Low-Carb Groceries to Add to Your List
Whether you’re getting sick of the regulars in your fridge and want to change it up or wanting some healthy options to try out, this list provides nutritious staples that you may want to make some room for on your grocery list. I’ve picked out some of my go-to food items that keep me feeling my best throughout the day. For me, that mostly entails foods low in sugar and carbohydrates. I’ve found that when trying to balance a busy class schedule with staying on top of my personal tasks, my brain maintains its energy best when I keep these to a minimum.
I highly recommend keeping track— in your phone notes or a nutrition journal— of how certain snacks and meals make you feel. It has helped me tremendously with depicting the sources of different issues I was having with my health, such as fatigue, breakouts, mood, physical appearance, etc. So, with that background, here are the groceries that have proved most loyal to my health and well-being over the years.
1. Berries
Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are my personal favorite. Not only can I grab a handful when I’m wanting a quick energy boost, but they also mix deliciously with any sugar-free vanilla yogurt for a quick and yummy parfait.
2. Quest protein bars
Quest bars are sold at most supermarkets, and they’ve become a staple in my grocery shopping routine. They’re loaded with protein and fiber and are low in sugar and carbs, making them an easy grab-and-go snack with nutritional value. These are also fairly packed with fat, however, so it’s important to moderate this food group accordingly if they become a regular in your diet.
3. Baby spinach
Spinach? Yes, spinach. The health benefits of this dark, leafy green are too numerous to list. Contributing to brain health, energy levels, immune system, skincare, and more, this food group is definitely worth trying. I grab a handful and wash it down with water when I’m having a late night spent studying and am in need of a quick energy boost, because it really does make a difference. For a more tasty option, combining it with tomatoes and mozzarella for a yummy Caprese salad is a great option, too. Adding a tablespoon of balsamic vinaigrette will certainly up the flavor and won’t increase carb intake by too much, either. It’s also great in smoothies.
4. Cheese crisps
Moon Crisps are my personal favorite. They’re the perfect alternative to potato chips, making them a great snack for movie nights with the roommates or an in-between class nibble.
5. Grape tomatos
Don’t knock it till you try it. I pop grape tomatoes like candy when I’m in snacking mood. Tomatoes are low in fat, sodium, sugar, and carbs. They’re also a great source of Vitamins A & C, fiber, and other beneficial minerals.
6. Borison mushrooms
Although this snack requires a little bit of preparation, crimini mushrooms stuffed with borison cheese is one of my favorite dishes and is definitely worth the 15 minutes of work. This recipe is what I follow, and it turns out great every time. Mushrooms offer an incredible amount of health benefits, putting them at the top of the list for foods I try to incorporate into my diet on a weekly basis. Another great 15-minute recipe is zucchini and sliced mushrooms.
7. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a snack that may not seem appealing to the ear, but I’ve found that a good amount of my friends will grab some slices to enjoy if they’re offered them. This snack is high in nutrition and leaves a refreshing taste and hydrating effect when consumed.
8. Coconut clusters
The coconut clusters by Inno Foods are a delicious choice for a low-carb snack. I consider this snack a delicacy, because of their savory taste and low-carb nutrition. This snack is high in fat, however, so moderation (although difficult) is key.
9. Instant wild rice
90-second rice packs are the ultimate life-hack in the kitchen, for me. I lack patience when it comes to cooking, so being able to pop a bag in the microwave without compromising the quality is game changing. Wild rice is a good choice for getting in my grains without excessive carbohydrate intake. It’s also delicious with some lemon zest as a snack or on the side of my protein for dinner.
10. Avocados
Avocados are another food that offers such a remarkable amount of health benefits, I wouldn't even know where to start in naming them. From skincare to energy levels, they possess the ability to impact our health in the most positive of ways. Although they ripen and rotten fairly quickly, I’ve found the pros to drastically outweigh this con. They’re also great for adding to smoothies for an enjoyable, smooth texture.
11. Seaweed crisps
Weird, right? I was hesitant about this snack, because it doesn’t seem like a tasty choice; however, there are so many different kinds of seasoning that are offered that make them a surprisingly delicious choice. They’re also an insanely good source of important vitamins and minerals to our health.
12. Beef jerky
Protein is key for brain functionality and so much more, and beef jerky makes it easy to incorporate this important food group into my diet— a snack that’s straight to the source.
Hopefully, you’ve spotted a new grocery item to add to your list. It’s important to keep a diet balanced with the main groups, but these are perfect solutions to cutting back on the carbohydrates. Cheers to healthy eating!