Eating foods with no sugar or carbs is a feature of low-carb diets like the Atkins Diet. Strict restrictions on carbohydrates induces a condition called ketosis, in which the body burns fat for energy instead of sugar. Virtually all no-carb foods come from animal sources and are high in fats and protein. Most low-carb diets allow some low-carbohydrate foods even during the earliest phases of the diet.
Fish
All fish is free of sugar and carbohydrates. Some high-fat fish, like salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout and sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Other fish recommended for the induction phase of the Atkins Diet are flounder, herring and sole.
Fowl
Though fowl is not a good source of omega-3 fatty acid, it is generally less fatty than red meat. Chicken and turkey are by far the most common fowl-based food source. Other no-carb foods in this category are Cornish Hen, duck, goose, pheasant and quail.
Shellfish
Some shellfish is free of sugar and carbohydrates. Clams, crabs, shrimp and squid fit this bill, and can be eaten in any quantity during the Atkins diet. Other shellfish, particularly mussels and oysters do contain some carbohydrates. No more than 4 oz. per day of these shellfish should be eaten during the induction phase of Atkins.
Meat
By far the most popular category of no sugar, no carb foods is meat. This includes beef, lamb, veal, pork and venison. Some meats, particular ham and bacon are cured with sugar and should be avoided. Cold cuts or sandwich meats are often high in nitrate preservatives and should therefore be eaten in moderation.
Eggs
Eggs contain protein. They are also free of carbs and sugar, and are a staple in any low carb diet. The form in which eggs are prepared does not affect their carbohydrate content, but sauces or condiments should be monitored carefully. Vegetables or cheese added to eggs could increase the carb count of the dish, but the addition of herbs and meats generally do not.
Cheese
Cheese contains about 1g of carbohydrate per oz., but this can vary widely depending on the type of cheese. Cheddar and Parmesan are the lowest carb cheeses. Gouda, mozzarella, blue cheese, goat cheese and cream cheese all contain less than 1g per oz. About 3 to 4 oz. of cheese daily is recommended during the induction phase of the Atkins, with an ounce roughly equivalent to a wrapped slice of American cheese or a one-inch block of cheese.
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