Low Carb Food Staples that Help Calm My Cravings
4:53 PMThe low carb lifestyle may look easy at first glance; eating lots of bacon and cheese doesn't seem too difficult. And really, it's not. However, the hard part is avoiding sugar and other simple carbohydrates that sneak themselves into our daily lives.
I followed a ketogenic plan to lose weight: that means eating lots of good fats, a moderate amount of protein, and under 30 net carbs per day. Consult a doctor if you think a keto diet might work for you. Disclaimer: I am not a doctor.
I lost 20 LBS in about 4 months after my third baby just by cutting carbs. No sugar, bread, rice, pasta, or other sources of carbs. However, only eating bacon cheeseburgers without the buns isn't really a healthy, sustainable lifestyle ... so that also means eating lots of dense, low carb vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and avocado.
Cutting sugar is hard. But it can be done. Using stevia to replace sugar in coffee or tea, as well as anything else you want to add sweetness to - like smoothies! Berries are low carb, thank goodness!
Which brings me to my list of low carb staples that are great in a pinch when I feel like I might cheat. These foods help me stay on track. It's mostly sweets, but there are a few savory options as well. *affiliate links may be included below*
1. We just covered this, but BERRIES. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are all low in carbs and are heavenly with a little heavy whipping cream and a touch of stevia. Or, just plain for that matter, as berries are already naturally sweet!
2. Dark Chocolate. You have to be a little careful on this one, though. Compare the 85% cacao chocolate bars at the store. Look for the one that has the least net carbs (Total carbs minus the amount of dietary fiber). You'll likely be surprised how much fiber is in dark chocolate! A square - or even two - a day is great in chasing away a chocolate craving. I live for the Lindt one!
3. Peanut butter is a low carb savior - but keep it at a couple tablespoons per day. There are some net carbs in peanut butter, but it's a healthy protein in moderation and everything you put it on tastes like a cheat food - even celery! Try this peanut butter smoothie - it's my favorite.
4. Starbucks cold brew (with sugar-free vanilla syrup and half and half is my go-to treat on the go. If you haven't tried Starbucks cold brew, it's amazing, especially with these additions. The caffeine gives you energy as well, so that's a plus if you can handle it. I also concocted this low carb salted caramel frappuccino recipe for times at home that you need a little freezy-sweet treat.
5. Deviled eggs aren't a sweet food, but they are a savory, rich, creamy, and easy to whip up and shove in your mouth when you need a flavorful protein pick me up. If you don't ike them deviled - hard boiled is another option.
6. Roasted, salted sunflower seeds are a great snack when you need a handful of something that's salty to munch. They register very low in net carbs, and are a healthy source of fat. Almonds also work!
7. THIS mug cake. It's chocolatey and rich, for when you need something with a cake-like consistency. I've tried, it, and it's really tasty for being low carb - plus it's simple and quick to make. (Originally found on reddit.)
There is my go-to low carb snack list. Hope it gave someone a few ideas for quick low carb snacks!
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