It’s no secret that vegetables are the foundation of a healthy meal pattern.

It is recommended that we should be eating at least 2.5 cups (or equivalent) daily.

So, what equals 1 cup?

vegetables with carbohydrate amounts on green background ranked from lowest to highest

If you have diabetes, keeping track of your carbohydratesno matter the sourceis key.

Here are several low-carb vegetables, ranked from lowest to highest carb content.

Turns out, Popeye was onto something.

Enjoy this leafy green raw, cooked, stewed or straight from the garden with theseHealthy Spinach Recipes.

There are several health benefits of garlic, namely its cancer-fighting potential.

It is also pretty versatilecheck out thesetips on how to cook with garlicand theserecipesthat use garlic.

It is jam-packed with antioxidants and vitamins that help protect you from a number of chronic illnesses.

Check out theseHealthy Kale RecipesorKale Salad Recipesfor more.

This subtle, unsuspecting green packs a punch for healthy vision, blood flow and hydration.

Get your salad on (and more) with theseHealthy Lettuce Recipes.

It can help you stay hydrated, keep you regular and lower your blood pressure.

Celery is one of those vegetables that can shine in any season.

Try it for yourself with theseHealthy Celery Recipesand find out more about thehype around celery juice.

They are great for weight management and heart health.

The antioxidants and fiber present in cucumbers help protect from other chronic illnesses, like cancer.

They are also full of B vitamins, potassium and fiber to promote gut health.

There are so many ways to enjoy mushroomsin pastas, stir-fries, soups, casseroles and more.

Find out how to use cauliflower to make perfect side dishes with ourrecipe collection.

Tomato (raw)

1/2 cup sliced: 3.5 g carbohydrates

Tomatoesare loaded with antioxidants and potassium.

This combination is especially helpful for keeping your heart and arteries healthy and controlling blood pressure.

Folate is important for cell growth and especially important forpregnant women.

Check out ourHealthy Green Bean Recipesfor culinary inspiration.

Technically, youget more nutrientsin raw or lightly steamed broccoli.

Tired of eating steamed broccoli?

Check out ourHealthy Broccoli Recipesfor creative ways to enjoy broccoli beyond a side dish.

If you choose red cabbage, it contains anthocyanins, antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties.

Take a look at our cabbagerecipe collectionfor meal ideas for the week.

Nevertheless, they are still very low in carbssee how theseHealthy Carrot Recipescan easily fit into your meal pattern.

It’s a relatively low-carb, high-fiber vegetable.

Corn also boasts phytochemicals and gut-healthy fiber.

They are packed with vitamin A which helps with things from vision to skin protection.

Sweet potatoes are also packed with minerals like manganese and copper, aiding with digestion and proper liver function.

Visit our collection ofHealthy Sweet Potato Recipesfor both savory and sweet creations.

You will also consume 3 grams of fiber if you eat the skin.

Roasted potatoes with the skin are quite flavorful, like ourRoasted Red-Skin Potatoesrecipe.

Check out ourHealthy Potato Side Dish Recipesfor additional inspirations for your meals today!

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture.Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Spinach, raw.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Garlic, raw.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Kale, raw.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Lettuce, cos or romaine, raw.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Celery, raw.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Cucumber, raw.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Mushrooms, fresh, cooked, no added fat.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Cauliflower, raw.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Onions, yellow, sauteed.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Tomatoes, raw.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Peppers, bell, red, raw.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Asparagus, boiled, cooked, drained.

2022;122(3):614-629. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2021.10.024

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Green beans, fresh, cooked, no added fat.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Broccoli, fresh, cooked, no added fat.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Cabbage, red, raw.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Carrots, raw.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Peas, green, raw.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Corn, sweet, yellow, raw.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Sweet potato, baked, skin eaten, no added fat.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Potatoes, red, flesh and skin, baked.