21 Low-Carb, High-Protein Recipes for Winter (2024)

FAQs

What meal is high in protein and low in carbs? ›

Below is an example of a low carb, high protein meal plan: Breakfast: spinach omelet or scrambled tofu. Snack: cucumber strips wrapped in chicken slices or hummus with carrot batons. Lunch: seasoned grilled chicken or tempeh with cauliflower rice and vegetables, such as broccoli or oven-baked carrots and zucchini.

Some high-protein diets limit carbs so much that you might not get enough nutrients or fiber. This can cause problems such as bad breath, headache and constipation. Some high-protein diets allow red meats, processed meats and other foods high in saturated fat. These foods may increase your risk of heart disease.

Depending on your macronutrient goals, you may also need to reduce your intake of high fat foods like fatty meats and oils. Highly refined carb foods like pasta, bread, sugar, and sweetened beverages should be restricted during a high protein, low carb diet.

Among the highest protein vegetables are chickpeas, corn, spinach, artichoke hearts, and edamame. To get all of the amino acids your body needs, aim to eat a variety of foods, such as legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables throughout the day.

In fact, protein has a much higher thermic effect than fat or carbs — 20–35% compared to 5–15% ( 21 ). High protein intake has been shown to significantly boost metabolism and increase the number of calories you burn. This can amount to 80–100 more calories burned each day ( 22 , 23 , 24 ).