Foods You Can Eat on a Low-Carb Diet

One of the best things about a low-carb lifestyle is the food! You don't have to eat cardboard. You get to eat real, savory, delicious meals. Unlike low-fat diets where flavor is often stripped away, low-carb embraces fat, which carries flavor.

Here is your comprehensive "Green Light" list. These are foods you can eat until you are satisfied.

Meat & Poultry

Meat is the foundation. It contains zero carbs.

• Beef: Steak, ground beef, roast beef (fatty cuts are great).
• Pork: Chops, loin, bacon, sausages (check labels for sugar).
• Poultry: Chicken, turkey, duck. Leave the skin on for flavor!
• Lamb & Game: Typically very nutritious.

Fish & Seafood

Packed with Omega-3s and protein.

• Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout.
• White Fish: Cod, haddock, tilapia.
• Shellfish: Shrimp, crab, lobster, scallops.

Eggs

Nature's multivitamin. Boiled, fried, scrambled, or poached—they are perfect.

Vegetables (Above Ground)

A general rule: if it grows above ground, it's usually low-carb.

• Leafy Greens (Spinach, Lettuce, Kale)
• Cruciferous (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts)
• Peppers, Zucchini, Asparagus, Mushrooms, Cucumber
• Tomato (in moderation)

Dairy

Full-fat is best. Low-fat usually has added sugar.

• Cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, brie, blue cheese, feta.
• Cream: Heavy whipping cream (for coffee/cooking).
• Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt or full-fat natural yogurt.
• Butter: Real butter, not margarine.

Healthy Fats

Use these for cooking or dressing salads.

• Olive Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Avocado Oil
• Lard/Tallow
• Avocado (the fruit itself)