The Ultimate Low Carb Shopping List

With low carb foods being so great for almost any diet, just which ones are best and how easy is it to include them in your weekly shopping? 

If like me your mind goes blank when you're doing in the store trying to choose healthy foods & products, we've compiled a printable list that you can use time and time again.

Foods are grouped in the same way as your supermarket, in groups, to help make picking out the right foods easier. 

No need to take your carb counter to the store with you or even make a meal plan, these store cupboard ingredients will ensure that you can always put a quick meal together.

Low Carb Fruit & Vegetables

We're being urged to eat five portions of fruit & vegetables a day for our health. 

Vegetables (including salad veg)

• Asparagus
• Artichokes
• Aubergine (Eggplant)
• Avocado
• Bean Sprouts
• Bok Choi
• Broccoli
• Brussel Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower 
• Celery
• Chard
• Chicory
• Courgette (Zucchini)
• Cucumber
• Curly Kale
• Greens
• Leeks
• Lettuce
• Mushroom
• Okra
• Olives
• Onion
• Pumpkin
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Squash
• Sweet Peppers (red, green, yellow)
• Tomatoes
• Turnips
• Water Chestnuts

Of course, you can also add herbs such as parsley, basil for additional flavour to any dish.

Fruit 

• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Cantaloupe Melons
• Lemons
• Limes
• Raspberries
• Rhubarb
• Strawberries

Meat & Fish

Foods that are high in protein can help provide energy for those on a low carb diet, but do ensure that you have sufficient carbs to prevent the risk of ketosis.

Meat

• Bacon
• Beef
• Chicken
• Duck
• Goose
• Ham
• Lamb
• Pork
• Steak
• Turkey

Fish & Shellfish

Though these are low carb, you may need to eat some shell fish in moderation, as some can raise your cholesterol. 

• Anchovies
• Cod
• Crab
• Halibut
• Herring
• Lobster
• Mackerel
• Salmon
• Sardine
• Scallops
• Shrimp
• Squid
• Trout
• Tuna 

Dairy

Due to their high fat content, all dairy products should be eaten in moderation in any healthy diet.

• Butter/Margarine
• Cheese
• Cottage Cheese
• Cream
• Egg

Other Low Carbs Foods

Enjoy trying new types of tea, such as Lady Grey, fruit teas and green teas, especially those high in antioxidants.

If you're into snacking, then buy a range of nuts & seeds to nibble on during the day.

• Tea (various types)
• Coffee 
• Bouillon powder (great for drinking hot, or adding to soups & stews)
• High fiber breakfast cereals
• Pesto
• Sugar free jelly
• Sugar free hot chocolate powder/mix
• Low Fat Mayonnaise
• Olive Oil
• Splenda
• Agave Nectar (sweetener)

Nuts & Seeds  

Always eat in moderation.

• Almonds
• Coconut 
• Hazelnuts 
• Macadamia Nuts 
• Pecans 
• Sunflower Seeds 
• Walnuts  

You can download & save this Low Carb Shopping List PDF to your computer, print it out and take it with you when grocery shopping.

Low Carb Meal Tips

If you're new to the low carb diet, here's some easy foods to include in your menu plans:-

Breakfast Cereal - porridge made without milk is surprisingly tasty, drizzled with honey topping .  Check the boxes for high fiber cereals to see which is lowest in carbs per portion.

Meat & fish - but serve with freshly cooked vegetables

Soups - especially homemade

Vegetarian Meals - especially indian foods

Dark Chocolate - 70% and above, one or two squares is just perfect for much-needed treats

Desserts - try a bowlful of fresh fruit, with a dollop of yoghurt or creme fraiche

Recommended Resources

Diabetic recipes for cookies - ideas for cooking healthy low sugar cookies

Healthy Christmas recipes - find recipes for low fat holiday dinners and food