9 High Calorie Low Carb Foods to Power Your Day

Following a low carb diet can sometimes feel like a puzzle—finding the right foods that fuel your body without tipping the carb scale can be tricky. But here’s the game-changing secret: high calorie low carb foods are your ultimate ally in staying energized while crushing your health goals. These power-packed foods not only keep your carb intake in check, but they also provide sustained energy, helping you power through your day with ease.

we’re unlocking the top 9 high calorie low carb foods that will give you the fuel you need, enhance your energy levels, and leave you feeling full and satisfied. From wholesome fats to nutrient-rich proteins, these foods are much more than just calorie-rich—they’re packed with the vital nutrients your body craves to keep you feeling your absolute best.

Understanding the Importance

Before we dive into the food list, let’s quickly discuss why calories matter, even on a low-carb diet. Calories are units of energy that our bodies use to function. When you drastically reduce carbohydrates, your body starts using fat for fuel. However, if you don’t consume enough calories overall, you might experience fatigue, brain fog, and other unpleasant side effects. That’s where high calorie low carb foods come in. They provide the necessary energy without the carb overload. 

9 high calorie low carb foods that you can easily incorporate into your diet

1-Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are fantastic option when it comes to high calorie low carb foods. Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds provide a combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber while keeping your carb intake minimal.

Calories: A 1-ounce (28g) serving of almonds contains about 160 calories.

Why Choose Nuts and Seeds?

• High in calories: A handful of almonds can have up to 170 calories.
• Low in carbs: Chia seeds contain only 2 grams of net carbs per 2-tablespoon serving.
• Portable and convenient: Great for on-the-go snacking.

How to Enjoy

• Toss them into salads for added crunch.
• Sprinkle over yogurt or cottage cheese.
• Eat them as a snack during the day.

2- Eggs – The Perfect Protein Source

Eggs are a low carb staple that provides a significant amount of calories, especially when you include the yolk. They are also incredibly versatile and can be cooked in countless ways, making them a favorite for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Calories: 1 large egg contains about 70-80 calories.

Why Choose Eggs?

• High in calories: 1 large egg has about 70-80 calories.
• Low in carbs: Less than 1 gram of carbs per egg.
• Packed with protein: A great source of high-quality protein and essential vitamins.

How to Enjoy

• Scramble, fry, or poach eggs.
• Make an omelette with veggies and cheese.
• Hard-boil for a quick snack.

3- Fatty Fish – Omega-3 Powerhouses

Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are perfect for anyone looking to increase their calorie intake without consuming carbs. These fish are packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for heart and brain health.

Calories: A 3-ounce serving of salmon provides around 200 calories.

Why Choose Fatty Fish?

• High in calories: Salmon provides about 200 calories per 3-ounce serving.
• Low in carbs: Almost no carbs in fatty fish.
• Rich in omega-3s: Great for heart and cognitive health.

How to Enjoy

• Grill, bake, or pan-sear fish fillets.
• Add to salads or pasta alternatives like zucchini noodles.
• Use canned sardines or mackerel in salads or wraps.

4- Pumpkin Seeds – A Nutrient-Packed Snack

Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are a fantastic option when it comes to high calorie low carb foods. These tiny, nutrient-dense seeds are packed with healthy fats, protein, and a variety of essential minerals, all while keeping carbs in check. They’re not only low in carbs but also provide a good dose of fiber, making them a great addition to a low carb diet.

Calories and Nutritional Breakdown

Calories: A 1-ounce (28g) serving of pumpkin seeds contains about 150 calories.
Carbs: Only about 4 grams of net carbs per 1-ounce serving.

Why Choose Pumpkin Seeds?

• High in Calories: Pumpkin seeds are a great way to add extra calories without adding too many carbs. A 1-ounce serving provides a substantial amount of energy.
• Rich in Healthy Fats: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health and reduce inflammation.
• Low in Carbs: With only 4 grams of net carbs per serving, they’re perfect for low-carb diets.

5- Full-Fat Dairy – Creamy and Delicious

Full-fat dairy products like cheese, heavy cream, and whole milk are excellent sources of calories with minimal carbs. While some people shy away from full-fat versions, these foods can provide essential nutrients and support your low-carb diet.

Calories: 1 ounce of cheddar cheese contains around 115 calories.

Why Choose Full-Fat Dairy?

• High in calories: A serving of cheese can contain 100+ calories.
• Low in carbs: Most full-fat dairy contains very few carbs.
• Rich in protein and calcium: Cheese and milk are excellent for bone health.

How to Enjoy

• Add heavy cream to coffee or smoothies.
• Snack on cheese cubes or use as a topping for meals.
• Use full-fat yogurt in place of sour cream.

