Which Foods Can Be Eaten On The No Flour, No Sugar Diet?

The no flour, no sugar diet is a diet conceived by Dr. Peter Gott, a medical doctor and newspaper columnist. The diet's title is a bit of a misnomer, as it doesn't actually prohibit all flour and sugar. The diet's basic premise is to cut out refined carbohydrates such as are found in white breads and pastas, baked goods and processed foods. That still leaves a wide variety of foods you can eat while on the diet.

Fruits

Despite its name, the no flour, no sugar diet does allow sugar--as long as it comes from fruit. When you are on the no flour, no sugar diet, just about any fruit is acceptable. This includes apples, apricots, peaches, many types of berries and melons, bananas, cherries and pears. Dr. Gott recommends limiting your intake of fruit juice, though, because many juices contain added sugar.

Vegetables

Vegetables are also a staple of the no flour, no sugar diet. Leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli and spinach, are encouraged. Other acceptable vegetables include orange and yellow vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes and squash, cauliflower, eggplant, asparagus, celery and tomatoes.

Grains

Despite its name, the no flour, no sugar diet does allow you to eat a limited amount of whole grains. These include whole wheat, barley, oats, quinoa and corn. Dr. Gott recommends eating 3 oz. of whole grains a day while on the diet, which is about three slices of whole-grain bread or 3 cups of whole-grain breakfast cereal.

Protein

Protein is important in any balanced diet, and the no flour, no sugar diet is no different. While on the diet, you should eat lean, low-fat cuts of meat, poultry and fish, including chicken without the skin, turkey and seafood. Any meat you eat needs to be grilled, baked or broiled, not fried, and especially not battered or breaded. Other forms of protein acceptable on the diet include beans, soy products and nuts.

Dairy

Dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, are acceptable on the no flour, no sugar diet, as long as they are low- or no-fat. You should avoid full-fat dairy products and those with added sugar, such as cream, ice cream and butter.