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Top 10 shopping tips for “No White Diet"
 A
low-carb diet limits
carbohydrates — such as bread,
grains, rice, starchy vegetables and fruit — and emphasizes sources of
protein and fat.
Many types of low-carb diets exist, each with varying restrictions on the types
and amounts of carbohydrates. If you have decided to follow a protein rich
diet, stack the deck in your favor with the right ingredients and techniques
for low carb cooking.
A low-carb diet excludes or limits most grains, beans, fruits, breads, sweets,
pastas and starchy vegetables. Some low-carb diet plans allow fruits, vegetables
and whole grains. A daily limit of 50 to 150 grams of carbohydrates is typical.
The theory behind the low-carb diet is that insulin prevents fat breakdown in
the body by allowing sugar
to be used for energy.
Proponents of the low-carb diet believe that a decrease in carbs results in
lower insulin levels, which causes the body to burn stored fat for energy.
The first question that arises is, What to buy?
Most of your food shopping will be concentrated in the produce, dairy, poultry,
fish, and meat sections of the supermarket.
  Buy
Fresh. Fresh vegetables, fruits and protein will still be the basis of your
diet. You know by now that many canned goods and packaged products contain
hidden carbs and are loaded with
trans fats. If your budget permits, buy organic poultry, meat, eggs, and
produce.
 Think
Fish. Fatty fish such
as salmon, tuna, halibut, mackerel, herring, bluefish, and sardines supply
protein and B vitamins, but these flavor-some fish also pack plenty of
omega – 3, a type of essential fatty acid with disease-fighting properties.
Keep canned fish on hand, too, for hurry-up suppers. Canned salmon is higher in
calcium than milk. Mash the soft bones with a fork and you’ll get 225 milligrams
of this bone-building mineral per 3½-ounce serving. Canned sardines are even
higher: 3 ounces supply 325 milligrams. Four ounces of milk? A mere 150
milligrams. Look for light tuna packed in olive oil; it tastes better than tuna
in water or vegetable oil.
  Shop
with the Season. Choose
vegetables and fruits at their height of flavor and freshness. You’ll save
money too: Seasonal produce is generally less expensive. There is no reason to
buy asparagus or watermelon in January when broccoli and a host of fruits are
readily available.
 Color
Matters. Buy as many richly colored foods as possible: Dark leafy greens,
orange vegetables, purple grapes, and the like contain more nutrients than their
paler cousins. Arugula has almost twice the
folate of iceberg lettuce, watercress has about four times the vitamin C,
and spinach has nearly thirty times more betacarotene. Red grapes are higher in
anthocyanins than green; and pink grapefruit has 40 times more beta-carotene
than white. In general, avoid white foods-with the exception of dairy products,
of course. White rice, white flour, sugar, and pale pasta are out. Instead,
focus on brown breads and grains, beans, and other legumes.
  The
Greener the Better. From collards and kale to spinach and turnip greens,
these nutritional powerhouses are loaded with vitamins A, C, E, folate, and
other
vitamins;
minerals, including calcium and iron; and cancer-fighting compounds such as
indoles, sulforaphane, and isocyanate. Many dark greens are at their best in
winter – they’re fresh and inexpensive when other vegetables are pale and
flavorless. Sauté greens with lots of garlic, stir them into soup, or braise
them with a bit of bacon.
 Go
with the Grain. Whole grains provide a host of
nutrients, but they’re dense in carbohydrates. Go beyond rice and pasta to
find those that are lower in Net Carbs. Oatmeal boasts
cholesterol-lowering
fiber. Wild rice packs
twice the protein of other varieties. Bulgur, a form of whole wheat, is already
cooked; simply pour boiling liquid over it and soak it until soft, about 30
minutes.
  Scrutinize
Labels. Carbohydrates lurk in foods you might not suspect. Avoid anything
that has high-fructose corn syrup or any kind of starch, such as modified potato
or rice starch, in the ingredients list. Canned goods and condiments are common
culprits. Pay particular attention to fat-free foods, especially salad dressings
and marinades. Corn syrup often is used instead of oil because they have similar
consistencies. Not only do you end up with unwanted carbs, but also a host of
chemicals that are added to mask the sweetness. Instead, use high-flavour
condiments that boast healthful ingredients, such as pesto and salsa.
 Enjoy
ethnic specialties. If you’re fortunate enough to live near an ethnic food
market, stock up on spices and condiments-prices are generally lower than at
natural foods stores.
  Think
Small. Purchase dairy products in small quantities and wrap cheeses in a
double layer of plastic wrap to ensure freshness.
 Plan
your week: Planning a full week of menu and snack gives you a buffer period
when you don’t have to worry about it. Try to plan and shop for low carb foods
before hand so that you don't feel lost after four days.
The first two weeks of a diet change can be difficult. The temptation when
trying something new is to chuck it overboard at the first obstacle. To be
successful, you must accept that unexpected “speedbumps” will happen, and make a
commitment ahead of time to work through them. This is the time to get advice
from others who are ahead of you on the road.
- WF Team
Dated 24 November 2011
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