13) Squash:
Squashes are a great, filling source of protein and vitamins, particularly vitamin C. Like the Zucchini above, this vegetable works brilliantly as a protein rich low carb substitute for pasta and potato. Thin strips of squash work brilliantly in fritter and faux hash browns. The sweet taste also helps those cutting down on sugar as well as carbs.
14) Bok Choy:
This is a protein dense low carb vegetable that may go under the radar a little in comparison to something like spinach, chard or other typical sources. Bok choy is a staple in Asian cuisine, and therefore the perfect option for those that favor Eastern flavors. This vegetable is great as a replacement for rice and noodles in low-carb diets.
15) Bell pepper:
This is another vegetable that is versatile, tasty and helpful, but might get overlooked. This is one to keep in mind because it so good raw as a salad vegetable or a snack. Many of the others need fun tricks and substitution in recipes. The bell pepper is instant and ready to go.
What about some fruit for dessert or as a snack?
16) Strawberries:
There are lots of berries that class as high protein low carb foods. Strawberries are a great place to start here because they are such a crowd-pleaser. They work brilliantly on their own or with cream, ice-cream or other desserts. Obviously, the nutritional value of the dessert will depend on the accompaniment. Still, you can be sure of a low-carb fruit and great source of vitamin C.
17) Avocado:
The avocado has had something of a resurgence in recent years. Many people have begun to realize the potential of this oily fruit, especially when it accompanies some lean chicken. The great thing about avocado is that it is low carb, high protein and a good source of fat and fiber. The bad news is that it is still a pain in the neck to prepare.
18) Rhubarb:
Rhubarb is something of a love it or hate it fruit. Some people love the taste when cooked up in crumbles and other desserts. Others feel it is far too sharp unless sweetened considerably with sugar. The potential of this low carb fruit depends on the recipe. Consider what you are using to make the crumble or pastry.
A balanced diet needs some dairy for calcium, fat and other minerals.
19) Cheese:
Obviously, those with dairy intolerance are excused from adding dairy to their diet. This isn’t something that you need to bring into a diet in order to get the best high protein low carb diet. Still, these food stuffs won’t hurt when eaten moderately. Cheese is a great source of calcium, fat and other minerals. Plus, it adds flavor to all sorts of dishes. Pick a favorite and play around with it. As long as it doesn’t come from a can, it should be fine.
20) Goat’s milk and cheese:
When we say cheese above, most people will think of cheese from cow’s milk. Simple, everyday cheese and cheddars are a staple part of the diet. Some people get a little squeamish when it comes to anything related to a goat. Yet, goat products are very healthy and a quite alternative dairy source in this diet. This is also true of goat meat, should you get bored of those chicken legs and turkey burgers.
21) Greek yogurt:
Yogurt is a great source of dairy and another versatile option in protein rich low carb foods. This is also another great way to utilize some of those fruits mentioned above. Greek yogurt is even better. This source has as much as 23 grams of protein per cup compared to just 9 grams of carbs. This is a great ratio that dieters should take advantage of. It is also generally lower in calcium than standard yogurt too.
22) Eggs:
Forget all the old notions about eggs and bad cholesterol. There are so many positive points to eggs that they outweigh any potential drawbacks. First of all, they are a great protein source for dieters and bodybuilders – and that doesn’t mean downing raw egg whites. Cooked egg-based breakfasts help too. Combine them with some of the vegetables mentioned above, and a little cheese for a perfect frittata or omelet.
A few more low-carb healthy foods to boost a diet or add a little fun.
23) Walnuts:
Nuts often come high in lists of top protein-rich foods. Therefore, they deserve a mention in this guide to protein rich low carb foods. Walnuts have been singled out here because they offer just 4 grams of carbohydrate per ounce. They also have the added benefit that they are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Of course mixed nuts, hazelnuts, and pecans are also helpful. They are a great way of snacking during the day without turning to carb-heavy snacks or sweets.
24) Kale chips.
On that note of carb-heavy snacks, it can be difficult to find ways to satisfy urges to snack without turning to potato chips. That is where vegetable chips, especially kale chips, really come in handy. These snacks are much healthier, with just 8-12 grams per ounce in carbohydrate. They are also low in fat and full of vitamins. Another great bonus with these kale chips is that we can make them at home. Invest in a food dehydrator and play with different produce.
25) Tomato juice:
Finally, we need a healthy drink to wash down all these great high protein low carb foods. There are lots of great drinks to choose from here as most are low carb. Herbal teas and iced teas will always go down well. We have highlighted tomato juice for its additional benefits. This juice has 10 grams of carbohydrate per cup. It is also pretty high in antioxidants to boost health and gym recovery times. Just don’t start thinking that this is a great excuse for a Bloody Mary before a workout.