Carbohydrates are a macronutrient found in varying amounts in most foods. Restricting carbohydrates is a method for losing weight, promoted by many diets such as the Atkins plan. A low-carb diet typically keeps total carbohydrate intake to between 50 and 150g per day, notes MayoClinic.com. The foundation of the diet must be built around foods that contain no carbohydrates. Foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, dairy and breads all contain carbohydrates in varying amounts.
Meat
All meat is carb-free. Beef, pork, lamb, bison and game meats are included in this list. Bacon is also carbohydrate-free as long as it does not include additional sugars. Some deli meats, sausages and hot dogs do contain carbohydrates in the form of fillers, honey or sugar.
Fish
Most fish and shellfish contain no carbohydrates. Tuna, cod, shrimp, salmon, trout and tilapia are a few examples. Mussels and oysters are examples of shellfish that do contain some carbohydrates. A 3.5-oz. serving of muscles contains over 7g of carbohydrates and a 3.5-oz. serving of raw oysters contains 5.5g of carbs.
Oils and Fats
Plant oils like olive, safflower, sunflower, peanut, soy bean, canola, grapeseed and sesame are carbless. Butter is also free of carbohydrates. Many mayonnaises are carbohydrate-free, but some jarred formulas contain high fructose corn syrup, fillers or sugars that add carbohydrates, so read labels carefully.
Poultry
Chicken, duck, goose, Cornish game hens, quail and pheasant are carb-free meats. Avoid fried versions of poultry, as the breading adds considerable carbohydrates.
Spices
Jarred, dried spices like oregano, paprika, rosemary, sage and pepper contain no carbohydrates. These flavorings may be used to season meats and poultry to add interest and flavor to carb-free meals.
Liquor
Gin and vodka contain no carbohydrates. Whiskey and rum contain just 0.1g per 1-oz. shot. Adding fruit juice or soda to these drinks adds carbohydrates.
Coffee and Tea
Coffee and tea without sugar or milk contain no carbohydrates. A tablespoon of light cream contains 0.55g of carbohydrates if you choose to add it.
