![\"Low-Carb](\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/low-carb-grocery-list-1024x643.jpg\")
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As a dietitian, having a low-carb grocery list is my top tip for anyone looking to cut back on carbohydrates. And there are some valid reasons some people cut back. Maybe you want to manage your blood sugar or simply make room for more protein and fiber on your plate (1<\/a>). <\/p>\n \u201cWhether you are aiming to replace more of your food with fruits and veggies or wanting to cut out unnecessary calories by decreasing your intake of processed, refined carbs this shopping list will point you in the right direction,\u201d says Joanna Gregg, registered dietitian at MyFitnessPal.<\/p>\n Whatever your reasons, having a go-to list of lower-carb foods can give you a better idea of your options for hitting your carbohydrate targets. But the first step to setting the right carb target for you is knowing how many carbs you\u2019re currently eating each day. <\/p>\n Using MyFitnessPal<\/a> can help you find that out. As Emily Sullivan, RD puts it, \u201cTracking your food can make you aware of how much of your diet consists of carbohydrates that provide little to no nutritional value and to make changes accordingly (3<\/a>).\u201d <\/p>\n You might be surprised to see a few higher-carb foods on my list. That\u2019s because going lower-carb doesn\u2019t mean you have to ditch carbs completely. <\/strong><\/p>\n Remember, there\u2019s no standard definition of low carb. Generally, it\u2019s considered less than 130 grams of carbs per day<\/strong> (1<\/a>). And that number can definitely accommodate a few nutrient-dense carbs that can help you stay satisfied and on track toward achieving your goals (2<\/a>). <\/p>\n Before we get to the shopping list, let\u2019s explore what makes some carbs better choices than others.<\/p>\n 3 Things To Know Before Starting a Low-Carb, High-Fat Diet<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n There\u2019s a big difference between the carbohydrates found in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains versus those in pretzels, white bread, and a sugary coffee drink like a caramel latte (2<\/a>, 4<\/a>).<\/p>\n Whole food sources of carbs come packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other plant compounds that have health benefits<\/strong>. These types of food also digest more slowly and keep your energy levels steady (2<\/a>, 4<\/a>). Even when you\u2019re cutting back on carbs, you don\u2019t want to eliminate these good-for-you foods.<\/p>\n One way I like to think about carbs is that they\u2019re like logs on a fire. Whole, unprocessed carbs\u2014like fruits, veggies, and whole grains\u2014are like slow-burning logs. They keep the fire burning at a steady pace for a long time. On the other hand, refined carbs, like white bread, pretzels, and sugary snacks, are more like crumpled paper\u2014they burn fast, and then they fizzle out (2<\/a>, 4<\/a>). <\/p>\n Refined carbs can act like that paper on fire\u2013causing quick spikes in blood sugar followed by a dip<\/strong>. Over time, this can promote health problems. <\/p>\n When following a low-carb diet, it\u2019s helpful to choose whole, fiber-rich carbs to meet your carb targets (2<\/a>, 4<\/a>). <\/p>\n About the Experts<\/strong><\/p>\n Katherine Basbaum, MS, RD<\/strong> is Food Data Curator at MyFitnessPal. She received her Masters in Nutrition Communication from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy at Tufts University and completed her Dietetic Internship at UVA Health, where she also works as a nutrition counselor for cardiology patients.<\/p>\n Samantha Cassetty, MS, RD<\/strong>, is a nationally recognized food and nutrition expert, media personality, nutrition consultant, and author. Cassetty is a former nutrition director for Good Housekeeping and the co-author of the book Sugar Shock.<\/p>\n While my low-carb grocery list includes some carbs, they are the kind of options that can help balance your diet and make it more sustainable.<\/p>\n With all of that said, here\u2019s my go-to low-carb grocery list:<\/p>\n Non-starchy vegetables are lower in carbs than starchy veggies (2<\/a>, 4<\/a>). However, even if you\u2019re cutting back on carbs, you might consider making room for a few choice starchy veggies. Foods like sweet potatoes and butternut squash have health benefits, and they may make your diet more satisfying and sustainable (1<\/a>). <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"10](\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/10-Things-to-Know-Before-Trying-the-Low-Carb-High-Fat-Diet-1-1024x643.jpg\")
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<\/div>\nDifferent Kinds of Carbs<\/strong> <\/em><\/h2>\n
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\n<\/div>\nVegetables<\/h2>\n
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