A no-carb diet---which differs from reduced, controlled or low glycemic diets such as Atkins, Zone and South Beach---goes beyond limiting consumption of high-carbohydrate foods. It excludes them to focus on an animal-based diet. The initial promoter of this diet was Canadian explorer Vilhjalmur Stefansson, who spent time living with the Inuit. According to a 2006 study done by the Nutrition Physiology and Human Nutrition Unit at the Centre for Applied Chemistry at the University of Hannover, which was published in Preventive Medicine, this type of carbohydrate-rich diet carries risks, although it can not be linked to coronary heart disease per se.
About "White" Foods
In line with low-carb diets, a general rule of thumb is to avoid "white" foods, including anything with sugar, white flour (pasta, bread, cake), potatoes, white rice and milk in order to cut out carbohydrates (especially high-glycemic kinds).
Meat and Fish
Meat, fish, animal organs and meat fat are acceptable inclusions in a no-carb diet. Beyond muscle meat, it's OK to eat brain, liver and other types of offal---especially those high in vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin C. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's list of foods shows that, unless processed, most meat and fish is naturally carb-free. Grilling and baking---vs. frying---keeps fat intake down; however, most oils---including olive, peanut and safflower---are free of carbs.
The Rest
Many types of cheese---including Camembert and cheddar---do not contain carbohydrates, making them an acceptable addition to a no-carb diet. Generally speaking, liquor and most types of diet soda are free of carbs, too. Few vegetables lack carbs. According to a list compiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, raw butter lettuce is an exception to the rule. The same list notes olives as the one fruit that doesn't contain carbs.
Eggs
It's possible to load up on eggs without adding any carbs to your diet. However, it's important to consider that eggs are a high-cholesterol food, so eating egg whites alone is a healthier choice.
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