Though Clara Hart thinks it’s not necessary, beginning a low-carb diet can be intimidating. “Your friend is meal planning,” she says.
“You’re less prone to grab for convenience foods heavy in carbohydrates when you’re ready.” Certified nutrition coach Clara offers her best advice to help novices get going.
Clara first underlines the need of organizing your meals around vegetables and protein. “Proteins like chicken, beef, and tofu are satisfying and flexible,” she says.
“You have the basis of a great low-carb meal if you pair them with non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or zucchini.”
Clara also advises ahead of time preparation. She counsels starting the week by chopping your vegetables and cooking your proteins.
“When everything is ready to go, following your plan is far easier.” Her mainstay is a large supply of cauliflower rice. “Works with so many dishes and is a wonderful replacement for ordinary rice.”
Clara advises turning over sauces and seasonings to keep things interesting. “With some imagination, you can create the same base ingredients taste quite different,” she explains. For instance, chicken can be Mediterranean to Mexican with only a different spice.
Clara also exhorts novices to start small. She counsels not overly complicating it. “Just as good as a more complex recipe is a grilled steak with a side of roasted asparagus.”
“Take it one meal at a time,” Clara says, reassuring people just starting low-carb diets. You will discover your rhythm; soon it will come naturally.