When we think about adopting a healthier lifestyle, the concept of "low-carb"  often takes center stage. But what does it really mean to eat low-carb? Essentially, a low-carb diet, like the keto diet, emphasizes reducing carbohydrate intake, particularly from refined grains, starchy vegetables, and sugary foods, while focusing on protein, healthy fats, and non-starchy vegetables. By doing so, the goal is to reduce blood sugar spikes, lower cholesterol levels, and enhance the body's metabolism, ultimately leading to weight loss and improved health. Starting a low-carb diet requires careful planning, knowledge, and consistency. 

That's where the magic of meal planning comes in. Not only does meal planning help save precious time during the hustle and bustle of the week, but it also keeps you on track with your low-carb goals by removing the guesswork from your daily meals. Instead of staring into the fridge pondering what to cook, you’re armed with a healthy, low-carb meal plan making it easy to whip a meal quickly. This approach not only saves you from tempting and unhealthy foods, but also conserves your time, energy, and money. Plus, with strategic planning and creative recipes, meal prepping can bring in a much-needed variety to keep your low-carb diet exciting and enjoyable. 

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about meal planning for a low-carb diet. Let’s dive and explore our curated selection of the tastiest low-carb breakfast, lunches, and dinners. If you're looking for personalized guidance, consult a registered dietitian or your healthcare provider.

Are you always short on time, but want to stick to a low-carb meal plan? The expert chefs at Hungryroot have crafted a wide variety of delicious recipes and wholesome groceries delivered straight to your doorstep, so you can enjoy tasty meals even if you’re on a hectic schedule. Take their personalized quiz here and kickstart your low-carb journey on the right step from day one!

Low-Carb Pantry Staples for a Successful Meal Plan

Stocking up on pantry and fridge staples is essential to make sure your low-carb meal plan can meet your nutritional needs. Fortunately, most grocery stores or online grocery delivery services today offer a wide selection of low-carb products to keep your kitchen stocked! Here are some of our favorite whole foods that should be on your shopping list:

• Non-starchy fruits and low-carb vegetables that are nutrient-dense. Leafy greens like kale or spinach are nutritional powerhouses and make for great sautéed sides or as a salad base. Fresh fruit like blueberries and strawberries are low in sugar and provide powerful antioxidants to keep your heart healthy.
• Low-carb grain alternatives like cauliflower rice, riced broccoli, and balsamic beet noodles.
• High-fat dairy like cheese, butter, heavy cream, and Greek yogurt. Dairy can add a creamy texture and hearty flavor to your low-carb meals and keep you satisfied for longer.
• Healthy fats like avocados, avocado oil, olive oil, and coconut oil are all great sources of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. They can make for a great addition to flavorful cooking or as a healthy base for DIY salad dressings.
• Nuts, seeds, and nut butters like peanut butter, almonds, chia seeds. These are essential supplements to a low-carb lifestyle and a great way to get extra plant-based protein and fiber. 
• High-quality meats, fish, and eggs are all not only low-carb but also offer a source of high-quality protein and other essential nutrients that support muscle growth. Fish like salmon are a great source of heart-healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

What foods to avoid when eating low carb?

When following a low-carb diet, it’s equally important to know what ingredients to avoid. The key is to steer clear of processed and carb-rich foods, particularly refined ones including sugary foods and drinks, pastries, breads, and more. They’re all high in simple carbohydrates which can spike up your blood glucose levels which can result in energy crashes. Let’s explore a list of general food items to avoid in your low-carb journey:

• Refined grains and starches like white bread, pasta, rice, and starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes. 
• High amounts of starchy vegetables and high-sugar fruits like potatoes, yams, mangoes, pineapple, and other tropical, sweeter fruits. 
• Highly processed foods & snacks like potato chips, tortilla chips, flour crackers, chocolates, sweets, candy, etc.
• Sugar-sweetened beverages like sodas, sweet juices, milkshakes, and other flavored drinks.

Our Favorite Low-Carb Meal Plan Recipes

Now that you understand how to create a healthy low-carb meal plan, let's dive into some delicious recipes to get you started. We’ve combed through 2000+ chef-created, wholesome recipes to present our finest and most delectable low-carb recipes to keep you satisfied and on track all week long!

