5 Basics for starting a low-carb diet

When to try a low-carb diet

Low-carb diets make a great starting point for dropping those extra few kilos, or if you're just looking to lose some weight in the short term.

Not everyone can manage this type of diet as it takes quite a bit of discipline, as well as changes to your everyday eating habits.

Five basics to get you started

These tips from cookbook editor and writer, Fran McCullough, are a great way to ease into a low-carb diet if you've never done it before:

1. Go for healthy fats like olive oil, avocados and nuts, instead of butter or cheddar cheese.

2. Cut out white foods like rice, potatoes, bread, flour and sugar.

3. Limit carbs; only eat a max of 30 grams of carbs a day.

4. Eat protein with every meal.

5. Choose to eat as many whole foods as possible – raw and organic are always great choices.

Recommended reading: 4 Healthy diet ideas to try

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