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Low-Carb Diet Plan for Beginners: Start Losing Today

Starting a low-carb diet can seem daunting, but this plan makes it easy with straightforward, adaptable meal options. It focuses on removing high-carb foods while introducing more proteins and fats to keep you satisfied. Perfect for beginners looking to navigate a low-carb lifestyle without the hassle.

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Diet plan grocery list

  • Eggs
  • Chicken breast
  • Salmon
  • Avocado
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Coconut oil

  • Olive oil
  • Butter
  • Cream cheese
  • Greek yogurt
  • Cottage cheese
  • Beef
  • Pork loin
  • Turkey
  • Tuna
  • Shrimp
  • Asparagus

  • Zucchini
  • Bell peppers
  • Mushrooms
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Celery
  • Cucumber
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Brussel sprouts
  • Radishes
  • Blueberries

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Article Reviewed
• Written by our editorial team.
• Published on April 29, 2024.
• Updated on August 13, 2024.

Diet plan overview

The Low-carb diet plan for beginners is designed to be an easy entry into healthier eating by reducing carbohydrate consumption and focusing on high-quality proteins and fats. This diet introduces beginners to the basics of carb restriction and helps them understand how to make healthier food choices. Meals are simple yet flavorful, featuring ingredients like grilled meats, steamed vegetables, and cheese.

This plan also includes tips on reading nutrition labels and avoiding hidden carbs, making it easier for beginners to adapt to a low-carb lifestyle. It’s a step-by-step guide to making significant changes in your diet without feeling overwhelmed.

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Foods to eat

  • Simple Proteins: Eggs, beef, and chicken which are easy to prepare and are staple low-carb foods.
  • Easy-to-Prepare Vegetables: Pre-cut veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and celery that make snacking easy and healthy.
  • Convenient Fats: Pre-portioned packets of nuts, single-serving guacamole, and olive oil dressings for control and convenience.
  • Cheese and Yogurt: Portion-controlled cheese sticks and plain Greek yogurt that are satisfying and low in carbs.
  • Low-Carb Meal Replacements: Protein shakes and bars that are specifically designed for low-carb diets.
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Eat less means eating fewer calories. This, in turn, means not overeating fat (which is high in calories) or sugars (which have calories but no nutrients), avoiding between-meal snacks, and eating smaller portions.

Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH

Foods not to eat

  • Starchy Foods: Potatoes, corn, and peas that are high in carbohydrates and can hinder ketosis.
  • High-Carb Snacks: Pretzels, crackers, and popcorn which can quickly add up in carbs.
  • Sugar-Laden Desserts: Cookies, cakes, and pastries that are high in sugar and low in nutritional value.
  • Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, sweet wines, and cocktails that are high in sugars and can disrupt ketosis.
  • Regular Soft Drinks: Soda and other sweetened beverages that are high in sugars and empty calories.

Main benefits

The low-carb diet plan for beginners is designed to be easy to follow, focusing on reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with protein and healthy fats. This shift not only aids in gradual weight loss but also helps maintain a feeling of fullness, which can prevent overeating. For newcomers, this diet provides a straightforward approach to eating that encourages long-term healthy habits.

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📊 Nutrient breakdown of the low-carb diet (Source)

How to budget on this diet plan

Beginners to low-carb eating should start by substituting expensive low-carb specialty products with natural, whole foods like avocados and lean meats. Learning to prepare simple, home-cooked low-carb meals can be significantly cheaper and healthier than opting for pre-packaged options. Keep an eye on weekly grocery flyers to take advantage of deals on low-carb-friendly foods like seafood and dairy products.

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7-Day Meal Plan for Low-Carb Diet Plan for Beginners

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and cheddar cheese
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with avocado and romaine lettuce salad
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with asparagus and a side of sautéed kale
  • Snack: Celery sticks with cream cheese

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with blueberries and almonds
  • Lunch: Turkey breast slices wrapped in romaine lettuce with slices of cucumber and bell peppers
  • Dinner: Stir-fried shrimp with broccoli and bell peppers in coconut oil
  • Snack: A handful of walnuts

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Omelet with mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, and spinach
  • Lunch: Beef stir-fry with cauliflower rice
  • Dinner: Pork loin roasted with Brussel sprouts and a side of kale salad
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with sliced radishes

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Boiled eggs and sautéed spinach with olive oil
  • Lunch: Baked turkey with steamed broccoli and cauliflower
  • Dinner: Grilled tuna steak with avocado and romaine lettuce salad
  • Snack: Mozzarella cheese sticks

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Fried eggs in butter with sautéed mushrooms and spinach
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with avocado, cucumber, and bell peppers
  • Dinner: Baked cod with a side of roasted asparagus and Brussel sprouts
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of blueberries

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Cottage cheese with chopped celery and radishes
  • Lunch: Beef patties with sautéed zucchini and kale
  • Dinner: Grilled shrimp with a salad of romaine lettuce, avocado, and bell peppers
  • Snack: A handful of almonds

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Omelet with turkey, mozzarella, and spinach
  • Lunch: Pork loin chops with sautéed mushrooms and cucumber slices
  • Dinner: Salmon fillets grilled with a side of steamed broccoli and cauliflower
  • Snack: Walnuts and slices of cheddar cheese

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Get grocery list
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⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.