
Ditch the sweet fro-yo and grab some plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt instead. Check to make sure that whatever yogurt you pick has the right probiotic bacteria. It’s great for your immunity system, and you can add in berries and nuts for some fiber if you’ve got a sweet tooth and are missing the usual artificial sweeteners.
3. Eggs
Eggs are quick and easy, and wonderful for breakfast especially. Working women don’t have time these days to plan extravagant breakfasts, but whip up a poach or an omelet and you’re good to go. They have almost no carbohydrates and can contain around 6 grams of protein. They’re full of nutrition, good for your bones and teeth, and contain choline. Toss a salad with some hard-boiled eggs or have some scrambled eggs as a snack! There’s no hard and fast rule that you just have to eat them in the morning.
Eggs4. Nuts
Some nuts are great protein sources, and they’re quite low-carb. Almonds are supposed to be good for brain health and useful in decreasing belly fat. They make great snacks too. Pistachios are also great and are supposed to be good for weight loss. Peanuts can also be a good choice if you’re looking for low-carb alternatives.
5. Chicken thighs or breasts
Chicken breasts have zero carbs. It can be around 20 grams of protein, depending on your portion size. They’re very easy to cook and delicious; make it a salad, a side dish, or your main meal. Try not to fry them if possible, go for baking or roasting instead, which will be a healthier low-carb high-protein diet. Chicken thighs have a bit more fat, but they have a ton of protein and they make very flavorful dishes.
6. Edamame
If you’re vegetarian and want to get on this diet, you’ll love edamame. It’s a great snack food and you can put it in loads of things, like soups and salads. They’re crunchy and high-protein, and also have a lot of iron.
7. Tofu
Another vegetarian alternative, tofu has fewer calories and keeps very well over a long period. It can be harder to cook but there are lots of recipes out there to make it delicious! It has all the essential amino acids and is packed with iron and calcium as well which is a low-carb high-protein diet.
8. Broccoli
Broccoli has a lot of fiber and antioxidants. A cup of it has around 2.5 grams of protein, and hardly any calories. It’s a great vegetable to toss in pasta or a salad. Or make it the star of the dish and roast some broccoli!
9. Cheese
We all love some good cheese. String cheese is quite high in protein, actually, and an ounce of mozzarella cheese has about 7 grams of protein! Load up your homemade pizzas or sprinkle some cheese onto your crackers for a great treat-yourself snack. Cheese makes a lot of dishes better.
10. Avocado
This Instagram celebrity has earned it. An avocado has about 4 grams of protein, and it’s full of fiber and fats that are good for the heart. Dump it in a smoothie or mash it over some toast for breakfast, and enjoy your health kick.
Hopefully, that'll give you a place to start! Foods you should avoid are sugars, processed foods, very starchy vegetables, and refined grains if you’re serious about this diet. However, make sure to mold it according to your needs!
Also Read: 7 Low Carb Grains To Your Diet
