All foods contain some form of carbohydrate. Some contain carbohydrates in the form of sugar and others in the form of starch. The body metabolizes these components into sugar that serves as energy. Individuals who reduce or restrict their carbohydrate consumption typically do so as a means of dieting, according to Mayo Clinic. Whether this form of diet is truly effective has been the subject of much debate. Complex carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta, do not offer as many nutritional benefits as their whole-grain alternatives. Whole-grain products still contain carbohydrates in the form of both sugar and starch but have added benefits, like fiber. According to MedicalNewsToday.com, only pure vegetable oil is entirely carbohydrate free. However, there are many foods that contain a significantly lower amount of carbohydrates than others.
Grains Group
According to the food pyramid provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), grains make up a large component of the daily recommended food allowances for humans. Unless a grain product is made low-carb, carb-free or reduced-carb, then it is going to be on the higher end of the carbohydrate spectrum. If eliminating carbohydrates from your diet is your goal, avoid the entire food group that makes up grains on the FDA's pyramid.
Vegetables
Most vegetables either contain starch or sugar. The best choices for vegetables with fewer carbohydrates are celery, any color of peppers, mushrooms, dark leafy lettuce only, herbs, cucumber, radishes and chives. White potatoes are considered a starch more than a vegetable due to their composition. Using herbs and spices on other carbohydrate-free foods can help increase the variety of flavors in such a restricted diet.
Fruits and Sweets
Even though fruits are healthy for normal diets and are part of the FDA's pyramid, they are mostly carbohydrates. The body can make the sugar carbohydrates into needed energy, but fruit is not a low carbohydrate or carbohydrate-free food. Most sweets are made up of sugar or grains and are, therefore, made of carbohydrates. Many commercial products are available that have limited carbohydrates in their composition.
Protein and Dairy
Meats and dairy products provide protein. Both have their own section within the FDA pyramid but in a carb-free diet, both meat and dairy serve as protein. Most lean meat, fish, eggs and poultry have a low-carb count. Protein is vital to the body and should not be omitted from any diet. Nuts, beans and legumes are healthy forms of protein but contain more carbs than actual meat products. Dairy products, such as milk and cheese, can be great additions to a high-protein, low-carb diet. Milk is not typically allowed on most low-carb diets, such as the Atkins Diet. Processed cheese products do not have the same low-carb properties as hard cheeses like cheddar.
Fats
Pure vegetable oil is carbohydrate-free and can be used in cooking. Much like the FDA's fat content guidelines, carbohydrate-free diets recommend avoiding trans-fat, hydrogenated oil and hydrogenated fat products. Real butter is a better choice than a manufacture spread, unless it is a carb-free spread. Fats should be limited, according to the FDA pyramid.
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