Going Low Carb? Go NUTS! | ILovePecans (2024)

Pecans are a healthful, naturally low carbohydrate food that you can feel good about including in your daily carb-restricted diet. Whether for a snack or a meal, pecans provide many nutritional benefits that can nicely complement a carb-controlled diet, some of which are:

  • CARB CONSCIOUS:Pecans are naturally low in carbohydrates…always have been, always will be. In fact, a handful of pecans (one ounce of pecans) containsonly 4 grams of carbohydrates!That means that nutrient-dense pecans can add flavor, nutrition and disease-fighting properties to any diet that limits carbs.
  • HIGH IN HEALTHY FAT:Pecans contain approximately 60 percentmonounsaturatedfat and 30 percentpolyunsaturatedfat. This means that almost 90 percent of the fats (oils) in pecans are heart-healthy! Not only will these fats help curb your appetite, they can help protect your heart. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) felt there was enough evidence of nuts’ heart-healthy benefits that it approved the following health claim,“Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts (including pecans), as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.”
  • CAPABLE OF LOWERING CHOLESTEROL:Many low carb diets allow high-saturated foods, which are known to raise blood cholesterol levels. However, pecans contain an abundance of unsaturated fats, and studies have shown that pecans can help lower cholesterol levels. Pecans also contain plant components with antioxidant properties, which can slow the oxidation or “rusting” of LDL (bad) cholesterol. And, a recent study has confirmed that pecans also containplant sterols, which have been in the news recently for their cholesterol-lowering ability.
  • “NUT”RITION PACKED:It can be difficult to obtain all the nutrients you need when you follow a diet that severely restricts any nutrient (such as carbs). However, pecans provide a lot of nutritional bang for your buck—especially considering the few carbs that are present in pecans. Pecans containover 19 vitamins and minerals– including vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, several B vitamins and zinc. Just one ounce of pecans (a handful or about 20 halves) has more zinc – an important nutrient for proper growth and strong immunity – than a 3.5-ounce piece of skinless chicken. Most good sources of zinc are foods of animal origin, but pecans offer an excellent plant-based source.
  • PLENTIFUL IN PROTEIN:Pecans belong to the protein group in the USDA’s Food Guide Pyramid, along with meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dried beans – a group of foods that are naturally low in carbohydrates. Whether they are used as a meat alternative or as a snack, pecans provide a healthful source of needed protein, which is essential for proper body function.
  • FIBER-FILLED:One ounce of pecans has about the same amount of fiber as a medium-sized apple, and provides 10 percent of the recommended Daily Value for fiber. Fiber keeps you fuller longer and will keep your blood sugar steady (an important element to low-carb eating).
  • WEIGHT CONTROL BENEFITS:Research suggests that pecans may help with weight control. One reason is their ability to help with satiety – which means that dieters and those looking to control their weight will stay fuller, longer after they eat pecans. Studies have also shown that consumers who eat nuts regularly are leaner than those who don’t eat nuts regularly, and suggest that nuts may increase the rate at which the body burns calories.

Here for some lower carb recipes with pecans:

Going Low Carb? Go NUTS! | ILovePecans (2024)

FAQs

Going Low Carb? Go NUTS! | ILovePecans? ›

Go NUTS! Pecans are a healthful, naturally low carbohydrate food that you can feel good about including in your daily carb-restricted diet.

What happens if I eat no carbs for a month? ›

Severe carb limits can cause your body to break down fat into ketones for energy. This is called ketosis. Ketosis can cause side effects such as bad breath, headache, fatigue and weakness.

Can I have nuts on slow carb diet? ›

On the slow-carb diet, healthy foods such as almonds, nut butter, and hummus are permitted, but it is easy to overeat them. Watch your portion sizes and make sure you are limiting your consumption of high-calorie foods.

What foods should you avoid on a low-carb diet? ›

On a low carb diet, foods to avoid would include bread, pasta, potatoes, and other starchy vegetables, grains such as rice and corn, oatmeal, beans and lentils, milk, sugar, sweets such as cookies, candy and ice cream, beer, soda, and higher carb fruits like bananas, grapes, and apples.

