Bread, pasta, cereals, cookies, and refined sugar mess up your hormones and trigger chronic disorders like heart disease and obesity. Complex carbs, on the other hand, regulate your insulin levels and help maintain a healthy body weight. These nutrients are found in leafy green vegetables, whole grains, quinoa, cruciferous veggies, and certain fruits.
Here are the best low carb foods to stay lean and keep the pounds off:
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables have less than five grams of carbs per cup. Rich in fiber, they fill you up quickly and stabilize blood sugar levels. These veggies are also an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Swiss chard, kale, spinach, collard greens, and turnip greens are packed with essential nutrients and have only a few carbs per serving. For instance, a cup of spinach boasts seven calories and one gram of carbs, but provides over 56 percent of the RDA of vitamin A and 14 percent of the RDA of vitamin C.
Avocado
Unlike most fruits, avocado is low in sugar and high in fats. Half the fruit contains only eight grams of carbs and large amounts of protein and omega-3s. It’s also rich in fiber and cancer-fighting compounds.
Wild Salmon
Wild salmon and other fatty fish are carb-free. Instead, they provide massive amounts of heart-healthy fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6. When consumed regularly, salmon improves cardiovascular health, aids in weight loss, and stimulates muscle protein synthesis.
Lean Meat and Poultry
Beef, turkey, chicken, bison, pork tenderloin, and other meats have no carbs at all. Loaded with protein and minerals, meat suppresses your appetite and helps preserve muscle. It also fuels your body with B vitamins, leading to greater energy and mental focus.
