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Your Low-Carbohydrate Pantry

From Laura Dolson,
Your Guide to Low Carb Diets.
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Stocking Up on Low-Carb Foods

Out with the old, and in with the new! When you change your way of eating, it’s best to have food in your home that supports you in your new endeavor. One of the worst situations is to find that you are hungry without anything appropriate to eat.

What To Do With High-Carb Food

If some folks you live with would make use of the high-carb food you want to take out of your life, try making separate shelves in the pantry for those people. Otherwise, the local food bank or other charity that takes food donations is a possibility, especially for packaged and canned foods.

We’ll go through the kitchen one area at a time. Click on each link for lists of what to keep, what to buy, and what to get rid of in each category

Refrigerator and Freezer

When changing to a low-carb way of eating, you will probably find yourself eating more fresh produce, meats, and other perishable foods. ("Shopping the perimeter" is a good strategy for low-carb eating, as the aisles of the supermarket contain most of the high-carb processed foods.) People following a low-carb way of eating often find that their refrigerators and freezers are fuller than they used to be, for this reason.

Canned Goods (and Jars)

I love knowing I could make some meals out of my pantry if need be. It's also nice for during power outages, and for when I don't feel like going to the store. Here are some low-carb canned goods to keep on hand, and some to get rid of.

Packaged Foods

Unfortunately, a lot of those packages of processed cereals, crackers, rice and candy will have to go. But you can still keep some packaged foods which are low in carbohydrates.

Condiments

Barbecue sauce? Usually loaded with sugar. Mustard? Usually not. Here are the dos and don'ts when it comes to condiments on a low-carb diet.

Special Ingredients for Cooking and Baking

I like to keep some special low-carb ingredients on hand. It makes life a lot easier, especially when trying to "de-carb" favorite foods, to have some low-carb substitutes around.

Also check out: Low-carb Substitutes for High-Carb Foods and Low-Carb Specialty Products.

Updated: November 1, 2007
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