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Concept of intermittent fasting, diet and weight loss. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. These low-carb meals are tasty and nutritious. Following a diet that is low-carb and high-protein offers a variety of benefits, according to experts—and high-protein foods also help you stay full and nourished throughout the day. But while some people benefit from limiting their carb intake—say, you have trouble controlling your blood sugar—a keto-style low-carb diet can be tough or even dangerous to follow.
I mean, is a life without sweet potatoes or even blueberries worth living? The upside: You can reduce carbs without going full-on keto—and we have your guide below. On a 2,000 calorie diet, this will look like 175 grams of carbohydrates, 67 grams of fat, and 175 grams of protein per day. There’s no need to overload the protein. We can only use around 25 to 30 grams of protein per meal to maximize muscle growth and repair, so any extra is just extra calories, Harris-Pincus says.
Seek out meals that have at least half of the total carb grams from fiber, when possible, Harris-Pincus says. Focus on fiber instead of cutting carbs. Now that you know the basics, we have a bunch of fun recipes. Try a mix of meals below to create a high-protein, low-carb plan that you can actually stick with. Bonus: It’s great for meal prep and it’ll taste just as good the next morning!
If you’re not into beef, pork, or chicken, shrimp is a great high-protein, low-calorie choice to throw on top of fiber-rich greens. That’s all there is to this low-carb, 30-minute meal. If sausage isn’t your fave, you can use this same strategy for shrimp, sliced pork tenderloin, or diced chicken. Just three minutes of cook time for 40 grams of protein?
Start with sushi-grade tuna, which pairs perfectly with creamy mashed cauliflower and crunchy leafy greens. This Chinese-inspired dish has just 18 grams of carbs with a solid 34 grams of protein. Plus, it packs tons of veggies: peppers, carrots, onion, garlic, scallions, peas, and cauliflower. This healthy lunch has 29 grams of protein, crunchy butter lettuce, juice grape tomatoes, and melty sharp cheddar that your taste buds will adore.
Red pepper gives it a kick without overpowering the meal. Not only is salmon high in protein, but it’s full of inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to boost heart health. Serve up this hearty seafood stew with crusty bread for the ultimate party pleaser. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley bring a bed of mussels to life along with vibrant tomatoes and white wine for crazy delicious flavor, protein, and just a few carbs.