Low carb suggestions??

[Lorikr65]

Maybe someone can clarify this. I thought broccoli was good to have. I went to a site that have nutition information and, depending on the site, it can have it listed from 1g all the way up to 20g of carbs for the same serving of broccoli! I would either eat is raw or cooked with a little butter spray if I knew definitively what the carb count was! Thanks - Lori

 

[TravelinGal]

Broccoli (raw) per 1 cup serving has:

25 calories
0 grams fat
5 grams carbs
3 grams fiber
3 grams protein

People who eat TRUE low carb frequently deduct the fiber from the carbs so, 1 cup of broccoli has 5 actual carbs or 2 net carbs.

Since you are not seriously interested in eating low carb (under 60 grams a day) just count it at 5 carbs per 1 cup serving. Any sauces you add would increase carb count (for example: cheese, on average, has 1 carb per ounce)

Why we deduct fiber from the carb count:

Dietary fiber is the indigestible parts of plant cells. Although it is a carbohydrate, fiber does not convert to glucose and thus does not raise your blood-sugar level the way carbohydrates typically do. In fact, fiber actually slows the entry of glucose into the bloodstream. This, in turn, reduces the blood-sugar spikes that cause insulin production and encourage the body to produce and store body fat. And by slowing down food’s transit time in the digestive tract, fiber helps you feel full longer, resulting in fewer food cravings.

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

I just get cautious when I see all the nuts and cheese, etc. All I see if FAT!! I know if you are on a lowcarb diet you can have more fat, but I'm not interested in that route.

So you're saying even if I go medium carb I can have those things? I do like the idea of celery (not a big fan of peanut butter though). I also have thought about only having 1/2 the bagel and having an egg with it.

After doing a search of carbs on disboards I noticed a website called fitday and I've put my food into that. So far, without dinner (but all my snacks because they are the same each day), I have 695 cals, 21g fat, 82 carbs and 50 protein or: Fat 27%, Carbs 43%, Protein 29%.

Lori

that's a really neat website--thanks!

 

[nbodyhome]

1200 calories is very low (I try to stick around 1800 calories, with around half of them coming from carbs). I have lost 80 pounds, and maintained it. I just need to lose another 20, kicking up the exercise a bit.

 

[tiggr33]

I'm a hypoglycemic so I face daily battles with carbs. I have no choice in the matter. I was diagnosed just over a year ago, and I am just begining to feel I am "under control" and figuring out how my body will react to carbs in different situations.

To the OP, the mashed cauliflower suggestion is a great one. It gives you the mouth feel of mashed potatos and can taste like them depending on the recipe. It's a great fake out.

My overall suggestion, read all food labels. Take note of the carbs, sugars, fiber, and protein. Do a little reading to figure out how to find the hidden sugars in items.

Dinner could really be my problem which is why I was asking for low carb side dishes. We usually have chicken, meat or fish with a vege and rice, pasta or potato. I know that bagel in the morning has 30 carbs but I need that boost to get me up!!

Based on the last sentence above, have you had your blood sugars tested? If your body needs that many carbs to boost you, you may have something metabolic going on.

I do a version of low carb. I'm always looking for ways to make it cheaper.

One of the cheapest, easiest sides I make to go with fish is a can of white beans mashed with garlic, evoo, lemon juice, salt and pepper. It's kind of like mashed potatoes, but very filling and fairly diet friendly.

Another option for a side is mashed cauliflower with cream cheese. You can also run cauliflower through a ricer to make a rice like side dish. You can season it like you would a pilaf or even fried rice.

Add more food to your food--salsa, dill pickles (unsweetened), brothy soups without rice and noodles--all will help you fill up on minimal calories for minimal cash.

Yum, your bean recipe and 'flower mash variation both sound soo good. I agree pickles can be a great snack (as long as sodium isn't an issue)

one of our fav low-carb sides...cut up a head of cauliflower...steam the life out of it until is is super mushy...mash the it up and mix in a couple of tablespoons of garlic and herb cheese spread (alouette?) They are so yummy..better than any 'real' mashed potatoes I have ever made..


my dh is also loving roasted beets..super easy..just cut off the tops and bottoms (leave the skin on)..roast them for about 1 hour (depending on their size) until you can stick a knife through them..let them cool and peel the skin off(they come of easy once their cooled but it is messy!) slice them up and toss with a dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar. lime juice and a touch of sweetner (i use honey or splenda)...very yummy cold too.

Yum again. I never thought to use Alouette. Thanks for the idea. I wish I could eat beets. The sugars get to me. I have to be careful with beets and carrots (which are two of my favs).

Broccoli (raw) per 1 cup serving has:

25 calories
0 grams fat
5 grams carbs
3 grams fiber
3 grams protein

People who eat TRUE low carb frequently deduct the fiber from the carbs so, 1 cup of broccoli has 5 actual carbs or 2 net carbs.

Since you are not seriously interested in eating low carb (under 60 grams a day) just count it at 5 carbs per 1 cup serving. Any sauces you add would increase carb count (for example: cheese, on average, has 1 carb per ounce)

Why we deduct fiber from the carb count:

Dietary fiber is the indigestible parts of plant cells. Although it is a carbohydrate, fiber does not convert to glucose and thus does not raise your blood-sugar level the way carbohydrates typically do. In fact, fiber actually slows the entry of glucose into the bloodstream. This, in turn, reduces the blood-sugar spikes that cause insulin production and encourage the body to produce and store body fat. And by slowing down food’s transit time in the digestive tract, fiber helps you feel full longer, resulting in fewer food cravings.

Very well said. For those of us who metabilically need to watch carbs, this calculation can make all the difference.

 

[QueenTriton]

I do low carb, but not the "high fat" low carb. It's all about moderation, which looks like what the OP is interested in. Here are some tips: avoid white, white bread, white potatoes, white rice, white pasta. If you love the bagel, have just half and make it whole-wheat. Use wild rice instead of white. Use a sweet potato (again, half) instead of a white potato.

Eat fruits, but stick the lower carb ones, like melons and berries.

Lowfat cottage cheese is a great side. Also, cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, green beans, tomatoes, pickles (look for the low sugar versions). Avoid corn and carrots.

Beware of low fat items that replace fat with sugar (salad dressings are infamous for this). Look for items that have a healthy balance. Check the carb content in those 100-calorie snacks. Some are really high! Once in a while, these are fine, but change things up a little with celery (with some hummus!) or a few strawberries.

Don't be afraid of a small snack of cheese or nuts (skim mozzarella, almonds & soynuts are favorites!) once in a while. A protein boost is better for your metabolism than a sugar boost.