Weight loss is a tricky subject. A variety of methods may or may not work for different people. While some things may be effective for you, they could also have little to no effect on others. Sometimes, it just comes down to your personal lifestyle.
However, recent studies surrounding ketogenic and carnivore diets have suggested a universal truth – that a significant decrease in the intake of carbohydrates may lead to weight loss and better overall health.
While processed carbohydrates like potato chips, sugary soft drinks, and candy bars are obviously not good for your health, there are certain foods that have been previously deemed “healthy” in the past, but are actually in a very gray area.
If you’re trying to lose weight and want to streamline your vegetable consumption to strictly low-carb produce, here are a few great options to try.
Today, Evolve Daily shares five great-tasting low-carb vegetables you can eat guilt-free.
1) Lettuce
The rule of thumb when hunting for low-carb vegetable options is that anything that is green and leafy is generally good. Lettuce is part of this group and is a fantastic choice for those on a low-carb diet.
Lettuce can be typically found in salads, tacos, between burger buns, sandwiches, and is an excellent filler in many quick meals. But it’s best consumed in large quantities with minimal additions. If you have to add dressing, find one that has no carbohydrates or sugar in it, or make your own with olive oil and eggs.
This vegetable is made up primarily of water and fiber and is a rich source of vitamin C, which helps fortify your immunity. Lettuce is definitely one of the best low-carb vegetables out there, and you can eat as much of it as you want, guilt-free.
2) Zucchini
Like lettuce, zucchini is a low-carb, highly versatile vegetable you can consume large quantities of without having to worry about putting on too much weight. It is a delicious tasting, very flavorful vegetable that can be added to salads raw or cooked, grilled and even put into sandwiches. They can even be eaten just plain raw.
Most recently, zucchini noodles have become a popular substitute for pasta, because they resemble the texture of actual pasta closely and can hold pasta sauce quite well. They are nutrient-dense and are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and calcium.
Crispy zucchini fries are a great side dish and a popular alternative to the obviously starchy potato version. It goes well with pretty much anything and is absolutely delicious. Try to add zucchini to your next meal.
3) Mushrooms
Most varieties of mushrooms are generally low-carb and very filling, which is great if you’re trying to lose weight. They are high in protein and feature a creamy and often meaty texture. Furthermore, mushrooms are a great side dish and can be prepared in a multitude of ways.
They contain a generous amount of fiber, and are a rich source of nutrients such as potassium, zinc, folate, and magnesium. You can saute them, roast, bake, and deep fry them. Many times, mushrooms are used in place of meat because of their ability to take on flavor while keeping a firm bite.
Add them to salads, soups, sandwiches, and noodles. Mushrooms are incredibly versatile and are great for people who want to feel full while still being able to maintain their weight loss.
4) Asparagus
Asparagus is a pretty underrated vegetable, both for its amazing flavor and the amount of nutrients it packs. It’s a fantastic source of folate, vitamin K, and contains loads of fiber to aid in digestion.
In addition, one cup of cooked asparagus contains less than 30 calories, making it great for people who are trying to lose weight.
Traditionally, asparagus has been paired with grilled proteins like steak and chicken, but they can definitely be enjoyed on their own. New ways to enjoy asparagus include roasting them in the oven or making asparagus omelets.
Once you discover just how great asparagus is as a low-carb vegetable option, you’re going to find ways to incorporate it into your diet.
5) Cauliflower
The humble cauliflower is probably one of the most versatile low-carb vegetables you can have. It can be prepared in so many different ways – broiled, baked, grilled or topped with cheese. Some have even turned it into “caulirice,” which is a worthy substitute for regular white rice to go with your meals.
Absolutely delicious and very low in calories, it contains a trace amount of carbs and is perfect for weight loss. It’s also rich in energy-releasing B-vitamins, as well as being high in fiber content. More importantly, it contains many antioxidants that will help your cells fight against free radicals which may contribute to heart disease and cancer.
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