Which Superfoods Give You Energy on a Low-Carb Diet?
Boost Your Energy with These Low-Carb Superfoods
When you cut back on carbs, you may wonder how to keep your energy up throughout the day. The answer: nutrient-dense superfoods. These powerhouse foods deliver vitamins, minerals, and sustained fuel without the carb crash. Here are the best low-carb superfoods to add to your routine, with a little food history along the way.
1. Avocados
Rich in healthy fats, fiber, and potassium, avocados provide lasting energy while keeping you full and satisfied.
Food History: Native to Central and South America, avocados were first cultivated over 5,000 years ago by the Aztecs, who called them “ahuacatl.” They were considered a symbol of strength and fertility, and today they’re celebrated worldwide as one of the healthiest energy-boosting foods.
2. Eggs
Packed with protein, vitamins, and essential amino acids, eggs are versatile and help maintain steady energy levels.
Food History: Domesticated chickens date back to ancient Southeast Asia around 7500 BCE. Throughout history, eggs have been prized for their portability, affordability, and role as a nearly perfect protein. They were even used as offerings in ancient festivals.
3. Nuts and Seeds
Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are rich in healthy fats and protein. They’re perfect for snacks or meal toppers.
Food History: Chia seeds were once a staple of the Aztec and Mayan diets, valued for their ability to provide long-lasting energy (the word “chia” literally means “strength”). Almonds have been cultivated in the Middle East for thousands of years and were carried along the Silk Road to Europe and Asia.
4. Leafy Greens
Spinach, kale, and arugula are low in carbs but high in iron, magnesium, and vitamins that support energy production.
Food History: Spinach originated in Persia (modern-day Iran) and spread to Europe by the 12th century, where it quickly became known as a “fasting food” because it was eaten during Lent. Kale has been grown for more than 2,000 years, once considered a common food for peasants in medieval Europe before becoming a modern superfood star.
5. Fatty Fish
Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, which help reduce fatigue and improve focus.
Food History: Coastal communities have relied on oily fish for centuries. Sardines, named after the Italian island of Sardinia, were a dietary staple for Mediterranean cultures. Indigenous peoples in North America also prized salmon for both nutrition and cultural traditions.
6. Berries
Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are low in sugar compared to other fruits, but rich in antioxidants to fight fatigue.
Food History: Berries have been gathered since prehistoric times, valued not just for their sweetness but also for their medicinal properties. Blueberries in particular were a key food for Native American tribes, who dried them for use in pemmican (a preserved energy food made with meat and fat).
7. Coconut Products
Coconut oil and coconut milk contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are quickly converted into energy by the body.
Food History: Coconuts have been grown in tropical regions for at least 4,500 years. Early sailors carried them on voyages because they were a source of both hydration and energy. In Ayurvedic medicine, coconuts were considered a healing food long before modern nutrition confirmed their unique benefits.
8. Greek Yogurt
Unsweetened Greek yogurt is high in protein and probiotics, supporting gut health and sustained energy.
Food History: Yogurt dates back at least 5,000 years, with origins in Mesopotamia and Central Asia. Greek yogurt, strained to create its signature thick texture, became a staple in Mediterranean diets, where it was valued for satiety and digestive health.
Berries are low in carbs, high in antioxidants, and a natural energy booster.
Superfoods are the secret weapon for maintaining energy on a low-carb diet. From the Aztecs powering up with chia seeds to Mediterranean cultures thriving on fish and yogurt, these foods have a long history of fueling human energy. By incorporating them into your daily meals, you’ll stay fueled, focused, and energized throughout the day.