Spring has arrived — and with it comes warmer days, lighter meals and plenty of fresh, colourful produce.
Following a low-carb lifestyle doesn't mean skipping the fruit and veggie aisle. In fact, there are plenty of fresh options that can add colour, flavour and variety to your meals without sending your carb intake soaring.
Ready to freshen up your plate? Here are 10 lower-carb fruits and vegetables to enjoy this spring.
A true spring favourite, asparagus is delicious roasted, grilled or tossed on the BBQ.
Try it: Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and finish with parmesan and a squeeze of lemon.
Courgette is one of the ultimate low-carb multitaskers. Spiralise it into zoodles, slice it into salads, grill it or grate it into fritters.
Try it: Toss courgette ribbons with pesto, grilled chicken, parmesan and toasted pine nuts for a fresh spring lunch.
Fresh spinach is an easy way to add some green to just about anything. Throw it into omelettes, salads and stir-fries or use it as the base of a low-carb bowl.
Try it: Toss baby spinach with avocado, feta, cucumber and grilled chicken for an easy lunch.
Crisp, colourful and slightly peppery, radishes are perfect when you want to add some crunch.
Try it: Thinly slice them over salads or serve with your favourite low-carb dip as a crunchy alternative to crackers.
There's a reason cauliflower has become a low-carb classic. Rice it, mash it, roast it or turn it into a pizza base — it's one vegetable that can take on plenty of different roles.
Try it: Make a spring cauliflower rice bowl topped with grilled chicken, avocado, cucumber and a creamy dressing.
Simple, versatile and easy to keep on regular rotation. Broccoli works in everything from salads and stir-fries to quick weeknight sides.
Try it: Roast until the edges are crispy, then toss with parmesan, toasted almonds and lemon.
Cool and crunchy cucumber is made for warmer spring days. Add it to salads, use thick slices instead of crackers or simply serve it alongside your favourite dip.
Try it: Make cucumber rounds topped with cream cheese and smoked salmon for a quick spring snack.
Technically a fruit, avocado earns a spot on the list thanks to its low carb count and creamy texture. It's an easy addition to salads, eggs, lettuce wraps and bowls.
Try it: Smash avocado with lemon and chilli and serve alongside eggs for an easy weekend breakfast.
Want something naturally sweet? Berries are among the more low-carb-friendly fruit choices, and raspberries are a great place to start.
Try it: Add a small handful to Greek yoghurt and finish with chopped nuts for a simple breakfast or dessert.
Sweet, juicy strawberries prove that a low-carb lifestyle can still include fruit. Portion is important, but a few strawberries can bring plenty of fresh spring flavour.
Try it: Slice over Greek yoghurt, pair with whipped cream or add a few to a fresh green salad with avocado and feta.