Low Carb Diet Plan

The Low Carb diet plan is exactly as it sounds — it limits carbohydrates, one of the three nutrition macronutrients, instead emphasizing protein and fat. There are many types of low-carb diet plans. Each has different guidelines for what foods to eat and how much of the diet should be carbs.
The main purpose of a Low Carb diet plan is weight loss, although some also might go onto the diet for the purposes of controlling Type 2 diabetes or metabolic conditions. You might also want to follow a Low Carb diet plan because you simply enjoy eating foods higher in protein and fats than carbohydrates.
There's no fixed definition of what is or isn't a Low Carb diet plan, and the total amount of carbs consumed daily will vary based on goals and preferences. Some examples of Low Carb diet plans are the Keto Diet Plan, Atkins Diet Plan, a Low-Carb Paleo Diet Plan, a Zero-Carb diet plan, and a Low-Carb Mediterranean Diet Plan.
One of the basic steps of any Low Carb diet plan, however, is to reduce the intake of high-carb foods such as grains, potatoes, sugary drinks and high-sugar junk foods. Studies have shown that Low Carb diet plans can help the heart, especially those who ate diets that were high in vegetable sources of fat and protein.
Another benefit of a Low Carb diet is the reduction of body fat. Your body digests carbs and turns them into blood sugar, which the body uses for energy. By eating fewer carbs, your body uses stored fat for fuel instead.
Staple Foods on a Low Carb Diet Plan
So what are considered the core foods of a Low Carb diet plan? In a nutshell, it's nutrient-rich foods that are high in protein and/or fats.
Low Carb Friendly Foods and Snacks
In general, a Low Carb diet plan will focus on proteins and non-starchy vegetables. Low Carb-friendly foods include:
Low Carb Friendly Meats and Proteins
Low Carb Friendly Fruits and Vegetables
- Celery
- Avocados
- Spinach
- Radishes
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Mushrooms
- Cabbage
- Eggplant
- Asparagus
Low Carb Friendly Dairy Products
- Butter
- Full-fat sour cream
- Whipping cream
- Full-fat, unsweetened yogurt
- Cream cheese
- Cheese! Cheddar, mozzarella, swiss, parmesan, colby and more
Another Low Carb-friendly food group is nuts and seeds, such as almonds, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds and pistachios.
Foods to Avoid on a Low Carb Diet Plan
The ingredients to avoid on a Low Carb diet plan are highly processed sources of fats and protein, and eating a smaller proportion of carbs.
Common sources of carbohydrates are:
- Grains
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Milk
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Legumes (beans, lentils, peas)
- Beer
- Pasta
- Cookes, cake and other junk food
Complex carbs are digested more slowly than refined carbohydrates. If you do eat carbs on a Low Carb diet plan, make sure they're whole grain and not refined, such as those in white bread or sugar.
Benefits of the Low Carb Diet Plan
Getting rid of highly processed foods and refined sugars, such as that found in junk food, is almost always beneficial. Because no food group is entirely excluded in a basic Low Carb diet plan, it gives a wide range of options, making it easier to stay committed to the diet.
One of the benefits of feeling satiated (which is easier when eating proteins and fats) in a diet like the Low Carb diet plan is that it lessens the need for calorie counting and watching portion sizes, although it can be helpful to many to track everything that is eaten.
Studies have shown that Low Carb diet plans can jump start the weight loss process. In the short term, Low Carb diet plans will outperform Low Fat diet plans, although over the long term that advantage disappears. Low Carb diet plans that emphasize healthy sources of nutrients can reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Downsides of a Low Carb Diet Plan
Some nutrition and health experts advise against eliminating entire categories of food from your diet. A sudden and drastic reduction in carbs can cause some temporary side effects, such as headaches, cramps and constipation. Too few carbs, and your body can go into ketosis, where it instead breaks down stored fat. This isn't necessarily bad, but some nutritionists advise against going without carbohydrates for a long time.
Nutrition on a Low Carb Diet Plan
The first step in dieting to lose, maintain or gain weight is to calculate your TDEE (total daily energy expenditure) based on your current weight and exercise level. If your body burns 2,000 calories a day, then consistently eating fewer calories than that will help you lose weight, and eating more calories will cause you to gain weight.
