Low carb diets are a very popular trend, mainly because they work really well for many people. By cutting out carbs, your appetite will gradually slow down, and as a result, decreasing your caloric intake without you even realizing it. 

If you are familiar with dieting or healthy meal planning at all, you may already be aware of the most common carbohydrates you should limit or avoid. All types of bread and pasta are high in carbs, as well as starchy foods such as potatoes. While it’s good to be aware of what foods to avoid, you should also know which low carb foods are available to you as well. This will help you add more variety to your daily diet plan. 

Five Surprisingly Low Carb Foods For You To Enjoy 

There are several foods that you can add to your low carb food list, but some of them may surprise you. Here are five lesser-known low-carb choices that you can still enjoy while you are trying to lose weight. 

Dark Chocolate

You may have already heard about some of the benefits of this superfood. Dark chocolate contains a high amount of antioxidants. Research has also shown that dark chocolate can be beneficial for heart health. This type of chocolate can help raise your good HDL cholesterol levels and lower your blood pressure. It works to prevent bad cholesterol or LDL from oxidation. It can also lower your insulin resistance. 

Pork Rinds 

Pork Rinds are perhaps one of the most surprising items on the list. This popular snack food is basically pork skin that has been deep-fried. They are very high in protein and also very low in carbs. While they are high in sodium and fat, if you are looking for a good low carb option that will help satisfy your junk food cravings, this is a good snack to have around. 

Bacon

Meats and vegetables are well known for being low carb food options. Although bacon is often not seen as a favorable food to add to a diet plan, it’s still low carb and therefore counts as a great option for your new diet plan. Keep in mind that bacon is high in saturated fat and is a processed meat that is often fried. If you are looking for a healthier overall alternative to bacon, you can give turkey bacon a try. 

Nuts 

Nuts and nut butter such as macadamia nuts, almonds, and walnuts are all very nutritious. These and other nut varieties contain essential ingredients such as healthy fats, magnesium, and vitamin E. As an added benefit, they are also low in carbs. This means you can enjoy a delicious crunchy snack any time you want that will not go against your diet plan. 

Avocado

Avocados are another healthy food option that many people enjoy. The fruit is high in a variety of nutrients including potassium and fiber. It is also a healthy fat because it contains a high amount of monounsaturated fats and small amounts of polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids. While being low in carbs, avocados are also beneficial to heart health and your metabolism.

To learn more about how meal planning using low carb foods, get in touch with a Z.E.N. Foods consultant today. We have a variety of prepared meal plan options many types of dieters. We will be happy to help you find the right prepared meal plan that suits your needs.