Typical foods for a low-carb diet

Most low-carb diets focus on proteins, as well as some healthy fats and nonstarchy vegetables. Examples of vegetables low in carbohydrates are lettuce, cucumbers and broccoli.

A low-carb diet generally limits:

• Refined and whole grains such as white bread and whole-grain products.
• Fruits high in carbs, processed fruit products with added sugar, and fruit juice.
• Starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn.
• Alcoholic drinks that have carbs.

Low-carb diets vary in how many carbs you can eat each day. One gram of carbohydrate has about 4 calories. On average, a low-carb diet allows 60 to 130 grams of carbohydrates a day. So, if you eat 130 grams of carbs, that's 520 calories.

Some very low-carb diets suggest eating less than 60 grams of carbohydrates or 240 calories from carbs each day. Some low-carb diets allow fewer carbs during the early phase of the diet. Then those diets allow more carbs over time.

In contrast, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults ages 19 to 59 eat 130 grams of carbs a day. This is 520 calories from carbs each day. These guidelines also suggest you eat more whole grains and limit foods or drinks with added sugar, sodium and saturated fat.