A typical Low Carb diet plan might see a limit of 0.7 to 2 ounces (20 to 57 grams) of carbohydrates. That amount of carbs would provide 80 to 240 calories. By comparison, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends carbs are 45% to 65% of total daily calories. That would be from 900 to 1,300 calories a day. As you can see, a Low Carb diet plan is a pretty significant restriction in carbs.
Most people will lose weight if they reduce the number of calories they eat and increase exercise. One of the side benefits of a Low Carb diet plan is that eating more protein and fat can increase satiety, which leads to feeling full longer, which helps you eat less.
Less restrictive Low Carb diet plans might call for only limiting carbs to 100 grams per day, and a maintenance plan might limit them to 150 grams.
Example Seven Day 2000 Calorie Low Carb Meal Plan
Here's a sample Low Carb meal plan with daily averages of 1982 Calories, 138g protein, 109g fat, and 130g carbs (86g net carbs). You can generate your own custom plans like this with a free Eat This Much account and generate complete instant grocery lists with our Premium features.
Plan Summary
- Total Days
- 7
- Average Calories
- 1982
- Average Carbs
- 130g
- Average Fat
- 109g
- Average Proteins
- 138g
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Day 1
Breakfast
Peanut Butter Protein Oats 1 serving
Lunch
Raspberry Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie 1 serving
Peanut Butter & Celery 1 serving
Dinner
Mustard and Shallot Salmon 1 ½ serving
Grape, Walnut, and Romaine Salad 1 salad
Snack
Yogurt with Mango & Avocado 1 serving
Day 2
Breakfast
Egg Cups 1 serving
Protein-boosted Yogurt 1 serving
Lunch
Raspberry Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie 1 serving
Blue cheese and Veggie Salad 1 serving
Dinner
Spicy Chicken Soup 1 serving
Green Pea & Almond Salad 1 serving
Snack
Trail Mix 1 serving
Day 3
Breakfast
Greek Yogurt with Blueberries, Walnuts & Honey 1 ½ serving
Buttered Toast with Cinnamon 1 slice
Lunch
Tuna Salad 2 serving
Cucumber Boats with Spicy Hummus 1 servings
Dinner
Maple Glazed Salmon 1 serving
Green Pea & Almond Salad 1 serving
Snack
Trail Mix 1 serving
Day 4
Breakfast
Pina Colada Chia Pudding 1 ½ serving
Cottage Cheese & Raspberries ½ serving
Lunch
Strawberry Protein Yogurt Smoothie 1 serving
Zucchini & Hummus 1 serving
Dinner
Air Fryer Chicken Wings 1 serving
Snack
Raspberry Chia Seed Pudding 1 serving
Day 5
Breakfast
Bacon 2 strips
Lunch
Strawberry Cottage Cheese Smoothie 1 serving
Avocado 1 avocado
Dinner
Pan Seared Chicken Breast 1 breast
Peppers Cucumber & Avocado Salad 1 serving
Snack
Yogurt with Avocado & Basil 1 serving
Day 6
Breakfast
Sticky Bun Chia Seed Pudding 1 ½ serving
Cottage Cheese with Raspberries ½ serving
Lunch
Lettuce Cucumber Walnut Salad 1 serving
Dinner
Kale Avocado Salad 1 serving
Snack
Basic Protein Drink 1 cup
Day 7
Breakfast
Egg Cups 1 serving
Protein-boosted Yogurt 1 serving
Lunch
Tuna Stuffed Pepper 1 serving
Lemon Avocado Salad 1 serving
Dinner
Chicken Wraps 1 rollup
Peppers Cucumber & Avocado Salad 1 serving
Snack
Trail Mix 1 serving
Browse Diet Plans
Keto Low-carb, high-fat diet focusing on ketosis for energy and weight management
Vegan Excludes all animal products, emphasizing plant-based foods for health and ethics
Vegetarian Plant-based diet including dairy and eggs, avoiding meat for health and ethics
Paleo Emulates ancient diet with whole foods, free of processed items and grains
Mediterranean Rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and olive oil for a balanced, heart-healthy diet
Low Carb Reduces carbohydrate intake, focusing on proteins and fats for energy
Low Fat Limits fat consumption, emphasizing lean proteins, grains, and vegetables
High Protein Prioritizes protein intake for muscle growth and repair, with balanced nutrients
Gluten Free Avoids gluten, suitable for celiac or gluten sensitivity, focusing on alternative grains
Other See how to follow other popular plans like Whole30, Low FODMAP, Pescetarian, and more
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