What Is Low Carb?
There's an ongoing debate about whether eating low carb is essential for weight management. You probably see low carb advertised on many product labels in the grocery store. But did you know the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate this term, and there is no standard definition?
Although carbs get a bad rap, the lack of science-based guidelines for low-carb diets makes matters worse. What we do know is that even if you focus on carbohydrates, you can still eat too many calories. So, the most important thing to do is get smart on carbs.
What Do
Carbohydrates Do?
When you eat carbs, your digestive system changes carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar). Your body uses the sugar for energy and stores the extra glucose in your liver and muscles for when you need it later. If your liver and muscle stores get full, then glucose is turned into body fat.
Fruits, vegetables, dairy, and grains all fuel your body with carbohydrates. Foods with added sugars and sweeteners like candy, soft drinks, and cookies also contain carbohydrates. For a healthy diet, you should limit added sugar and sweeteners, and instead choose carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, dairy, and whole grains.
What's Fiber?
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that adds bulkiness to your meal and makes you feel full faster. It also helps with digestion and can prevent constipation. Diets rich in healthy foods containing fiber, such as avocados, may reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
It's always better to get fiber from food than dietary supplements. To eat more fiber, include these plant-based foods in your diet:
- Dry beans, peas, and lentils.
- Nuts and seeds.
- Fruits and vegetables, including avocados.
- Whole-grain breads and cereals.
How Many Carbs and Fiber Are in a Serving of Avocado?
One-third of a medium avocado contains 3 grams of fiber with only 4 grams of carbohydrate.
Unlike most other fruits, a serving of avocado contains zero grams of naturally occurring sugar and does not affect the glycemic response. The carbohydrate found in avocado is 79% fiber. Fiber-containing foods like avocados, help provide a feeling of fullness but with fewer calories. For more questions regarding avocado nutrition facts or servings, view our Nutrition Facts and Label page.
Looking for a lower-carb power lunch? Load your salad with creamy avocado slices instead of croutons. For more lower-carb and fiber-rich avocado recipes, check out our avocado recipe library.
Remember to ask your health care provider before making extreme changes to your diet. A registered dietitian nutritionist can also work with you to support the best eating habits.