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What are Some Low Carb Snacks?

Phil Shepley
Phil Shepley

Those who are interested in maintaining a low carb, or low carbohydrate, diet will definitely be interested in knowing what some low carb snacks are. Preferably, these snacks should contain protein and fiber, as well as some healthy fats, which include mono and polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids.

Low carb diets encourage the limitations of types of food that are high in carbohydrates. Several of these diets encourage cutting these foods out altogether, while others focus specifically on foods that have higher quantities of starches and sugars. In general, low carb diets will cut out foods that contain sugar, white flour, white rice, breads and potatoes. When using a low carbohydrate diet, one should only receive less than half of their energy from carbohydrates. These food limitations apply when seeking out low carb snacks.

Sparkling water is low in carbs.
Sparkling water is low in carbs.

Some of the main elements of low carb snacks are raw vegetables and eggs. These can be mixed and matched with other foods, or can be eaten on their own, for example, as in hard-boiling an egg. The egg can also be processed further, such as into a deviled egg. Another example of enhancing plain snacks would be by combining celery and peanut butter, the latter of which is a good source of protein. The raw vegetables can also be served with any of a variety of low carbohydrate dips like spinach or bean dip.

Cheese is typically low in carbs.
Cheese is typically low in carbs.

Another set of food items that can be combined into great low carb snacks are cheese, sugar-free yogurt, and fruit. A popular example of this would be cutting up an apple and serving it with some cheese cubes. The wide varieties of each of these foods can lead to endless possibilities. A good specific example of a type of cheese that can be combined into a variety low carb snacks is ricotta cheese, which goes well with many types of fruits or nuts. Nuts themselves also make an ideal low carb snack.

Apples are one of the healthiest snacks.
Apples are one of the healthiest snacks.

Part of the appeal of low carb snacks is that they include such a wide variety of foods even after limiting so many others. Another popular item that can be used in them is any of a variety of meats. Beef and turkey jerky are a good snack for someone on a low carb diet, but the meat does not even have to be cured. Lunch meat can be combined with cheese and vegetables to create easy wraps that are low in carbohydrates by using lettuce as the wrap.

Crackers usually have low carbs.
Crackers usually have low carbs.

When choosing low carb snacks, it is important to remember a beverage. The ideal drinks to go with a quick snack are water, sparkling water, and any of the large varieties of diet drinks that are available today. Low carb snacks are a healthy alternative to many unhealthy snacks, and can be made ahead of time for easy portability and enjoyment at any time.

Discussion Comments

amypollick

In spite of the sodium content, I know I would not have survived the first few months after my diagnosis as a Type 2 diabetic, had it not been for beef jerky, fried pork skins, nuts and sugar-free chocolate pudding. These in moderation can really help someone get through those cravings for something you know you really shouldn't have. If you can get the cravings satisfied with something lower in carbs, it will help you stay on your diet.

And if you're a T2 and experience Dawn Phenomenon, try eating a protein-rich, low-carb snack before bedtime. Eat a couple of slices of lunch meat and a piece of cheese, or a handful of nuts, or peanut butter on crackers. Dawn Phenomenon is what happens when the body gets the early morning signal it's time to wake up, and the liver begins dumping glucose in preparation, in order to give the body energy. This backfires, of course, by raising the blood glucose levels and causing high morning readings.

Eating a high-protein snack before bedtime gives the liver something to do in the night besides dumping glucose, and will often reduce those morning blood glucose readings to a more normal level. It is always worth a try for someone who is struggling with Dawn Phenomenon.

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    • Sparkling water is low in carbs.
      By: Studiotouch
      Sparkling water is low in carbs.
    • Cheese is typically low in carbs.
      By: Ewa Brozek
      Cheese is typically low in carbs.
    • Apples are one of the healthiest snacks.
      By: kalumander
      Apples are one of the healthiest snacks.
    • Crackers usually have low carbs.
      By: suksao
      Crackers usually have low carbs.
    • Lupini beans are a nutritious low-carb snack food.
      By: Pixmax
      Lupini beans are a nutritious low-carb snack food.
    • Ricotta cheese can be part of a low-carb snack.
      By: Roberto Fasoli
      Ricotta cheese can be part of a low-carb snack.