By popular demand, I’ve made another list of the top foods for low carb diets! These are also great no matter what diet you’re following (well, except for carnivore). They’re delicious, nutritious whole foods that nourish your taste buds as much as they do your body. And they’re proof that low carb doesn’t mean eating nothing but bacon and cheese. So, whether you’re just starting on low carb or need some new recipes to play with, here are more foods for you to dig into!

Artichoke

This underrated superfood is like a jack of all trades. It’s low carb, high fiber, nutrient-dense, good for your gut, and is an excellent source of antioxidants (the kind that protects against inflammation and slows down aging). Not only that, but it’s a wonderful appetizer to serve at home- one that will make you and your guests feel extra fancy. But let’s get down to what specifically makes artichoke so good.

A single medium-sized artichoke has roughly between 6-7 grams of fiber and 13 grams of carbs (a total net carb of 6 grams). [1] It also contains inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber that feeds the good bacteria down in your gut. Inulin itself has many benefits, including better bowel movements (great for relieving constipation), weight loss, blood sugar control, and possibly better bones (improves mineral absorption). Some early research shows it may help to reduce the symptoms of IBD (irritable bowel disease), although more studies are needed for confirmation. [2] Artichoke is also great for digestion, as it stimulates bile production in the liver, which in turn increases the release of digestive enzymes. [3] Two of its antioxidants- Silymarin and Cynarin– help to control inflammation in the liver. [4] Speaking of antioxidants, artichoke ranks as number seven on the USDA’s Top 20 Antioxidant Foods. Just some of its antioxidants include quercetin, gallic acid, rutin, luteolin, and anthocyanins. [4]

Get Cooking!

Lemon and Artichoke Chicken Thigh Dinner (FM)
Low Carb Cauliflower Artichoke Casserole (FM)
Lemon Pepper Artichoke with Avocado Mayo Dip (FM)
Chicken Cauliflower and Artichoke Casserole (FM)

Cabbage

Think cabbage is too boring? Well, think again! Not only is this veggie great for low carb dining, but it’s also a surprising nutrition superstar! A single cup contains 85% of the RDI (recommended daily intake) of Vitamin K, an essential nutrient for bone health. [5] [6] You also get 54% of the RDI for Vitamin C, which, outside of fruit, is tricky to get while eating low carb or keto. [7] If you go for red or purple cabbage, you also get a healthy dose of antioxidants in the form of carotenoids, sulforaphane, anthocyanins, and kaempferol. Research shows that purple cabbage contains 4.5 more antioxidants than green cabbage, so if you’re looking to maximize your nutrient intake, go purple! [8] 

One of those antioxidants, sulforaphane, is one that I’ve written exclusively about. It’s a powerful compound with potent anti-cancer effects; it’s also been studied for its brain, heart, respiratory, digestive, and hormone-supportive properties. You name it; sulforaphane will be there to help! (For links and more info on this mega compound, check out this post here.) 

Get Cooking!

Chili Cilantro Chicken Thighs and Sriracha Lime Cabbage (FM)
Red Cabbage Grapefruit Salad (FM)
Roasted Cabbage (FM)
Fermented Veggies Recipe (includes cabbage)

Spinach

Popeye’s favorite food is an excellent addition to a healthy low carb diet! Compared to other greens like arugula and kale, it’s much easier to cook and prepare. The flavor is pretty bland, so you can hide it in smoothies, casseroles, chili, stir fry, omelets, scrambles, and dips. Or, you can go the old-fashioned way and have it as the base of your salad! When it comes to nutrients, spinach is a classic green to turn to. It’s an excellent source of Vitamins A, B6, B9, E, Folate, and K and minerals, including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. [9] And let’s not forget antioxidants! Spinach also contains lutein (good for eye health), kaempferol (lowers cancer risk), nitrates (heart health), quercetin (prevents allergies, infections, and inflammation), and zeaxanthin (also good for eye health). [10] [11] [12] [13]

 Not only is spinach a good ingredient when it comes to versatility, but it’s also widely available. Most grocery stores sell spinach (both fresh and frozen), and it’s not expensive enough to break the bank. 

Get Cooking!

Anti-Aging Strawberry Summer Salad (FM)
Greek Spinach Dip (FM)
Super Green Smoothie Bowl (FM)
Peach Salad with Goat Cheese and Hazelnut Vinaigrette (FM)

Blueberries

 Before superfoods like acai and goji berries came into town, there was one champion of the supermarket: blueberries. While everyone is looking for the next exotic super berry, the humble blueberry quietly reminds science that it’s a force to be reckoned with. It’s yet another rich source of antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which fight free radicals and protect against premature aging, disease, and inflammation. [14] Some experts have gone far enough to call blueberries the healthiest food in the world, surpassing the likes of other fruits like pomegranates. [15] While a full cup falls close to the moderate range of carbs (21g per cup), half a cup or less is perfectly fine for low carb or keto. Plus, the benefits far outweigh the carbs! Aside from antioxidants, blueberries are good for brain health (improves memory, especially in seniors), heart health (lowers bad LDL cholesterol and blood pressure), blood sugar balance (improves insulin sensitivity), and gut health (their antioxidants have a prebiotic effect, feeding the good bacteria down in the gut). [16] [17]

Get Cooking!

Popeye Smoothie (FM)
Coconut Cinnamon Berry Smoothie with Fat Burner (FM)
Summer Squash Blueberry Salad (FM)
Simple, Sweet and Tart Blueberry Snack (FM)

What Are YOUR Favorite Foods? 

For all of my low carb and keto followers, tell me what your favorite foods are! Who knows, if I see enough that haven’t made today’s or last time’s list, I may just do a part 3!