13 Delicious Low Carb Foods You Are Probably Not Eating

With the Keto Diet rising in popularity and the Atkins diet seeing some resurgence, it seems everyone knows the basics about eating foods that are high in fat and Low Carb Foods. Meat, cheese, fish, shellfish, and protein shakes are great, but what about variety?

You are looking for how to lose fat by eating eggs and other bland but low-fat meals every day, but your taste buds might die from boredom. Below is a killer, comprehensive list of delicious low-carb foods you are probably not eating. From fruits to vegetables, oils, sauce substitutes, and snacks, there’s bound to be something on here you didn’t think would make a great addition to your healthy, low-carb lifestyle!

Spaghetti Squash

Weighing in at 10 grams of carbs you can kiss pasta goodbye! But that doesn’t mean you can’t keep eating spaghetti and meatballs, spaghetti carbonara, spaghetti bolognese, and skyline chili! Here’s a recipe from Martha Stewart for Sautéed Scallops Over Spaghetti Squash

Parmesan Cheese

Not only does parmesan cheese taste amazing on top of ‘pasta’ dishes made with spaghetti squash, you can also use this in place of breadcrumbs for chicken strips, veal parmesan, or anything that might need a crunchy coating. With a minuscule 0.2 grams of carbs, you’ll never know you scrimped on the bread! For the ultimate in low-carb snacking, try making these Parmesan Crisps, using them to scoop up homemade guacamole.

Brussel Sprouts

Super-charged veggie sibling to low carb broccoli and kale, Brussels sprouts are delicious simply roasted with a little olive oil and herbs. Coming in at 1.7 grams of carbs per serving, these guys are filling and nutritious. For an even better flavor, try roasting them with cubes of pancetta

Raspberries

Your Atkins friends may tell you to ditch the fruit because of sugar and potential unwanted carbs, but this cousin to the rose is packed with a boatload of vitamin C. With only 7 grams of net carbs per cup, you can get this delicious sweetness and still stay low-carb!

Walnuts

Packed with omega 3s, these guys only have 4 grams of carbs per ounce. Great to snack on, they are also delicious mixed in yogurt in lieu of granola and can be a great topping to veggies like Brussel sprouts, green beans, or carrots for a little something extra.

Heavy cream

With an average of one carb per ounce, this stuff is delicious in lieu of milk for coffee lovers that like a creamy cup of java. As an alternative dessert, mix your favorite berries and walnuts in homemade whipped cream sweetened with a sugar alternative, and you won’t sacrifice your taste for carbs either.

Clarified Butter or Ghee

Take your favorite, real, unsalted, churned, creamy block of goodness and turn it into a low-carb feast. While I wouldn’t recommend using it in mass quantities due to its fat content, this is a great alternative to oils when you just need something that tastes nice.

Greek/Full-Fat Yogurt

Yes, yogurt definitely isn’t carb-free but you should think of it as a protein. You can make sauces, chocolate mousse and so much more with yogurt. Loaded with probiotic bacteria, this stuff normally comes in under 10 grams of carbs per serving. Just check the nutrition labels for the lowest carb yogurt you can find, and enjoy.

Club Soda/Sparkling Water

For those days you need a soda pop style drink, think soda water. If you’re trying to sincerely cut carbs, this is a big help; especially if you like the odd gin and tonic. Not only will you cut carbs, but you’ll also cut calories, sugar, fat, and still get that refreshing feeling of bubbles on your palate. You can try out some different flavors of sugar-free syrups – but try to avoid drinking too many. It’ll train your taste buds to crave sweet drinks, which is a slippery slope to drinking high-calorie (and carb) sodas!

Cucumber Slices

Cut carbs, calories, and cravings with the humble cucumber. With 2 grams of carbs per ½ cup serving, you can make spa water for your first drink of the day, throw it in your club soda with your favorite gin for a low-carb cocktail, or slice it up with a dash of salt to snack on.

Olive Oil

With zero carbs, one of the biggest ways to cut carbs is with DIY dressings. Use olive oil and juice a lemon, lime, or orange for your acid–season with various spices and herbs–voila! Low carb salad dressing in a flash.

Beef Jerky

Beef jerky is a great low-carb snack to grab on the run. With 2.2 grams of carbs per serving, it comes in various flavors like peppered, spicy, and teriyaki. A few pieces of jerky will curb cravings until you get to your next meal.

Air-popped popcorn

If you find yourself getting snacks and jerky or cucumber slices just aren’t hitting the spot, reach for air-popped popcorn. With only 5 grams of net carbs per cup, throw on a little clarified butter, and you’re smooth sailing in low-carb heaven.