Asian meal plan for low carb diet
The Asian meal plan for a low carb diet adapts traditional Asian dishes to fit a low-carbohydrate lifestyle. It focuses on high protein foods like meat, fish, and tofu, along with a variety of non-starchy vegetables. Traditional high-carb items like rice and noodles are limited or replaced with low-carb alternatives.
Meal plan grocery list
Spinach
Mushrooms
Lime
Almonds
Salmon
Avocado
Tofu
Sesame seeds
Chicken breast
Bell peppers
Hoisin sauce
Cucumber
Hummus
Eggs
Onions
Tomatoes
Green chilies
Zucchini
Beef
Greek yogurt
Chia seeds
Kimchi
Protein powder
Sashimi
Meal plan overview
Embark on a low carb adventure with the Asian meal plan for a low carb diet. This plan adapts traditional Asian dishes to fit a low carb lifestyle, focusing on high-protein and low-carb ingredients.
Highlighting vegetables, seafood, and meats, it’s a flavorful way to stick to a low carb diet.
Foods to eat
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, whole wheat chapatis, and oatmeal for fiber and energy.
- Protein Sources: Lentils (dal), paneer (cottage cheese), and lean meats like chicken and fish for essential amino acids.
- Dairy: Milk and yogurt for calcium and protein.
- Vegetables: A variety of colorful vegetables like carrots, spinach, and beetroot for vitamins and minerals.
- Fruits: Oranges, apples, and bananas for natural sweetness and essential nutrients.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds for healthy fats and omega-3s.
- Healthy Fats: Ghee and olive oil in moderation for cooking.
- Hydration: Plenty of water, coconut water, and fresh fruit juices.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- Unpasteurized Dairy: To avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- High-Mercury Fish: Such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel.
- Raw or Undercooked Foods: To prevent the risk of infections.
- Excessive Caffeine: Limit intake of coffee and tea.
- Processed and Junk Foods: High in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salts.
- Alcohol: Should be completely avoided during pregnancy.
- Excessive Spicy Foods: If they cause discomfort or heartburn.
- Sugary Sweets: To avoid excessive weight gain and blood sugar spikes.
Main benefits
The Indian meal plan for a pregnant woman is rich in nutrients essential for pregnancy. It includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products, providing calcium, iron, folic acid, and other vital nutrients. Meals are well-balanced and cooked with mild spices to cater to the nutritional needs during pregnancy.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
An Asian meal plan for a low-carb diet can be varied and satisfying with these substitutions:
- Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice to keep carb intake low.
- Opt for almond milk instead of regular milk for a low-carb alternative.
- Use zucchini noodles instead of traditional noodles to reduce carbs.
- Substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos for a lower-sodium option.
- Enhance salads with pumpkin seeds instead of croutons for added texture.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Enjoy these Asian low-carb snacks for a healthier choice:
- Chicken lettuce wraps
- Avocado and shrimp salad
- Stir-fried zucchini noodles
- Grilled eggplant with miso glaze
- Seaweed salad
- Cucumber and radish kimchi
- Beef tataki with ponzu sauce
What should I drink on this meal plan?
In a low carb Asian diet, water is essential. Green tea and black coffee are great for their minimal carb content. Herbal teas, such as ginger, can aid digestion. Consider unsweetened almond milk as a low carb, dairy-free option.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
Asian Meal Plan for Low Carb Diet
Day 1
- Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Spinach and Mushrooms (calories: 250, carbs: 5g, protein: 20g, fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Thai Beef Salad with Fresh Herbs and a Lime Dressing (calories: 350, carbs: 10g, protein: 25g, fat: 20g)
- Snack: A handful of Almonds (calories: 160, carbs: 6g, protein: 6g, fat: 14g)
- Dinner: Grilled Salmon with Steamed Asparagus (calories: 400, carbs: 8g, protein: 30g, fat: 25g)
Day 2
- Breakfast: Avocado and Tofu Salad with Sesame Seeds (calories: 300, carbs: 10g, protein: 12g, fat: 22g)
- Lunch: Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Bell Peppers and Hoisin Sauce (calories: 350, carbs: 15g, protein: 25g, fat: 20g)
- Snack: Cucumber Slices with Hummus (calories: 100, carbs: 8g, protein: 4g, fat: 6g)
- Dinner: Stir-Fried Shrimp and Mixed Vegetables in a Garlic Sauce (calories: 350, carbs: 12g, protein: 25g, fat: 18g)
Day 3
- Breakfast: Omelette with Onions, Tomatoes, and Green Chilies (calories: 250, carbs: 6g, protein: 18g, fat: 16g)
- Lunch: Vietnamese Pho with Zucchini Noodles and Beef (calories: 350, carbs: 10g, protein: 28g, fat: 20g)
- Snack: Greek Yogurt with a sprinkle of Chia Seeds (calories: 120, carbs: 10g, protein: 10g, fat: 4g)
- Dinner: Korean Bulgogi (grilled marinated beef) with Kimchi (calories: 400, carbs: 5g, protein: 30g, fat: 28g)
Day 4
- Breakfast: Protein Shake with Spinach, Almond Milk, and Protein Powder (calories: 200, carbs: 8g, protein: 20g, fat: 8g)
- Lunch: Japanese Sashimi Salad with Avocado and Soy Ginger Dressing (calories: 350, carbs: 12g, protein: 25g, fat: 22g)
- Snack: A Small Bag of Seaweed Snacks (calories: 50, carbs: 1g, protein: 2g, fat: 2g)
- Dinner: Indian Paneer Tikka with a Side of Grilled Vegetables (calories: 400, carbs: 15g, protein: 20g, fat: 25g)
Day 5
- Breakfast: Coconut Milk Chia Pudding with Berries (calories: 250, carbs: 10g, protein: 6g, fat: 20g)
- Lunch: Thai Curry Chicken with Eggplant (no rice) (calories: 350, carbs: 10g, protein: 25g, fat: 22g)
- Snack: Hard-Boiled Eggs (calories: 140, carbs: 1g, protein: 12g, fat: 10g)
- Dinner: Chinese Stir-Fried Beef with Broccoli (calories: 400, carbs: 12g, protein: 30g, fat: 25g)
Day 6
- Breakfast: Mushroom and Cheese Frittata (calories: 300, carbs: 6g, protein: 20g, fat: 22g)
- Lunch: Sashimi Platter with Miso Soup (calories: 350, carbs: 10g, protein: 30g, fat: 18g)
- Snack: Celery Sticks with Almond Butter (calories: 100, carbs: 6g, protein: 4g, fat: 8g)
- Dinner: Grilled Mackerel with a Side Salad (calories: 400, carbs: 8g, protein: 30g, fat: 28g)
Day 7
- Breakfast: Mixed Berry Smoothie with Almond Milk and Protein Powder (calories: 250, carbs: 15g, protein: 20g, fat: 10g)
- Lunch: Asian Chicken Salad with Mixed Greens, Cucumber, and a Light Vinaigrette (calories: 300, carbs: 10g, protein: 25g, fat: 18g)
- Snack: A Handful of Pumpkin Seeds (calories: 150, carbs: 5g, protein: 7g, fat: 13g)
- Dinner: Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Chops with a Side of Pickled Vegetables (calories: 400, carbs: 10g, protein: 30g, fat: 26g)
Want to learn more?
⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Feb 29, 2024
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024