8 Low-Carb Fruits For Weight Loss
Though many conventional dieters turn to fruit to quell sugar cravings and stay satiated between meals, those following a low-carb plan, like the keto diet often don't realize they have the same luxury. While many of Nature's candies are loaded with carbohydrates, that doesn't mean low-carb fruits don't exist.
But not all carbs are created equal—which is why a growing number of low-carb diet plans now require followers to count net carbs—a number calculated by subtracting a food's fiber content from its total carbohydrates—instead of total carbohydrates. And since the benefits of fiber include aiding weight loss and improve health, we're fans of this more practical diet approach.
To help you add more fruit to your weekly lineup—without slowing your progress or blowing your low-carb diet—we've come up with a list of the best low-carb fruits for your waistline.
All of our low-carb fruit picks have less than 13 grams of net carbs, offer a good amount of fiber, and are rich in other nutrients that can keep your body healthy and looking great for life. Read on, and for more on healthy eating, don't miss 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.
Avocado
Total Carbs: 1/4 fruit, 4.3 grams
Fiber: 3.4 grams
Net carbs: 0.9 grams
Although it's often referred to as a healthy fat, avocados are actually a single-seeded berry native to Mexico. Besides being the lowest carb fruit, avocados are also a great source of monounsaturated fat, a nutrient that helps reduce the risk of heart disease and quiets hunger pangs. One Nutrition Journal study found that participants who ate half a fresh avocado with lunch reported a 40 percent decreased desire to eat for hours afterward. Sounds like a good reason to add a few slices to low-carb salads or vegetable side dishes to us!
Blackberries
Total Carbs: 1 cup, 13.8 grams
Fiber: 7.6 grams
Net carbs: 6.2 grams
These antioxidant-rich berries not only keep disease at bay, but they also ward off hunger because they're brimming with fiber, making them one of the best weight loss fruits. Not to mention, every cup of blackberries contains fifty percent of the day's vitamin C, a nutrient that can help lower cholesterol levels and boost heart health. Add them to salads, containers of Greek yogurt, or eat them plain to reap the health benefits and continue dropping pounds.
Raspberries
Total Carbs: 1 cup, 15 grams
Fiber: 8 grams
Net carbs: 7 grams
Raspberries contain anthocyanins, a naturally occurring class of chemicals that increase insulin and lower blood sugar levels, warding off diabetes. They are also notably high in fiber, making them one of the most filling healthy snacks for weight loss. A single cup will cost you just 84 calories and 5 grams of sugar—it doesn't get much better than that. Enjoy a cup with your morning eggs or make an entree-sized dinner salad by combining the fruit with grilled chicken, mixed greens, goat cheese, and sunflower seeds.
Kiwi
Total Carbs: 1 fruit, 10.5 grams
Fiber: 2.3 grams
Net carbs: 8.2 grams
Kiwi fruit are not only low in total carbs, but they're also a good keto fruit because they're low in net carbs. This tropical fruit is rich in vitamin C, which is great for skin health, and they also have a secret benefit: they may help you sleep. Research shows that eating kiwi on a daily basis is tied to substantial improvements to both sleep quality and quantity. For more, check out these The 5 Absolute Best Foods to Eat For Better Sleep.
Strawberries
Total Carbs: 1 cup, halves, 11.7 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Net Carbs: 8.7 grams
Strawberries are a great source of powerful natural chemicals called polyphenols that can help you lose weight and even stop fat from forming! In a recent Texas Woman's University study, researchers found that feeding mice three daily servings of berries decreased the formation of fat cells by up to 73 percent. Studies also show that eating the sweet red fruit can relieve stress by lowering levels of cortisol in the body. Eat them plain, add them to yogurt, or dip them in melted dark chocolate for a sweet snack.
Unfortunately, blueberries didn't make the list. Each cup of blueberries contains 21.7 grams of carbs and 3.6 grams fiber, for 18.1 grams net carbs.
Watermelon
Total Carbs: 1 cup, diced, 11.5 grams
Fiber: 0.6 grams
Net carbs: 10.9 grams
Rosy-hued fruits such as watermelon are great sources of lycopene, a carotenoid that protects the skin from sun damage and decreases the risks of heart disease. For a quick, low-carb snack, mix cubes of watermelon with onion, fresh basil, cilantro, feta cheese, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Throw the mixture over a bed of greens to create a more substantial entrée salad.
Cantaloupe
Total Carbs: 1 cup, cubes, 13.1 carbs
Fiber: 1.4 grams
Net carbs: 11.7 grams
Sure it's a low-cal and low-carb fruit, but a cup of this sweet, orange melon also provides more than a hundred percent of the day's vitamin A. This fat-soluble nutrient helps maintain eye and skin health in addition to boosting immune function. Although cantaloupe tastes great on its own, it also pairs well with cottage cheese. To incorporate it into a low-carb breakfast or as a side for a lunch or dinner, combine chopped melon with cucumber, green onion and cilantro. Then top the mixture with lime juice mixed with a bit of salt and black pepper, and serve with grilled chicken or fish. Not sure what type of fish works best for your diet? We recommend one of these healthy fish for weight loss.
Peaches
Total Carbs: 1 cup, 14.7 grams
Fiber: 2.3 grams
Net carbs: 12.4 grams
Want to lose weight? Grab a peach and get noshin'! According to Texas A&M University researchers, the stone fruit contains phenolic compounds that modulate different expressions of genes to ward off obesity, high cholesterol, inflammation, and diabetes—now that's something to feel peachy about! Now that you know of the keto fruits to add to your diet, next up are the 25 Keto Vegetables That Keep You In Ketosis When You're Eating Low-Carb.
