Diets low in carbohydrates can be healthy or unhealthy. Some of the most popular of these diets, such as Atkins, focus on eliminating carbohydrates and increasing protein yet incorporate a lot of unhealthy fat. Accordingly, the American Medical Association and American Heart Association concur that diets like Atkins are unhealthy and potentially dangerous.
Low-carb diets that include fish, however, can be very healthy. Here is a rundown of the best fish to add to your new diet.
Tilapia
This sweet-tasting fish is flaky in texture, low in fat and carbohydrates and high in protein. The meat is white, and the skin has a pink or gold tone. Tilapia is easy to find and can be broiled, baked, grilled or sauteed. Because filets are typically small they cook quickly. One four-ounce serving of tilapia contains around 100 calories, 25 of which are from fat, along with 20 grams of protein and 1 gram of carbohydrate.
Salmon
Deliciously mild with a high content of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is an excellent choice for a low-carb diet. Fresh salmon is found whole or in filet or steak form. The meat is pink in color, and the skin can be various shades of pink and orange. The taste is mild, and many people who do not generally like the taste of fish find they like salmon because of it's mild, "non-fish" taste. It can be prepared by almost any method. One 4-ounce serving contains almost 30 grams of protein, and while salmon is higher in fat than many other fish, it is the unsaturated, heart-healthy kind.
Shellfish
Shellfish, such as shrimp, crab, oysters and clams, are great seafood alternatives that can be used in various recipes. They are low in mercury content (a common concern with seafood), high in protein and low in fat. In addition, they can be eaten alone or in soups, salads and whole-wheat and low-carb pastas. Dressed in just olive oil and lemon juice, they remain a low-carb, low-fat nutritional alternative.
Tags: grams protein, high protein