6- Butter and Ghee – The Rich Fats

Butter and ghee (clarified butter) are fantastic sources of healthy fats, making them perfect for a high calorie low carb diet. These fats are essential for adding richness to your meals and keeping you feeling full longer.

Calories: 1 tablespoon of butter contains around 100 calories.

Why Choose Butter and Ghee?

• High in calories: 1 tablespoon of butter contains about 100 calories.
• Low in carbs: Butter and ghee have zero carbs.
• Rich in fat-soluble vitamins: A good source of vitamins A, D, E, and K.

How to Enjoy

• Use butter or ghee for cooking or baking.
• Spread on low-carb bread or crackers.
• Drizzle over vegetables for added flavor.

7-Avocados – The Ultimate Superfood

Avocados are a popular choice for anyone on a low carb diet and for a good reason. Packed with healthy fats, these creamy fruits are also high in calories while being low in carbs. They provide an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, which are great for heart health.

Calories: 1 medium avocado (about 200g) contains around 240 calories.

Why Choose Avocados?

• High in calories: One avocado can have over 200 calories.
• Low in carbs: Only about 2 grams of net carbs per serving.
• Nutrient-rich: Packed with fiber, vitamins E and K, and potassium.

How to Enjoy

• Spread on toast (using low-carb bread, of course).
• Add to salads.
• Blend into smoothies.

8- Dark Chocolate – A Sweet Low-Carb Indulgence

While many people associate chocolate with high sugar and carb content, dark chocolate (especially varieties with 85% cocoa or higher) can actually be a great option for a high calorie low carb food. The key to choosing the right chocolate is selecting varieties with minimal added sugar, as this keeps the carb count low while still allowing you to indulge in a delicious treat.

Calories and Nutritional Breakdown

Calories: A 1-ounce (28g) serving of 85% dark chocolate contains around 170 calories.
Carbs: Only about 3-4 grams of net carbs per ounce.

Why Choose Dark Chocolate?

• High in Calories: With around 170 calories per ounce, dark chocolate provides a satisfying, energy-boosting treat.
• Low in Carbs: Dark chocolate with high cocoa content is surprisingly low in carbs, with 3-4 grams of net carbs per serving.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Dark chocolate is packed with flavonoids, which are antioxidants that support heart health and improve cognitive function.
• Improves Mood: The consumption of dark chocolate has been linked to improved mood and reduced stress, making it a delicious way to enhance mental well-being.

How to Enjoy Dark Chocolate

• Break into small pieces for a quick snack.
• Melt it to use in low-carb baking or drizzling over desserts.
• Pair with nuts or fruits for a decadent treat.

9- Low-Sugar Fruits – Nature’s Sweetness Without the Carbs

When it comes to fruits, many people following low carb diets wonder if they can enjoy them without going over their carb limit. While most fruits are relatively high in sugar and carbs, there are several low sugar fruits that can be included in a high calorie low carb diet. These fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering a sweet way to enjoy a healthy treat.

Best Low-Carb Fruits

Here are a few examples of low carb fruits that can fit into your low carb diet:

1. Berries (e.g., strawberries, raspberries, blackberries)
   Calories: A 1/2 cup of raspberries contains about 30 calories and 3 grams of net carbs.
2. Avocados (yes, they’re technically a fruit!)
   Calories: A medium avocado contains about 240 calories and only 2 grams of net carbs.
3. Olives
   Calories: A 1-ounce serving of olives provides about 40 calories and 1 gram of net carbs.
4. Tomatoes (also a fruit!)
   Calories: A medium tomato contains about 25 calories and 4 grams of net carbs.

Why Choose Low-Sugar Fruits?

• Low in Carbs: Most of these fruits contain fewer than 5 grams of net carbs per serving, making them perfect for low carb diets.
• Packed with Nutrients: They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health.
• Naturally Sweet: You can satisfy your sweet cravings without overindulging in sugar or carbs.
• Versatile: These fruits can be eaten fresh, added to smoothies, or used as toppings for low carb desserts.

How to Enjoy Low-Carb Fruits

• Toss fresh berries into your morning yogurt or chia pudding.
• Use avocado to make a creamy smoothie or add to salads.
• Snack on olives for a savory treat.
• Slice tomatoes for a refreshing salad or pair with cheese for a quick snack.

Conclusion

As you can see, high calorie low carb foods can provide your body with the energy it needs to power through the day without overloading on carbs. From the healthy fats in avocados and olive oil to the protein-packed options like eggs and fatty fish, there are countless delicious and nutrient-dense foods to include in your diet.

Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet, trying to maintain a healthy weight, or simply looking to fuel your day with wholesome foods, these 8 foods will support your journey to better health. Make sure to mix and match these options to create balanced, satisfying meals that keep your body energized and ready to take on whatever comes next!