Lower-Carb Foods

There are lots of low carbohydrate foods that do not raise your blood sugar levels. Low carbohydrate foods have 5 or fewer grams of carbohydrates.

Vegetables

1/2 cup cooked = 5 grams of carbs
1 cup raw = 5 grams of carbs
Note: 1 1/2 cup cooked or 3 cups raw = 15 grams of carbs

  • Artichoke
  • Asparagus
  • Beans (green, wax, Italian)
  • Bean sprouts
  • Beets
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Cucumber
  • Eggplant
  • Green onions or scallions
  • Greens (collard, kale, mustard, turnip)
  • Leeks
  • Mixed veggies (without corn, peas or pasta)
  • Mushrooms
  • Okra
  • Onions
  • Pea pods
  • Radishes
  • Salad greens
  • Sauerkraut
  • Spinach
  • Summer squash
  • Tomato
  • Turnip
  • Zucchini

 

Fats

  • Butter (1 teaspoon)
  • Cream cheese (1 tablespoon)
  • Light salad dressing (2 tablespoons)
  • Margarine (1 teaspoon)
  • Oil (1 teaspoon)
  • Regular salad dressing (1 tablespoon)
  • Sour cream (2 tablespoons)

Other Foods

These foods are considered "free." This means you can use as much as you'd like.

  • Bouillon or broth
  • Diet soft drinks
  • Flavoring extracts
  • Garlic, herbs and spices
  • Lemon or lime juice
  • Mineral or seltzer water
  • Pimento
  • Soy sauce
  • Sugar substitutes
  • Sugar-free drinks
  • Tabasco or hot sauce
  • Taco sauce
  • Tea
  • Vinegar
  • Worcestershire® sauce

 

Meat and Fish

  • Beef, chicken, fish, lean ham, lean pork, seafood, veal (1 ounce)
  • Tuna or salmon (canned) (1-2 ounces or 1/4 cup)

 

Meat Substitutes

  • Cottage cheese (1/4 cup)
  • Cheese (1 ounce or 1 slice)
  • Egg (1)
  • Egg substitute (1/4 cup)
  • Egg whites (2)
  • Nuts (1 ounce or 10-15 nuts)
  • Peanut butter (1 tablespoon)
  • Tofu (2 ounces or 1/4 cup)

 

Rev. 1/2015. This webpage is intended to provide health information so that you can be better informed. It is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to treatment of any medical conditions.