Here’s a brief overview of low carb diets and my long term journey with this way of eating!
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Your body is fueled by carbohydrates and fat. If you eat more carbs than your body needs, it converts them to fat. Low carb diets work on burning fat as fuel rather than storing fat. It does mean huge sacrifices if you are used to a “normal” diet. Starchy and sugary foods have to be eliminated, eg bread, pizza, cereal, chips, fries, bagels, pasta, candy, rice and more. You’ll suddenly realize that carbs are everywhere! There are also significant amounts of carbs in common food like milk and many fruit and vegetables.
For a scientific analysis of WHY low carb diets work, check out my highly informative article: What are the Low Carb Diet Benefits that make it so good for your health?
However, this way of eating certainly isn’t all bad news! There are a LOT of things you CAN eat: meat, fish, cheese, eggs, butter are just some of the highlights! When I first started low-carbing in 2008, I made a list of favorite meals that I COULD have and pinned it up on a cupboard door in the kitchen. (Updated to add – I have now designed a motivational pack that includes a blank list for YOU to complete!) These included: sashimi, beef carpaccio, mozzarella and tomato salad, crispy seaweed, Thai beef salad, asparagus and Hollandaise sauce, Thai salmon fishcakes, omelets, steak, bacon, smoked salmon and cream cheese, roast chicken, fried calamari with chili and salt – and many more! These meals all had a low carbohydrate intake to start with, with very little variation required. Your list would look very different but it is a very positive thing to do.
Are you just beginning your low carb journey? Check out my guide to starting a low carb diet!
From that point on, it is a case of learning to adapt. You want to have fajitas with the rest of the family, so use low carb wraps or lettuce leaves instead of normal tortillas. You want to have scrambled egg on bagel for a weekend breakfast? Have it on some lovely thick-cut ham instead of the bagel. The food choices that you make – that seem so hard at the start – soon become normal.
Oh – and if all the new language is overwhelming you – check out my guide to Low Carb Vocabulary and Acronyms!
Over the years I have learned to work out which foods I can eat and keep the weight off. I like to “repurpose” ingredients – eg making rice out of cauliflower, or noodles out of zucchini (also known as zoodles!), but also try products from specialty low carb stores that just make life easier. I have listed some stores on my supplies page and you might also like to check out my Low Carb Shopping Guide and 14 day low carb meal plan.
Lastly, I’d like to reiterate that although I know a lot about low carb diets, I am not a health professional or dietician. There are some great resources out there – I have some low carb book suggestions or check out popular diet variations like Atkins Diet, South Beach Diet, The Paleo Diet, Primal diet, THM, Whole 30 or Ketogenic diet to see which one is right for you.
Oh – and if you’re interested about the popularity of keto and low carb diets, check out this bar chart race, showing the most Googled diets from the last 5 years!
Find more low carb diet resources on my Pinterest board!Here are some articles that you might find helpful:
These keto-friendly banana muffins are packed with the flavors of banana, vanilla, and cinnamon. And made without any bananas at all! Perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or a healthy sweet treat. Ok, I know what you’re thinking… bananas are not keto friendly. But hear me out. These easy muffins manage to deliver all the banana …
These gravy burgers are the perfect low carb answer to that burger craving. Hamburger steaks are pan fried and smothered in a rich mushroom-onion gravy for a quick, easy, and satisfying meal! Hamburger steaks (aka gravy burgers) have been a thing in the South for as long as I can remember. And that’s for one …
If you’re looking for low carb bacon recipes – you’ve come to the right place! Over 60 ideas to try!
This list of low carb cheesy recipes is all you’ll need to get your next cheese fix! Over 90 recipes to choose from!
Here’s a collection of ideas for a low carb breakfast on the go! Includes recipes, products, and drive-thru tips!
Have you tried Simply Delish? It’s a range of keto-friendly jel desserts and pudding mixes – and here’s everything you need to know about them!