Easy Low-Carb Breakfast Ideas

Scrambled Egg + Avocado Cauli Toasts: CreateWelcome a vibrant start to your day with this breakfast dish that blends health and flavor all in one. In just 11 minutes, you'll transform humble ingredients like cauliflower sandwich thins, a blend of colorful veggies, creamy avocado crema, and pasture-raised eggs into a delicious morning feast. Each serving contains a mere 12g of total carbohydrates helping maintain steady blood sugar levels combined with a hearty 26gr of protein per serving to help you feel satisfied and energized throughout the day. 

Cheesy Mushroom Vegetarian Frittata: Kickstart your day with a flavor-packed, low-carb delight! Ready in just 17 minutes, this meal serves up a beautiful medley of nutrient-rich spinach, earthy mushrooms, juicy grape tomatoes, and finely diced onion, all enveloped in fluffy, pasture-raised eggs. The star of the show, however, is the sprinkle of original sheep cheese on top which brings a wonderfully creamy edge to complement the earthiness of the veggies. With only 12g of total carbohydrates per serving and an impressive 35g of protein, it keeps your morning free of blood sugar spikes while keeping you full longer.

Pesto Egg Cauli Thinwich: This low-carb breakfast meal can be whipped up in a quick 7 minutes, perfect for busy mornings. Start by heating crisp cauliflower sandwich thins and layering them with rich, aromatic kale pesto. Next, top them off with fluffy, scrambled eggs and a handful of fresh baby spinach for an extra healthy twist. The result is a flavorful and hearty breakfast sandwich that is as nutritious as it is delicious. Each serving comes in at 7g of carbohydrates and 27g of protein, ensuring you’re kept full all day. Don’t compromise on taste and low-carb goals with this breakfast sandwich!

Broccoli Cheddar Crustless Quiche: With this recipe, you’ll transform into a master chef by creating a restaurant-quality breakfast dish all from the comfort of your home. This easy 18-minute recipe brings together the flavors of broccoli florets, creamy French onion sauce, pasture-raised liquid eggs, and a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese. Once ready, you’ll be able to indulge in a fluffy and richly flavored quiche sans the carb-heavy crust. It’s the perfect dish for mornings when you crave a warm, comforting breakfast. With only 8gr of net carbs and 30 gr of protein per serving, this quiche is a nutritional powerhouse that keeps your hunger at bay!

Carb-conscious Cheesy Egg Sandwich: This low-carb cheesy egg sandwich is as satisfying as it is appetizing. In a quick 7-minute prep, this breakfast sandwich combines crisp cauliflower sandwich thins with light, pasture-raised scrambled eggs, all held together with a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese.  With only 14g of net carbs per serving and an impressive 31g of protein per serving, this sandwich will revitalize you and keep you focused throughout the day. It’s also a perfect breakfast choice for those looking to enjoy a flavorful meal on the go.

Easy Low-Carb Lunch Ideas

Keto-friendly Beef Mushroom Cheeseburger: A classic lunchtime staple that blends together hearty and satisfying flavors without compromising your commitment to a low-carb lifestyle. This satisfying recipe is prepared in justa quick 15 minutes and combines juicy grass-fed ground beef burger patties and aromatic baby bella mushrooms, topped with melted, creamy Swiss cheese, all tucked into a pair of warm, golden keto bread buns. This burger boasts 8g of net carbs to keep you on track with your carb intake. More than that, it delivers an impressive 22g of dietary fiber and 38g of protein, providing you with sustained energy until dinnertime.

Juicy Chicken with Cauliflower Mash: If you’re looking for a filling lunchtime meal, look no further than this chicken and cauli mash recipe. In just 30 minutes, this recipe brings together juicy lemon pepper chicken, fresh sweet baby broccoli, and a perfect side of keto mashed cauliflower. Packing 16g of net carbs and a whopping 46g of protein, this recipe will keep your energy levels humming for the rest of the day. Delightfully easy to whip up, this dish celebrates a low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing taste.

Chile Chicken + Sweet Kale Salad with Goat Cheese: Lunchtime just got a whole lot more exciting with this vibrantly fresh and delightful salad bowl. Ready in just 6 minutes, this salad features a tasty blend of chile limon chicken, organic sweet kale salad, and a sprinkle of luscious crumbled goat cheese. This salad is a prime choice for those seeking a light meal and keeping their carb count low, with a total net carb content of just 21g per serving. Each serving also packs a punch with 37g of protein to keep you satisfied at mealtime. With this delightful fusion of flavors, every lunch hour will be something to look forward to!

