What Are Good Low Carb Snacks?

When controlling your weight, a primary consideration is what, and how much, food you are consuming daily. Many people turn to low-carbohydrate dietary programs to assist in their weight control goals or treat obesity. Low-carb diets replace foods high in carbs with foods like vegetables and berries that are low in carbs, or with foods higher in proteins and fats, like cheese and nuts. Low-carb snacks help abate hunger throughout the day and help you stick to your weight loss goals.

Protein Snacks

• One of the most common and popular high-protein, low-carb snacks is beef jerky, though snackers should choose jerky that has low or no added sugar. Another meaty low-carb snack is pepperoni. For a low-carb and low-fat option, turkey pepperoni can be substituted for the regular beef. As with beef jerky, watch for products with added sugar.

  Other higher protein snacks include pork rinds (great with a low-carb dip), boiled or deviled eggs or even boiled shrimp served with tartar sauce. Another tasty possibility is meat roll-ups, which are slices of meat spread with mayo or mustard, rolled into a tube shape.

Dairy Snacks

• A popular low-carb dairy snack is sugar-free yogurt, eaten plain or with available sugar-free toppings or fruit slices. Another convenient and popular dairy snack is string cheese. A simple idea is to buy a few blocks of various cheeses, cube them, and have a handful of cubes for a mid-day nibble. Prepackaged cheese cubes are also available, though packages generally have less cheese--and, consequently, cost more--than if you bought and cubed the cheese yourself.

Fruits and Vegetables

• Though many fruits and vegetables are too high in sugar for most low-carb diets, most berries are acceptable when eaten in moderation. And raw broccoli, carrots, mushrooms and green peppers won't drive your carb count too high. Having a small bowl of blueberries, strawberries or raspberries topped with sugar-free whipped topping works well as a snack. Also, consider pairing raw vegetables with a low-carb dip, salsa or cheese. Olives stuffed with garlic, pimento or blue cheese work very well .

Nuts

• Eaten in moderation, nuts are an excellent low-carb snack option. Have a handful of peanuts, cashews, almonds or walnuts with raw veggies to tide you over between meals.

Grains

• Many low-carb diets do no allow grains but for those that do, you should only consider high-fiber, whole-grain foods with no added sugars. Tuna or egg salad on high-fiber crackers are tasty and easy to make. And sandwiches can be made with low-carb bread. Some diets allow popcorn, which can make for a satisfying snack, but go easy on the salt and eat popcorn in moderation.