A low carb diet focuses on high protein and heart-healthy fats in order to maintain a healthy weight. Sometimes, we fail to understand how much food the body can house and end up overeating. A low carb diet, however, is meant to reduce cravings and help you lose weight, particularly abdominal fat. A low-carbohydrate diet can also help reduce blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and helps balance insulin levels in your body. However, before you start following any diet, consult a doctor.

Guidelines for a low-carb diet include:

1. Low carb foods to eat
Foods include on a low carb diet include:

• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Eggs
• Chicken or pork
• High-fat dairy products
• Oils like olive oil, coconut oil, and fish oil
• Nuts and seeds like walnuts, sunflower seeds, and almonds

2. Alternative
Alternatives for low carb diet include:

• Potatoes and sweet potatoes
• Brown rice, quinoa, and oats
• Legumes like black beans and peas
• Dark chocolate contains 70% cocoa and should be included in this diet. However, check the label before you buy it.
• Beverages like tea and coffee can be included in the low-carb diet. But adding sugar to these beverages is strictly prohibited.

3. Foods to avoid
Foods to exclude from your meals include:

• Processed foods that are rich in carbohydrates and fats
• Refined or processed grains like wheat, barley, rice, and rye are rich in carbohydrates
• Products like cereals and crackers have added sugar
• Carbonated drinks, candy, ice cream, and fruit juices contain processed sugars
• Starchy vegetables should be avoided as well

4. Carb-free snacks
Low-carb snacks options are:

If you crave snacks between your meals, you can eat the following:

• Boiled eggs
• Carrots
• Melons
• Nuts
• Plain yogurt

5. Buy groceries according to the list
Include vegetables and fresh fruits that adhere to the diet. Buy leafy vegetables and fruits, like melons, berries, peaches, avocados, and watermelons, as they are low in carbohydrates. Moreover, vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, lettuce, mushrooms, asparagus, and radishes are excellent for a low-carb diet.

6. Low carbohydrate meal plan for vegetarians
A healthy, vegetarian, low carb meal should include foods like paneer, leafy vegetables, oatmeal, beans, and whole-grain bread. You can also include nuts like almonds, as they are a good source of nutrients, protein, and fibers.

A low-carb diet does not include carbohydrates and fats but foods rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Bread, pasta, and noodles are some foods that are rich in carbohydrates and increase the chances of heart problems, obesity, and diabetes.