Gingery Salmon Poke Greens: Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this quick and easy recipe, ready to satisfy your lunchtime cravings in a mere 4 minutes. This meal features the perfect fusion of a super blend salad, tangy sesame ginger dressing, smoked poke-style salmon, and protein-packed edamame. With only 17g of net carbs and a generous 29g of protein per serving, this delectable poke bowl guarantees sustained energy to fuel your day. This poke bowl is a wholesome, low-carb option that not only delights your taste buds but also nourishes your body without compromising your carb intake.

Turkey Meatloaf with Cauliflower Mash: This hearty meal is a fantastic lunch option that combines a gourmet, restaurant-quality appeal with low-carb mindfulness. Within just half an hour, this recipe brings you a juicy turkey meatloaf and the creamy comfort of keto mashed cauliflower. With only 18g of net carbs and an impressive 35g of protein, this dish will satisfy your cravings without hitting your daily carb limit. Let this recipe introduce a healthy spin to your lunchtime by bringing together the best of gourmet cuisine and wholesome ingredients, all served on one plate.

Herby Atlantic Salmon with Cauli Mash: Give your lunch a seafood upgrade with this salmon-based dish. Crafted in just 30 minutes, this yummy recipe features Atlantic salmon seasoned with savory garlic and herb spice blend, paired with comforting keto mashed cauliflower, and topped off with refreshing green beans. This recipe offers 17g of net carbs and 41g of high-quality protein, keeping your hunger at bay and energy levels high. Enjoy the balance of flavors in this seafood-inspired recipe where taste meets nutrition in every bite.

Keto Bun Grass-fed Cheeseburger with Sauteed Onions: Liven up your lunchtime with a classic done right! Taking only 22 minutes, this mouthwatering feast boasts grass-fed beef burger patties, blanketed with creamy cheddar slices, delicately nestled between a pair of toasted keto bread buns. This yummy classic is topped off with a layer of caramelized red onions and refreshing baby spinach. With a total of 12g of net carbs, 24g of dietary fiber, and 25g of muscle-nourishing protein, this dish is low-carb and packed with your essential macronutrients. Look forward to enjoying your lunchtime with this low-carb twist on a classic American cheeseburger.

Easy Low-Carb Dinner Ideas

Spicy Lamb Vindaloo Cauliflower Mash: Ignite your dinner table with a little bit of Indian flare with this creamy recipe. This tasty, easy-to-make meal takes only 9 minutes to prepare and leaves a lasting impression of flavors. It combines juicy pasture-raised lamb cubes, sizzled to perfection, and bathed in a spicy vindaloo simmer sauce. The keto-mashed cauliflower ties the meal together by offering a creamy, comforting side to balance the vindaloo’s spicy heat. Each serving delivers only 14g of net carbs and a proper 36g of protein that’ll fill you up without feeling too heavy. This dish proves that going low-carb doesn’t mean you have to compromise flavor or satisfaction.

Yuzu Baked Salmon + Veggies: Imagine bringing home the vibrant flavors of Japanese cuisine in less than 15 minutes! This recipe combines nutrient-rich Atlantic salmon marinated in a tangy, yuzu miso glaze and baked to perfection. The dish is balanced with crunchy and refreshing green beans, steamed and seasoned. The meal is then finished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped scallions, delivering a dash of color and crunch. With only 25g of net carbs and a solid 35g of protein, this dish is a well-rounded, low-carb meal that also provides a rich source of heart-healthy Omega-3 fats.

Steak Arugula Italiano: Step into a rustic Italian kitchen with this hearty, yet refreshing salad. In just 13 minutes, transform the grass-fed sirloin steak, into a healthy and delicious dish that’s seared to perfection. The steak is combined with a refreshing leafy arugula salad, lightly dressed with fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. With just 3g net carbs and a whole 37g of protein, this is a bright, bold, and nutrient-dense dinner that’s quick and incredibly delicious.

