Food guide
Is it low-carb?
A looser net-carb band than keto — more flexibility while staying low-carb. Browse common foods and see if they fit the plan, based on our Low-carb rules.
Honest con: Neither the simplicity of a balanced deficit nor keto’s appetite drop. Mid-band carbs can feel like “neither camp,” which makes restaurant choices fuzzier without logging.
What to eat
Lean and fatty proteins, non-starchy vegetables, eggs, Greek yogurt, berries, and modest portions of whole-food carbs (small rice/potato servings) when they fit the band. Keep most days in a looser net-carb band than keto — roughly 40–60 g unless you override.
Watch / avoid
Sugary drinks, desserts, large pasta/rice piles, and mindless grazing on chips or sweet snacks. You do not need ketosis messaging — skip “cheat day” framing that undoes the carb band.
Bacon
On plan~1g net carbs / 100g
Bacon fits a typical Low-carb plate — use normal portions and keep an eye on your overall pattern.
Read tipBell pepper
On plan~3g net carbs / 100g
Bell pepper fits a typical Low-carb plate — use normal portions and keep an eye on your overall pattern.
Read tipCarrot
Borderline~7g net carbs / 100g
Carrot can fit Low-carb in smaller portions. Pair it with protein or vegetables so it does not crowd out your primary targets.
Read tipCauliflower
On plan~3g net carbs / 100g
Cauliflower fits a typical Low-carb plate — use normal portions and keep an eye on your overall pattern.
Read tipCoffee
On plan~0g net carbs / 100g
Coffee fits a typical Low-carb plate — use normal portions and keep an eye on your overall pattern.
Read tipCorn
Borderline~19g net carbs / 100g
Corn can fit Low-carb in smaller portions. Pair it with protein or vegetables so it does not crowd out your primary targets.
Read tipCucumber
On plan~2g net carbs / 100g
Cucumber fits a typical Low-carb plate — use normal portions and keep an eye on your overall pattern.
Read tipDark chocolate (85%)
Borderline~19g net carbs / 100g
Dark chocolate (85%) can fit Low-carb in smaller portions. Pair it with protein or vegetables so it does not crowd out your primary targets.
Read tipGround beef
On plan~0g net carbs / 100g
Ground beef fits a typical Low-carb plate — use normal portions and keep an eye on your overall pattern.
Read tipHoney
Off plan~82g net carbs / 100g
Honey is usually a poor fit for Low-carb. Swap for a lower-carb or more program-aligned option when you can.
Read tipMushrooms
On plan~2g net carbs / 100g
Mushrooms fits a typical Low-carb plate — use normal portions and keep an eye on your overall pattern.
Read tipOats
Off plan~56g net carbs / 100g
Oats is usually a poor fit for Low-carb. Swap for a lower-carb or more program-aligned option when you can.
Read tipOlive oil
On plan~0g net carbs / 100g
Olive oil fits a typical Low-carb plate — use normal portions and keep an eye on your overall pattern.
Read tipOnion
Borderline~7g net carbs / 100g
Onion can fit Low-carb in smaller portions. Pair it with protein or vegetables so it does not crowd out your primary targets.
Read tipZucchini
On plan~2g net carbs / 100g
Zucchini fits a typical Low-carb plate — use normal portions and keep an eye on your overall pattern.
Read tip
Keto is one of the guides. Open the keto food guide · Compare diets