Having a list of tried and true options is good for anything in life, and the same goes for high protein low carb foods!
Knowing what low carb foods are available to me (based on my eating plan) and making sure I keep them on hand is what makes living a low carb lifestyle sustainable, enjoyable and hangry free!
I threw together this guide as a resource to support you, and help you make every meal a celebration — full of high protein low carb foods that actually TASTE GOOD!! Let’s check it out!
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24 Satiating + Delicious High Protein Low Carb Foods
Here are the 24 best high protein low carb foods:
Meat, Poultry, Eggs + Seafood
When we think protein, we often think meat! That’s because meat products are made mostly of protein, and they’re a delicious and versatile way to get max protein impact.
Yes, there are the raw ingredients – chicken, pork, eggs….
But from these starting points, we can make endless recipe variations in every possible flavor profile!
- Chicken (4 oz) – 24.2g protein, 0g total carbs, 0g net carbs
- Turkey (4 oz) – 22.2g protein, 0g total carbs, 0g net carbs
- Beef (4 oz) – 16.7g protein, 0.2g total carbs, 0.2g net carbs
- Lamb (4 oz) – 18.7g protein, 0g total carbs, 0g net carbs
- Pork (4 oz) – 5.7g protein, 0g total carbs, 0g net carbs
- White Fish (4 oz) – 19g protein, 0g total carbs, 0g net carbs
- Salmon(4 oz) – 25.2g protein, 0g total carbs, 0g net carbs
- Shrimp(4 oz) – 22.8g protein, 0g total carbs, 0g net carbs
- Scallops (4 oz) – 13.7g protein, 3.6g total carbs, 3.6g net carbs
- Eggs (1 large egg) – 6.3g protein, 0.4g total carbs, 0.4g net carbs
Low Carb Beef Jerky
Speaking of meat, there are also options like low carb beef jerky that make for great snacks and round out veggie heavy dishes.
Always check the label on jerky products, as more often than not they’re loaded with sugar! I try to find products with 3g of carbs or less.
- Low Carb Beef Jerky ( 1 oz) – 9.4g protein, 3.1g total carbs, 2.6g net carbs
Low Carb Cheese
Yummmmm, cheese. So creamy and delicious. Low carb cheese is such a great accessory!! It comes in so many flavors and textures, and it’s amazing at dressing up meals and snacks.
You can change a whole recipe just by switching up the type of cheese you use, making it an amazing tool for creating new and exciting dishes!
- Sliced + shredded cheeses (1 ounce cheddar) – 6.8g protein, 0.6g total carbs, 0.6g net carbs
- Cream cheese (1 Tablespoon) – 0.9 protein, 0.8g total carbs, 0.8g net carbs
- Cottage cheese (1 cup) – 14.9g protein, 9.6g total carbs, 9.6g net carbs
Low Carb Greek Yogurt
Low carb greek yogurt is absolutely one of my favorite foods. It’s an amazing and versatile base for any meal. It can be customized with countless toppings, mix ins, and flavors.
This high protein low carb food can be used for smoothies or to make sauces or in baked goods. It’s a soft, white, luscious magic whip, good for everything under the sun…
- Low Carb Greek Yogurt (1 cup) – 12g protein,19g total carbs, 19g net carbs
Low Carb Nuts
Low carb nuts are such an important cornerstone for any low carb lifestyle. These protein heavy morsels make a great snack and add needed crunch to meat dishes and baked goods.
- Peanuts (1 oz) – 7.3g protein, 4.5g total carbs, 2.1g net carbs
- Almonds (1 oz) – 6g protein, 6.1g total carbs, 2.6g net carbs
- Pecans (1 oz)- 2.6g protein, 3.9g total carbs, 1.2g net carbs
- Walnuts (1 oz) – 4.3g protein, 3.9g total carbs, 2g net carbs
- Sunflower Seeds (1 oz) – 5.4g protein, 6.8g total carbs, 3.7g net carbs
Low Carb Peanut Butter
Nuts can also be ground into flours and pureed into spreads like low carb peanut butter. These delicious gems are what bring together all the other ingredients in many low carb recipes, and for that, we are immensely thankful.
- Low Carb Peanut Butter (2 tbsp) – 7g protein, 6g total carbs, 4g net carbs
- Almond Butter (1 tbsp) – 3.35g protein, 3g total carbs, 1.4g net carbs
Low Carb Protein Powder
Oh, useful and multi-talented low carb protein powder, we salute you. You make pancakes. You make smoothies. You make cookies…
You keep us full and often are loaded with vitamins. You even come in all sorts of flavors!! Thanks for all of your hard work!
Here are 2 examples of lower carb protein powders. Check the label before you buy a container, as the nutritional breakdown of each product will vary (tons of protein powders contain added sugars and carbs!!):
- ISO 100 (Whey Based) – 25g protein, 2g total carbs, <1g net carbs
- Garden of Life (Plant Based) – 22g protein, 2g total carbs, 1g net carbs
High Protein Low Carb Snacks
Having high protein low carb snacks ready and on hand are a vital part of making sure nobody gets hangry. With a little preparation and creativity, it’s easy to have options available whenever I need one.
Think trail mix, veggies and dip, yogurt parfaits, crackers and spreads, low carb jerky, hardboiled eggs, chia pudding and canned fish. There are so many yummy and easy snacks in every possible flavor, no matter what you may be craving.
Why High Protein Foods Are Important?
The reason a high protein low carb diet plan can work so well is because of all of the benefits high protein foods offer:
- They keep you feeling full
- They help build muscle….
- …and more muscle leads to more fat being burned, often leading to weight loss
- They help lower blood pressure
- So good for your bones
If you’re looking to be on a high protein low carb diet meal plan, friend, you’ve come to the right place. I have so many recipes designed for that specific purpose!
Breakfast, entrees, desserts, snacks – all of it’s here, available to help create a meal plan that’s satisfying, delicious, and sustainable.
Conclusion
When looking for high protein low carb foods, there are an endless supply of ways to customize and create meals that’ll satisfy every craving. Comment below with the high protein low carb food you use as a main building block! Did I miss you faves? Or show you a new one?? I’d love to hear all about it…
