Low-Carb Diet Menus

Low-carbohydrate diets are very popular. They control carbohydrates by limiting breads, vegetables, fruits, pasta and rice. Instead, you obtain most of your calories through proteins -- including eggs, fish, and lean meat -- and good carbs such as nuts. A low-carb diet can help ease water retention, make you feel fuller longer and lower cholesterol.

Breakfast

Choose menu items high in protein so they will stick with you throughout the morning. Try a two-egg omelet made with red peppers and sausage. Scramble two eggs and add chopped sausage and chopped red peppers. Also add a low-fat cheese. Other excellent breakfast menu items include poached or hard-boiled eggs, low-carb bread and two slices of turkey bacon.

Lunch

Choose healthy items brought from home for lunch, if you are working. It is easy to allow temptation to ruin your diet. Drive-thrus are not the best options when choosing a low-carb diet. Instead, have a salad with grilled chicken and boiled egg. Other menu items could include grilled chicken and steak fajitas on low-carb tortillas. Chilli makes an excellent low-carb item. Make the chili with tomatoes, kidney beans, onions, lean ground beef and spices. Cook the meals ahead of time so they will be easier to prepare.

Dinner

Plan on lighter meals for dinner. Make breakfast and lunch your largest calorie carriers. For dinner, choose lighter meals that will help control your hunger so you will not begin to snack on unhealthy items at night. Choose grilled tuna with squash and mushrooms. Other dinner menu items include a chef salad that contains lots of lean meats and cheese and healthy vegetables such as lettuce and tomatoes. Another excellent choice is baked chicken with steamed broccoli.

Snacks

Pick your snacks wisely. Snacks can make or break a diet. Often times we will cheat and grab foods that are convenient but are not as good for us. Good snacks include olives with cube cheese, celery with peanut butter and carrots with low-fat ranch dressing. Quick snack items could be a low-carb snack drink or a handful of almonds.