People who follow a low-carb diet can still enjoy fruit, dietitians say.<\/p>\n
Fruits tend to have more carbohydrates than vegetables because of their natural sugars, so portion control matters \u2014 as does choosing certain low-carb options, says Patricia Bannan, a registered dietitian in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n
Any whole fruit<\/a> comes with health benefits, such as fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, essential nutrients, beneficial plant compounds, plus water for hydration.<\/p>\n The fruit with the least carbs is an option pretty much everyone will love.<\/p>\n Dietitian Tip of the Day: Choose Avocado for a Fruit with the Fewest Carbs<\/p>\n Yes, avocado is officially a fruit and has only 4 grams of carbs per serving, which is one-third of an avocado.<\/p>\n It\u2019s naturally sugar-free and packed with healthy fat and fiber<\/a>, Bannan says.<\/p>\n If you want more of a traditional fruit low in carbs, other options include grapefruit, watermelon, strawberries and cantaloupe. <\/p>\n Why It Matters<\/p>\n Most adults should aim for about 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit per day, according to MyPlate<\/a>, the government\u2019s nutrition guide.<\/p>\n But about 80% of the U.S. population eats less than the recommended amount, missing out on a key factor in diet quality, the U.S. Department of Agriculture notes<\/a>.<\/p>\n Fruit is nutrient dense and comes with fiber, which is important for gut health and satiety<\/a>, but most Americans don\u2019t consume enough of it, dietitians say.<\/p>\n Low-carb diets already tend to be low in fiber<\/a> as people focus on protein over every other food, which can lead to constipation.<\/p>\n How to Get Started<\/p>\n To limit carbs, you might have one serving of fruit at breakfast and one as a snack, dietitians suggest for low-carb meal plans<\/a>.<\/p>\n Enjoy the options that make the list of fruits lowest in carbs<\/a>, keeping serving sizes in mind. Also consider fruits with the least sugar<\/a>, which offer just a subtle hint of sweetness.<\/p>\n It\u2019s possible to eat too much avocado<\/a>, so stick to eating one-third of the buttery fruit per day to keep calories in check.<\/p>\n And remember: \u201cCarbs aren\u2019t the enemy \u2014 context matters,\u201d Bannan previously told TODAY.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThe carbs in whole fruit come naturally packaged with fiber, water and nutrients that support health. That fiber slows digestion and helps prevent blood sugar spikes \u2014 very different from refined or added sugars.\u201d<\/p>\n