A low-carbohydrate diet involves eating fewer than 40 percent of daily calories from foods like starchy vegetables, grains, fruits, cereals, breads and sugars explains Every Diet. Carbohydrates are a major macronutrient present in most foods, even those considered "low-carb" like watery vegetables, some cheese, berries and nuts. If you are avoiding carbs completely, your food choices are severely limited.
Significance
In some cases, a doctor might prescribe a ketogenic diet, which is high in fat and protein and includes almost no carbohydrates. The body is then forced to use fat for fuel and enters a state of ketosis. The diet has been used to treat epilepsy and may be used by bodybuilders during the pre-competition phase. You should check with a doctor before following such an extreme dietary protocol.
Protein
Almost all meats like pork, beef, lamb and poultry contain no carbohydrates. White fish, such as tilapia and sole are also carb-free. Eggs and organ meats are additional protein options. Read labels if you purchase deli or cured meats like honey-cured ham or sausage, as these sometimes contain ingredients like sugars, which add carbohydrates. Certain shellfish, like crabs, oysters and mussels contain some carbohydrates, notes the Atkins Diet website.
Other Foods
In addition to proteins, fats are another carb-free food source. Plant oils, most margarines, butter and lard contain no carbs. While most dairy products contain naturally occurring milk sugars, which are carbohydrates, heavy cream and certain cheeses, like Camembert and cheddar, are acceptable.
Considerations
Even the strict induction phase of the famous low-carb Atkins diet permits between 12 and 15g of carbohydrates daily. Some vegetables contain virtually no carbohydrates in a ½- to 1-cup serving, but provide important vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Alfalfa sprouts, arugula, celery, cucumber, endive, jicama, mushrooms, romaine lettuce and radishes are among these very low-carb vegetables.
Caution
The body's primary source of fuel for physical activity and proper organ function is carbohydrates, explains the Harvard School of Public Health. Denying your body of all carbohydrates can lead to kidney and liver strain. The American Heart Association does not recommend following a high-protein diet as it denies the body of necessary nutrients. Many of the foods with no carbs contain high amounts of saturated fat. Too much saturated fat in your diet can lead to an increased risk of heart disease.
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