Zero carb diets have been gaining popularity in recent years, with many people touting their benefits for weight loss, blood sugar control and improved overall health. But what exactly are zero carb foods, and are they really as satisfying as they’re cracked up to be?
As the name suggests, zero carb foods are foods that contain very little or no carbohydrates. This typically includes animal products like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, as well as non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, and courgette. Some nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds, are also considered to be zero carb. For those looking to go plant-based, or experimenting with more meat-free meals throughout the week, many make the mistake of over-consuming carbs instead of meat and dairy, which really isn’t necessary and can so easily be avoided.
Why are zero carb foods so popular?
There are several reasons why zero carb diets have become so popular:
- Weight loss: Many people find that they lose weight quickly on zero carb diets. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including reduced calorie intake, increased satiety and improved blood sugar control which helps to prevent cravings and overeating
- Blood sugar control: Zero carb diets can be helpful for people with type 2 diabetes, as they can help to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity
- Improved mood and energy: Some people report feeling more energetic and having improved mood on zero carb diets. This may be due to the elimination of processed foods and sugar, which can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes
Is a zero carb diet right for you?
Whether or not a zero carb diet is right for you depends on your individual health needs and goals. It’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any drastic or new diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. But if you’re considering trying a zero carb diet, here are some tips that I hope you’ll find helpful:
- Make sure that you’re getting enough nutrients: Eat a variety of non-starchy vegetables and consider taking a multivitamin supplement too
- Drink plenty of fluids: This will help you to prevent constipation
- Monitor your electrolytes: You may need to supplement with electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium
- Listen to your body: If you experience any negative side effects, such as fatigue, headaches, or dizziness then please stop the diet and talk to your doctor
Guilt-Free Zero Carb Pasta, Noodles & Rice
An alternative to removing all pasta, noodles and rice from your diet is to instead seek a zero-carb alternative so that you can continue to enjoy the foods that you’ve always loved, just guilt-free! I stumbled across a store at the weekend called Eat Water, which has the most fantastic range of health foods and treats to make being healthy such a breeze.
I stocked up on their Slim Rice, Slim Noodles, Slim Noodles Soup and Keto Skinny Smoky BBQ to enjoy low-calorie, low-carb meals in support of enthusiastically building my summer body this Winter. Their Slim Rice 270g sachets are a fantastic low-calorie and low-carb rice substitute which can be used as a healthier alternative to rice in various dishes.
Made from konjac flour, which is high in soluble fiber and contains very few calories. It is gluten-free, low calorie, fat free, sugar free, plant-based, 100% natural, Paleo friendly and has a very low glycemic index, making it perfect for people with dietary restrictions and those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake. Conveniently pre-cooked, you can easily add it to a wide range of recipes.
Their slim pasta, noodles and rice are a low-calorie alternative that help you to lose weight without compromising on taste. The “No Chicken Noodle Pot” is a vegan-friendly, plant-based alternative to traditional chicken noodle soup and conveniently ready-to-eat. The savoury broth is infused with vegetables, herbs, and spices, and instead of chicken, incorporates meat substitutes such as tofu, tempeh or textured vegetable protein (TVP) to mimic the texture and taste of chicken.
They also have a wide range of slim sauces for which you can top any food, dessert, salad or heath drink with vegan, keto friendly, low carbohydrate, low calorie and low sugar alternatives to regular sauces making it the perfect addition to every health-conscious kitchen.
My personal favourite is their Slim Rice which I added to some pan fried broccoli, green beans and red chillis with a bowl of their smoky BBQ dipping sauce. The rice is so deliciously soft, silky and plump allowing me to enjoy my favourite form of carbs without the calories! I hope that you too can continue to enjoy the dishes that you love, without adding to your calories, as you keep your diet on track and your health at the forefront of your day.
www.eatwater.co.uk
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