Foods that have little to no carbohydrates can help ensure weight loss and lower the risk of elevated blood sugar levels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Low-carbohydrate diets emphasize only consuming between 60 to 90 g of carbohydrates per day instead of the normal 100-g minimum. As such, meals should typically contain about 20 g of carbohydrates or less. There are certain low-carb foods that can help attain this goal.
Apricots
Apricots are an excellent example of a food that has low levels of carbohydrates, notes the Columbia University Medical Center. A 2-oz. serving of apricots contains only 6 g of carbohydrates.
Black Beans
Black beans contain 40 g of carbohydrates per cup, according to the Columbia University Medical Center. Black beans are also excellent sources of fiber, magnesium, potassium and protein. Fiber is important because it gives the feeling of fullness and takes longer to digest, thus reducing the frequency of food intake, notes MayoClinic.com.
Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are low in carbohydrates but also contain fiber, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids, notes the American Diabetes Association. Eating about 1 oz. of flax seeds can help manage hunger.
Grapefruits
One whole grapefruit contains about 30 g of carbohydrates, according to the Columbia University Medical Center. In addition, grapefruits are excellent sources of fiber and vitamin C.
Mandarin Oranges
Each 3-oz. serving of Mandarin oranges has about 6 g of carbohydrates, notes the Columbia University Medical Center. They are also a source of fiber and vitamin C.
Salmon
Salmon are fatty fish that contain low levels of carbohydrates but also contain omega-3 fatty acids that may be beneficial to the heart, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Saltine Crackers
Saltine crackers have about 2 g of carbohydrates per cracker, according to the Columbia University Medical Center.
Strawberries
Two servings of strawberries contain no more than 3 g of carbohydrates, according to the Columbia University Medical Center. However, an entire cup of strawberries may contain as much as 10 g.
Wheat Germ and Wheat Bran
Wheat germ and wheat bran contain low amounts of carbohydrates and high levels of chromium, fiber, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids, notes the American Diabetes Association.
Spinach
Spinach is a fine example of a vegetable that is low in carbohydrates yet rich in fiber and antioxidants, explains the American Diabetes Association.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain low levels of carbohydrates as well as a good amount of iron and vitamins C and E, explains the American Diabetes Association.
Yogurt
Plain yogurt contains between 12 to 14 g of carbohydrates per cup, states the Columbia University Medical Center.
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