Carbohydrates get a bad rap because many people view this vital nutritional component as a cause of weight gain. While this is true to an extent, carbohydrates are only bad for you if they are taken in excess. Having too much sugar, a big source of carbohydrates, in your diet can lead to weight gain and other health problems like diabetes. Nevertheless, while carbohydrates in moderation are essential for your body to manufacture energy and sustain itself, cutting back on carbohydrates as part of a low carb diet can further your goal of shedding a few pounds. Here is a short list of some great foods low in carbs that form the cornerstone of a healthy weight loss diet.

Lean Meat

If you are opting for foods low in carbs, the best place to start is with meat. While this foodstuff is practically carbohydrate free and rich in protein, an essential nutrient for energy and building muscle, be smart when choosing your meat. Varieties of meat that are red, such as beef, are often high in fat content which can not only sabotage your diet plans but cause health concerns such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Opt for a meat that is whiter in color, like fish or chicken. Not only are these sources high in protein and low in carbs but they also contain heart healthy fats and oils.

Whole Grains

Limiting carbs in your diet doesn’t mean you need to do without rice and bread completely. In fact, these foods are essential components of a healthy diet. Nevertheless, to reduce the amount of carbs you take in, switch from white rice and bread and go for options such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, oats and barley. These choices are lower in carbohydrates and are also rich in fiber, a nutrient that promotes regularity, digestive health and also aids with weight loss.

Leafy Vegetables

You can’t go wrong by adding some more vegetables to your diet. However, with the pretense of a low carb diet, go ahead and sprinkle some more in. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, bok choy and collard greens are rich in vitamins and fiber. Furthermore, they are almost carbohydrate free, allowing you to pile your dinner plate with a heaping helping of trim waist line friendly vegetables.

Unsweetened Beverages

A huge source of sugar and carbohydrates comes from consuming soda pop and sugary juices. You can lose an astounding amount of weight by simply cutting out these beverages from your diet and opting for an unsweetened version or choosing water. Soda pop is empty calories. Eliminating a can of soda a day can save you pounds in the long run. While the benefits may not seem much, saving a hundred to two hundred calories each day from doing away with soda can result in impressive weight loss results.

Combine your low carb diet with a lesson in portion control. All of these changes can be beneficial, but like carbs, take them in moderation.

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