Ribeye Steak + Cauliflower Mash: This high-protein, low-carb dinner option delivers a restaurant-quality dining experience right in your kitchen. Sear a ribeye steak to perfection, adding just the right amount of crispiness to the edges for an irresistibly juicy and flavorful bite. Pair with a creamy, keto mashed cauliflower, a hearty side that rivals traditional mashed potatoes, minus the carbs. The colorful medley of veggies completes the meal with essential nutrients and a satisfying texture. With 16g of net carbs and 41g of protein, this dinner recipe is a well-rounded, nutrient-packed dinner!

All-in-one Cheesy Chicken Meatballs + Broccoli: Prepare yourself for a mouthwatering low-carb meal that is bursting with flavor and packed with nutritional goodness. This tasty meal combines bruschetta chicken patties into tasty meatballs, seared till golden brown. Each meatball is drizzled with a savory layer of tomato marinara, and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, and paired with nutrient-dense broccoli florets. The combined ingredients are baked together till perfectly crispy and golden to create a well-balanced, delicious meal. Experience a fulfilling and energy-boosting dinner with this recipe that offers 8g of net carbs and a substantial 31g of top-notch protein.

Wild-caught Shrimp + Asparagus with Cauli Mash: This recipe is a perfect choice for a delicious and wholesome dinner that not only delivers incredible flavors but also keeps you on track with a low-carb diet. This seafood entrée steals the spotlight with wild-caught gulf shrimp that are expertly sautéed until pink. The centerpiece of this meal is complemented by a side of sautéed asparagus and velvety, low-carb mashed cauliflower – a heavenly and guilt-free alternative to the classic mashed potatoes. Featuring an impressively low 9g of net carbs and a substantial 24g of high-quality protein, this culinary creation is crafted to keep you feeling satisfied all night long.

Easy Low-Carb Snack Ideas

Green Olives: Welcome to a snacker's paradise with these sublime Pitted Green Olives! Sourced directly from the sunny groves of Greece, these olives have been expertly harvested and prepared with a touch of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, to retain their crisp texture and flavor. They're not just ready to eat, but ready to enjoy, and what's more, no need to worry about any pesky pits or messy brine. With only 1 gram of total carbohydrates per serving (10 olives, to be precise) and dietary fiber content to match, these olives are a stellar choice for anyone mindful of their carb intake.

Pepperoni + Mozzarella Snack Pack: Combining the savory flavors of spicy pepperoni, creamy mozzarella cheese, and the light crunch of artisanal crackers, this charcuterie-inspired snack set is nothing short of a mini gourmet feast. This snack pack hits the mark with a modest 9 grams of total carbohydrates per serving. More so, it's a high-protein snack with 13 grams per serving, making it ideal for providing a sustainable energy boost between meals. Whether you're picnicking under the sun or simply in the mood for a chic snack, this pack is the perfect fit!

Nashville Hot Almonds: These hot almonds are here to kick your taste buds into high gear! Sprinkled with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried onion, and garlic, these sprouted almonds offer the delicious taste of Nashville hot chicken – but without the chicken. With only 4gr net carbs and 8gr protein per serving, these nuts offer a guilt-free way to indulge your craving for something spicy. 

Maintaining a Consistent Low Carb Meal Plan

When you're armed with a little knowledge and some forethought, low-carb meal planning can become a seamless part of your everyday routine. Remember, the key to success lies in the organization, consistency, and variety of your meals. By taking the time to meal prep, you're investing in yourself - not just in the nutrients you're putting into your body, but also in the time you're saving throughout the week. With your meals pre-planned and ready to go, you're less likely to deviate from your carb goals, keeping you on track with your healthy lifestyle.

This guide has hopefully served as a source of inspiration, offering an array of recipes and low-carb meal ideas to make your journey deliciously straightforward. From creative salads to hearty proteins and everything in between, there's no shortage of culinary adventures and health benefits that await in the world of low-carb and ketogenic diets. So, embrace this new way of eating and watch as it becomes an effortlessly integrated part of your life, redefining your relationship with food and steering you towards a healthier, happier you.

Are you tired of trying to eat low-carb but finding that your busy schedule is getting in the way? It's no secret that meal planning and grocery shopping can be time-consuming, leaving you with little time to focus on your low-carb lifestyle. At Hungryroot, we take care of the hard work for you with our meal planning and healthy grocery delivery service. You can choose from a wide variety of clean, carb-conscious recipes that are easy to prepare and perfect for those who are always on the go. No more last-minute trips to the grocery store or unhealthy fast food options. Let