Low-carb diets aren’t just popular—they're effective approaches to managing weight, boosting energy levels, and improving overall health! But if you're new to the world of low carb, it could seem daunting. What are the basics? How do you create a meal plan? Are there any tips for sticking with it?
All questions we'll answer in this beginner's guide so you can easily get started on your low-carb life!
The Basics of a Low-Carb Diet
A low-carb diet is one in which you reduce your intake of carbohydrates, which are typically found in foods like pasta, rice, sugary snacks, and bread. It relies heavily on consuming protein, healthy fats, and vegetables. The goal of a low-carb diet is for your body to burn fat for energy instead of relying on carbs.
What types of diets fall under the low-carb umbrella? Keto and paleo are among the most commonly known. Researching both is a good starting point and can help you select the right low-carb diet for your lifestyle.
When reducing your carbohydrate intake, the following foods will likely be part of your low-carb diet meal plan:
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Lean meats
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Eggs
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Seafood
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Nuts & seeds
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Healthy fats, such as avocados
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Low-carb veggies, like broccoli
On the flip side, low-carb diets avoid:
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Processed foods
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Starchy veggies, like potatoes
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Sugary drinks
Creating a Meal Plan
When it comes to creating a low-carb meal plan, there are a few steps you can take to get set up for success.
1. Calculate Your Carb Limit
There are several factors at play when calculating your carb limit, including your:
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Age
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Activity level
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Medical history
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Body type
You'll also want to keep in mind the type of low-carb diet you'd like to follow. Generally speaking, low-carb diets limit intake to around 20 to 55 grams per day.
2. Stock Up
Fill your pantry with essentials that help you stick to your diet, including fresh veggies, protein, and pantry staples like coconut oil. Having healthy, low-carb snacks on hand can also help you fight temptation when hunger strikes!
3. Planning Meals
One of the best ways to stick to any diet, not just one low in carbs, is to plan and prepare meals in advance. That way, a busy schedule or fatigue won't derail your goals.
Easy Low-Carb Meals to Get You Started
Getting started with your new low-carb life doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some ideas to help you enjoy an easy, low-carb meal.
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Swap traditional pasta for veggie noodles
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Instead of a bun, wrap your burger in lettuce
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Sub cauliflower fried rice instead of white rice
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Bake whisked eggs with diced veggies in a muffin tin for a grab-and-go breakfast
Here at Farm Fresh Meals, we offer a variety of low-carb dishes, making it easy to not only get started with this type of meal plan but stick with it for the long haul.
Explore our Monday or Thursday menus, keeping an eye out for seafood and lean meat options, or subscribe to meal deliveries to save on every order!
Tips for Maintaining a Low-Carb Diet
Other than leaning on Farm Fresh Meals for delicious, ready-made cuisine, what are some other tips for maintaining your low-carb diet?
✓ Manage cravings: The best way to avoid high-carb temptations is to have a variety of low-carb snacks on hand.
✓ Drink plenty of water: Not only does drinking water help support your overall health, but it also helps manage hunger.
✓ Try different meals: Ordering from Farm Fresh Meals is a great way to mix things up and keep mealtime interesting.
Start Your Low-Carb Journey Today
With a helping hand from our low-carb meal delivery services, it's never been easier to get started on living a healthier lifestyle and achieving your fitness goals. Take the hassle out of meal prep–order from Farm Fresh Meals today!