Check out my list of over 50 low carb gift ideas, including treats, subscription boxes, clothes, kitchenware, and more! UPDATED for 2021! Whether you’re buying gifts for the low-carber in your life or adding things to your own wishlist (isn’t Amazon the BEST for that?), you’ll find a fantastic range of kitchenware, edible gifts, subscription …
Here are all the best low carb and keto Black Friday deals to found on the internet in 2021! Don’t miss out on these limited time offers!
Do you have excess or leftover herbs? Here’s my guide to using up any surplus in low carb recipes!
Here’s my collection of red, white, and blue recipes that are all low carb and keto-friendly! Perfect for your next patriotic celebration!
If you’re looking for low carb vegetarian recipes – you’ve come to the right place! Meals, appetizers, soups, and more!
Here are over 45 low carb brunch recipes for you to try! Get planning for this weekend!
There are many benefits of bone broth – especially for anyone following a low carb or keto diet. Here’s what you need to know!
If you’re looking for low carb rice alternatives – I have an awesome list for you that isn’t just cauli rice!
Here are the best keto fennel recipes from around the web! Main meals, side dishes, soups, salads, and more!
These low carb rum drinks are all sugar free and keto friendly. Plus a new recipe for Basil Lime Fizz!
Are you trying to do low carb on a budget? Finding it tough? Here are my top tips for keeping the cost of your diet DOWN!
Here are over 30 keto avocado recipes for you to try! Including breakfast, main meals, and drinks – all low carb and sugar free.
If you love low carb spicy food – here are over 50 fantastic recipes to try! All sugar free and keto friendly!
If you’re looking for low carb cheesecake – I have the BEST collection here! All sugar free and keto friendly recipes.
Here are 10 low carb ways to use regular pizza toppings! A super handy list of ideas when high carb pizza is your only option!
If you’re planning a low carb pantry makeover, this is the guide that you need to ensure that your kitchen is ready for your new keto lifestyle!
This list of low carb ground beef recipes show you just how versatile this meat can be! They’re all keto friendly, too!
Here’s my guide to hidden carbs – because manufacturers have a habit of sneaking them into food where you least expect it!
If you’re looking for low carb bagels, then here’s my list of keto bagels that you can either buy or make. All tried and tested by yours truly!
This list of low carb candy is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth! I’ve included recipes, products and list of keto alternatives to popular candy!
If you’re looking for low carb Indian food, then you’ve come to the right place! Here are my top tips for Indian recipes, products, and restaurants!
If you’re looking for low carb breakfast ideas that do NOT include eggs, then this is the list that you need! Includes recipe and product suggestions.
Here’s my review of Keyto – a breath sensor device and app designed specifically for anyone who is following a ketogenic diet!
These no carb desserts are perfect for when you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, without the carbohydrates!
Here are some delicious keto Mexican food ideas for you to enjoy – including recipes and what to order in a restaurant!
If you’re looking for low carb lunch ideas, you’ve come to the right place! Here are over 100 for you to try: whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go!
If you want to know how to cook spaghetti squash, here are three different methods to try. It’s a great low carb alternative to pasta!
If you’re looking for the best low carb wraps – you’ve come to the right place! Here’s a full guide to the best wraps to buy or to make at home!
Your food will never be boring when you eat the low carb rainbow! Here’s my guide to all the best naturally colorful low carb fruit, vegetables, and proteins.
Here’s my guide to low carb milk alternatives, including carbohydrate counts and best uses! A handy list for anyone starting a keto or low carb diet.
Exhausted? Try these low carb meals that are perfect for when you’re too tired to cook! Includes no-cook and very quick cook recipes and ideas!
If you’re looking for jicama recipes – I’ve got all the best low carb ones right here for you! Includes savory AND sweet dishes!
If you want to know how to make cauliflower rice, here’s my top method! It’s perfect for anyone following a low carb diet and it’s so easy to make!
Are you on the hunt for zero carb vegetables? Here’s what you need to know about the vegetables with the lowest amount of carbohydrates!