Low Carbohydrate Foods - Are Low Carb Foods Really Low Carb

The weight loss industry is one of the largest and one of the most complex filled with a number of mysteries that leave people wondering what is real and what is not, one such mystery is that of low carbohydrate foods. One of the biggest diet crazes deals with low carb food and how reducing carbohydrates and eating foods that are low in carbohydrates can help you to lose weight. There is some validity to this after all carbohydrates become sugar, which is then used or stored as fat. By reducing the intake of carbohydrates, you reduce the overall amount of sugar going into the body.

By lowering the overall amount of sugar and calories and increasing physical activity, the body loses fat this is something that is proven. The question becomes what exactly are low carbohydrate foods. If you look at a variety of foods, you will find that each food has its own percentage of carbohydrates. Low carb foods are going to be foods, which have a low percentage of carbohydrates. There are plenty of foods out there that advertise themselves as low carb however are they truly low in carbohydrates.

There is more than one type of carbohydrate and more than one thing that can ultimately become a carbohydrate or break down into a carbohydrate's most basic form sugar. There are plenty of foods, which label themselves as low carbohydrate, and on the surface, they may indeed contain a lower level of carbohydrates than the competing brands however, they may also contain a number of other unhealthy substances in place of normal carbohydrates.

Most meats are going to be low in carbohydrates naturally. This is why they are usually placed in large quantities on low carbohydrate diets.

This includes fish such as:

Flounder
Herring
Sardines
Sole
Catfish
Tuna

Other seafood such as:

Clams
Lobsters
Crabs
Squid

Fowl and poultry such as:

Goose
Duck
Cornish hens
Chicken
Turkey
Pheasant
Quail

Other meats include:

Venison
Veal
Lamb
Beef
Pork

There are a number of vegetables that are low in carbs but do not be fooled you may be surprised at the number of vegetables that can actually add sugar and carbs to your diet.

Most green vegetables such as:

Zucchini
Spinach
Snow peas
Nori (a type of seaweed)
Mustard greens
Green beans
Kale
Leeks
Celery
Bell peppers

Other vegetables include:

Summer squash
Onions
Wax beans
Tomatoes

When looking at vegetables it is important to avoid those that may contain starch. These types of vegetables include potatoes, beets, carrots and members of the squash family.

Fruits that are low in carbohydrates include a number of berries such as:

Blackberries
Blueberries
Strawberries
Raspberries
Cranberries

Other fruits include:

Grapefruit
Apples
Apricots
Peaches
Honeydew
Cantaloupe

Many people do not realize that dairy is one of the biggest contributors of carbohydrates outside of grains they can have in their diet.

Most white cheeses are going to be low in carbohydrates these include:

Swiss
Romano
Ricotta
Provolone
Parmesan
Feta
Gouda
Monterey jack
Mozzarella
Cream cheese
Edam
Brie

Other cheeses are:

Blue cheese
Cheddar

Other dairy products that can be considered are:

Butter
Cream
Sour cream

When looking at low carbohydrate foods it is important to remember the lactose, a main ingredient in milk and milk based products can break down into glucose, which creates a source of hidden carbohydrates many people, do not realize is present in the foods they pick. Even low carbohydrate foods may have milk based ingredients, which can contribute to the overall percentage of carbohydrates.

People who are looking into low carbohydrate foods are going to want to eat whole foods and avoid processed food products. This helps to avoid hidden carbohydrates, which may not be readily apparent. It also helps to supply the body with a natural form of complex and compound carbohydrates, which can be found in protein based foods. These types of carbohydrates are more difficult for the body to use because it must take additional steps to break these complex carbohydrates down in order to get the simple carbohydrates it uses as energy.

Whole foods are also a great way to avoid processed foods, preservatives and other unhealthy and harmful chemicals. They also usually contain the lowest levels of carbohydrates, significantly lower than can be found in most processed foods making them ideal for people who are looking to begin a lifestyle that enjoys the benefits of low carbohydrate foods. These foods also contain more of the vital nutrients the body needs to stay health such as vitamins, amino acids and minerals.

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  References:

  http://diet.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Low_Carb_Food_List
  http://www.everydiet.org/diet/low-carb-diets
  
  

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