Low-Carb Diet: Foods to Limit for Optimal Results

Carbohydrates are essential for your body to function properly, especially high-fiber foods such as beans and whole grains. But some carbohydrates are better than others.

Why Go Low-Carb?

• Most people attracted to a low-carbohydrate diet want to lose weight. Avoiding white sugar and white flour products, which are high in carbohydrates, is good for your general health.

The White Foods

• Avoid white bread, white potatoes, pastries, sugary drinks, and sweets, which are high in carbohydrates.

Some Vegetables

• Vegetables are essential for good nutrition but there are some you should avoid on a low-carb diet: white potatoes, corn, carrots and peas. Suitable low-carb vegetables include leafy greens, summer squash and broccoli.

Some Fruit

• A low-carb diet doesn't mean you have to give up fruit. Fruits with less sugar content include peaches, berries and cantaloupe. High-carbohydrate fruits include watermelon, mangoes and bananas, so eat these occasionally.

Processed Food

• Most processed foods are loaded with chemicals. It is wise to avoid any treated foods when on a low-carbohydrate diet. Carefully read labels as there is often a lot of hidden sugar in processed foods.