By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern
Low-carb diets have been incredibly popular lately, especially for those looking to manage their blood sugar or lose weight. But, as registered dietician Jaclyn London said, carbs are still essential for proper body function, and eliminating them from our diets completely would mean that we’d be missing out on some of their great health benefits. Here are some suggestions of foods from each food group that are both nutrient dense and each serving contains a percentage of carbohydrates that falls into the low-carb category. 
- Vegetables: Leafy greens, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and cabbage.
- Fruits: Tomatoes, strawberries, melons, apples, and cherries.
- Meats and seafood: Beef, lamb, chicken, salmon, tuna, mackerel, and anchovies.
- Dairy and eggs: Plain Greek yogurt, goat cheese, parmesan cheese, and eggs.
- Nuts and seeds: Walnuts, peanuts, chia seeds, and hazelnuts.
- Oils and sauces: Extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, pesto, and coconut aminos.
This list just goes to show that eating a low-carb diet doesn’t have to be bland, nor does it mean that you have to eliminate healthy carbs completely. Also, many of the items listed above are ones that we grow and produce right here in Arizona! Whether it be veggies or melons from all of the many produce farms down in Yuma, dairy from Shamrock dairy in Maricopa, or eggs from Hickman’s, it’s easy to get fresh, local foods!
For more information on where to find local products, check out all the resources on Fill Your Plate!