5 Amazing Low Carb Diet Foods

Cutting out carbohydrates from your diet has been proven to be a healthier way of eating, if you are trying to lose weight, age more slowly, or just have more energy in general.

For someone who may be used to eating primarily carbs for their diet, it can be difficult to know what to eat when moving to a lower carb way of eating.

Here is a list of low carb diet foods that you can eat in place of carbs you have cut out:

1. Cashews. My favorite nut, cashews contain a high amount of healthy monounsaturated fat that can keep you satiated for longer periods of time. They also have oleic acid, the same heart-healthy monounsaturated fat found in olive oil. I typically have a handful of these nuts between meals.

2. Coconut Oil. Yes, it's loaded with saturated fat, and common wisdom says this is fattening and will lead to dreaded high cholesterol. This is where common wisdom is wrong! Coconut oil has been shown to help with fat burning with a rare type of fat called Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT's). MCT's are more suited for energy use rather than fat storage. One study on coconut oil, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, demonstrated that the medium-chain fatty acids that comprise coconut oil were threefold more effective than polyunsaturated oils at raising metabolism. Make sure to get high quality, virgin coconut oil- taste and nutritional value will be higher!

3. Broccoli. Yes many of us (including me) hated broccoli as kids, and it doesn't have the best odor when cooking it. But, broccoli is not only one of the healthiest foods you can eat, it can be tasty as well! Try steamed broccoli with olive oil and sea salt, or a little cheese. Broccoli contains vitamin C, vitamin A (mostly as beta-carotene), folic acid, calcium, and fiber. While the calcium content of one serving doesn't equal that of a glass of milk, broccoli is an important calcium source for those who don't consume dairy products.

4. Apples. Apples contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, vitamin C, flavanoids and antioxidants. The "An apple a day" saying has a lot of truth to it. I sometimes will eat 2!

5. Olives. Olives are another excellent source of monounsaturated fat, as well as vitamin E. In addition, olives contain a variety of beneficial active phytonutrient compounds including polyphenols and flavonoids, which act as natural anti-inflammatories in the body.

For more healthymindfitbody.com low carb diet foods and information on losing weight, check out Healthy Mind Fit Body dot com.

Kevin Koskella is a consultant in rational nutrition and building healthy minds and fit bodies. Most recently, he wrote the book Healthy Mind, Fit Body. He is also a professional triathlon and Master's swim coach in the San Diego area. For more information, healthymindfitbody.com click here.