Can I eat nuts on low-carb diet? ›

Nuts are highly nutritious and low in carbs. They're packed with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and powerful plant compounds that can benefit your health in several ways. Adding more nuts to your low carb meal plan can enhance your heart health, promote weight management, and keep your blood sugar levels in check.

Will I lose belly fat if I stop eating carbs? ›

Reducing your carb intake can be very beneficial for losing fat, including abdominal fat. In fact, low carb diets may cause belly fat loss in people with overweight, those at risk for type 2 diabetes, and people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) ( 31 , 32 , 33 ). You don't have to follow a strict low carb diet.

What is the number one worst carb? ›

1. Sugary Foods. Most people already think of many of the foods in this category as unhealthy treats. Candy, soft drinks, and sweet desserts such as cake, chocolate, and ice cream are all expected entries on a list of carbs to avoid to lose weight.

What are the 5 rules of slow carb? ›

The slow-carb diet is based on the following five fundamental rules, per the founder:
  • Avoid "white" starchy carbohydrates. ...
  • Aim to eat the same meals and foods consistently. ...
  • Prioritize low-calorie drinks (especially water). ...
  • Don't eat fruit. ...
  • Take one day "off" of the diet every week.
Apr 16, 2024

Why is cheese not allowed on slow carb diet? ›

That's why fructose is not included on the Slow Carb diet food list. Rule #7: Don't eat dairy, except for cottage cheese. Even though dairy products have a low glycemic index, they produce a large insulin release, which will make your body store fat.

What are the worst foods for carbs? ›

Which foods are high in carbohydrates to avoid? You should be careful of foods that are high in carbs but have little nutritional value. Although they taste good, limit your helpings of cakes, pastries, full-sugar sodas, candy, and refined starches (like white pasta, white bread, and white rice).

What foods are filling but low in carbs? ›

Meat, eggs, and seafood are low in carbs. You can also eat certain vegetables, including broccoli and eggplant, as well as fruit, such as avocado and apricots, on a low carb diet.

Is popcorn OK for low carb diet? ›

Because 5 grams of net carbs is pretty low, popcorn can definitely fit into a keto diet, says Rizzo. “It's a healthy whole-grain snack that is low in carbs,” she says.

Do nuts break ketosis? ›

Nuts are a great addition to a ketogenic (keto) diet. Nuts that are keto-friendly and low in carbs include almonds, macadamia nuts, pecans, and other nuts. Nuts are a great addition to a ketogenic (keto) diet. Ketogenic nuts will be high in healthy fats and low in carbohydrates.

Can I eat as many nuts as I want on keto? ›

While nuts are overall great to include on a keto diet, it's important to limit your portions to a serving or two (1–2 oz.) per day. For reference, one ounce of nuts is about the size of a small handful. Avoid nuts that have been treated and flavored with other ingredients, such as sugar and other glazes.

How much weight can I lose in a month on a no carb diet? ›

Individuals on a keto diet can lose an average of 10-12 pounds in their first month if they stay consistent with the diet and maintain a calorie deficit. However, weight loss can vary depending on starting weight, age, and activity level. At first, there may be a quick drop in weight, but it's mainly due to water loss.

How much weight will I lose if I stop eating carbs? ›

People who begin a low-carb diet with less fat to lose generally lose weight more slowly than those who started out with more. After the first couple of weeks on a low-carb diet, people may lose between 1/2 pound and 2 pounds a week, which is considered a more sustainable rate of weight loss.

Is it OK to completely stop eating carbs? ›

A no-carb diet eliminates almost all carbs and encourages high intakes of fat and protein. It may boost weight loss, heart health, and blood sugar control. Yet, it's unnecessary to cut all carbs to experience these benefits. Plus, this diet may reduce energy levels and increase your risk of nutrient deficiencies.

What are the dangers of eating no carbs? ›

Complications such as heart arrhythmias, cardiac contractile function impairment, sudden death, osteoporosis, kidney damage, increased cancer risk, impairment of physical activity and lipid abnormalities can all be linked to long-term restriction of carbohydrates in the diet.

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