A lot of people use popular diets to lose weight and help them live healthier lifestyles. Two very popular options are low-carb and low-fat diets. All though these diets seem to be at odds with each other, they do have some common ground with healthy low-carb vegetables and low-fat meats.
Here are my my picks for foods that can work for both diets.
1. Greens and Lettuces
Photo © Nick Lobeck
The best way to fill up a diet plate is to start with a generous portion of greens and lettuces. They add volume to the meal without adding many calories.
Darker greens and lettuces are wise choices, as they pack extra vitamins and minerals.
- Low-Carb Tip:
Enjoy your salad with a bleu cheese, Italian or vinaigrette dressing.
Low-Fat Tip:
Add lemon juice or your favorite low-fat dressing.
2. Asparagus
Photo © Nic X
This beautiful low-carb vegetable can be a centerpiece of low-carb or low-fat dishes. Asparagus is low in calories and adds vitamins like folate and vitamin A.
- Low-Carb Recipe:
Seafood Salad With Asparagus
Low-Fat Recipe:
Farfalle with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes
3. Zucchini
Photo © Graham Soult
Zucchini is another low-calorie, low-carb vegetable. Actually, it is a squash. Zucchini is a great when added to salads or stir-fry dishes, or sautéed alone or with other vegetables.
- Low-Carb Recipe:
Zucchini Pasta
Low-Fat Recipe:
Roasted Vegetables
4. Tomatoes
Photo © Daniel Aniszewski
Tomatoes are a staple for sauces and have lots of uses in the kitchen. Tomatoes are delicious in a tasty tomato soup, or sliced raw on a salad.
- Low-Carb Recipe:
Stuffed Tomato With Shrimp
Low-Fat Recipe:
Red Lentil and Tomato Soup
5. Salmon
Photo © Tara Bartal
Salmon is a fatty, though healthy, fish. The fat it has contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your cardiovascular system. Salmon is also a great source of protein.
- Low-Carb Recipe:
Crock Pot Poached Salmon
Low-Fat Recipe:
Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups
6. Chicken and Turkey
Photo © Andy Staveley
Chicken and turkey are both great choices because, when prepared properly, they are both low-fat and excellent protein sources. Organically raised chickens and turkey make even better selections.
- Low-Carb Recipe:
Low-Carb Chicken Pot Pie
Low-Fat Recipe:
Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry
7. Game Meats
Photo © Thomas Barwick/Getty Images
Game meats, such as venison and elk, are very lean. They are healthy substitutes for fatter, hormone-tainted beef. The low-fat recipe below calls for beef, but elk, venison, or bison would make healthier replacement ingredients.
- Low-Carb Recipe:
Venison Pot Roast
Low-Fat Recipe:
Game Day Chili
8. Broth or Soup Stock
Photo © Karen Winton
Broth or stock can be used as a base for soups, stews and sauces. Stocks and soups can also be used in other recipes to keep meats moist during cooking.
- Low-Carb Recipe:
Beef Stock
Low-Fat Recipe:
Black Bean Soup In a Hurry
9. Berries
Photo © Tobias Kestel
Eating berries can be a healthy way to reign in a sweet tooth. Berries are high in vitamins and antioxidants, so they make a great dessert or nice addition to salads.
- Low-Carb Tip:
Serve blueberries and strawberries with a dollop of heavy whipped cream, and a sprinkle of slivered almonds.
Low-Fat Tip:
Serve berries with low-fat yogurt and sliced almonds.
10. Wine
Photo © Quentin Houyoux
There are studies that show a correlation between wine consumption and good health. Remember that one serving of wine is only 4 ounces. Wine is also used as a key ingredient to several recipes.
- Low-Carb Recipe:
Simply Scrumptious Spinach
Low-Fat Recipe:
Red Wine Gravy
