Vegetables are considered a cornerstone of a low-carb diet, but some are better choices than others. Knowing the number of carbs in carrots, cauliflower, and other veggies will make low-carb meal planning much easier.

Overall, choose vegetables that are less sweet and starchy. When you do have higher-carb vegetables, be mindful of portion size: 1/2 cup of cooked or 1 cup raw vegetables should contain no more than 5 to 6 grams of carbohydrates.

Vegetables are broadly classified as leafy, stemmed, seeded, or root, and carb count will vary according to type. Carb counts also differ depending on whether you eat your veggies raw or cooked.

Leafy Vegetables

Leafy vegetables have the fewest carbohydrates and the lowest impact on blood sugar. The carbs they do have are mostly fiber, which digests slowly and keeps you feeling full for longer. Dark leafy greens are also rich in vitamin K, phytonutrients, and minerals.

While greens are the obvious choice for salads, they're also great additions to smoothies, omelets, and wraps. You can even replace a slice of bread or roll with a leaf of lettuce to create a low-carb sandwich or burger.