Simple Low Carb Meal Plan (Week 1) - easy recipes and planning tips! (2024)

FAQs

How to start a low-carb diet for beginners? ›

Low-Carb Basics

Protein (chicken, fish, seafood, beef, eggs) and fats (butter, oil) do not contain carbs. Keep whole grains, dairy (like plain yogurt and milk), fruit and veggies in your diet. "Whole grains, fruit and vegetables provide fiber, which can keep you satiated and may help lower cholesterol," says Gorin.

Typical foods for a low-carb diet

In broad terms, a low-carb diet focuses on proteins and some nonstarchy vegetables. A low-carb diet generally limits grains, legumes, fruits, breads, sweets, pastas and starchy vegetables, and sometimes nuts and seeds.

Anecdotally, people report losses within the first week of anywhere from 1 pound (0.5 kg) to 10 or more pounds (5 kg). The larger you are, the more water weight you're likely to lose after starting keto.

On a low carb diet, foods to avoid would include bread, pasta, potatoes, and other starchy vegetables, grains such as rice and corn, oatmeal, beans and lentils, milk, sugar, sweets such as cookies, candy and ice cream, beer, soda, and higher carb fruits like bananas, grapes, and apples.

Although rice can be incorporated as part of a regular, healthy diet, it is high in carbs and low in protein. That means, if it's not consumed with the right amount of fiber, fat, and protein at mealtimes, eating this popular grain may cause your blood sugar to spike.

You'll Probably Feel Low on Energy

As carbohydrates provide most of the fuel for daily activity and functioning, you'll probably have less energy if you stop eating carbohydrates. You may feel more tired and hungry and find concentrating more difficult.

Food and drinks allowed on a no-carb diet include meat, fish, eggs, cheese, butter, oils, water, and plain coffee or tea. If you're less stringent, you can also eat nuts, seeds, non-starchy vegetables, and high fat fruits like avocado and coconut since these foods are low in net carbs.

People who begin a low-carb diet with less fat to lose generally lose weight more slowly than those who started out with more. After the first couple of weeks on a low-carb diet, people may lose between 1/2 pound and 2 pounds a week, which is considered a more sustainable rate of weight loss.

How many pounds can you lose on a low-carb diet in a week? ›

If a person follows the 75% fat /20% carb/5% fat keto diet, average results may look like this: Weeks 1–2: rapid weight reduction phase due to water loss – up to ten pounds. Weeks 2–4: standard weight reduction – between one and two pounds per week. After the first month – slow weight loss – around one pound per week.

However, corn and root vegetables like potatoes, yams, and beets have a high starch content and are best avoided. Choose non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, squash, bell peppers, and asparagus to get your fill of fiber and other nutrients while still moderating your intake of carbs.

Canned tuna, edamame, Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, pumpkin seeds, and pea protein powder are just some examples of high-protein, low-carb foods that can help you meet your daily protein needs.

What type of pasta is lowest in carbs? "Vegetable-based pastas, such as zucchini noodles or hearts of palm noodles, tend to be lowest in carbs and calories," says Sassos. "They are also packed with nutrient-dense vitamins and minerals and are naturally gluten-free.

During the first two weeks of a low-carb diet, focus on consuming foods that are low in carbohydrates. Opt for non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats (such as olive oil), and low-carb dairy products. Avoid or minimise high-carb foods like bread, pasta, and sugary snacks.

When glucose is low, your body turns to its stored fat for fuel. In this way, eliminating starchy vegetables like potatoes and refined carbs such as baked goods, pasta, bread and soda results in weight loss for most people within two weeks — especially if carbs previously were your go-to foods.

Weight loss from keto varies from person to person. Generally, if you maintain a daily caloric deficit of around 500-700 calories, you can expect noticeable weight loss after anywhere from 10 to 21 days. However, remember that weight loss is not linear and some may see results sooner.

If a person follows the 75% fat /20% carb/5% fat keto diet, average results may look like this: Weeks 1–2: rapid weight reduction phase due to water loss – up to ten pounds. Weeks 2–4: standard weight reduction – between one and two pounds per week. After the first month – slow weight loss – around one pound per week.