If you are interested in watching your carbohydrate intake, you may be surprised at the variety of foods available for you to choose from. Some foods contain zero carbs as well as being good sources of protein. Be aware, however, that carb-free foods are not calorie free, and these foods can contain a high fat content. For optimum nutrition, it is recommended you eat a well-balanced diet.
Red Meats
You can receive rich amounts of protein along with zero carbs by eating a variety of red meats such as lamb, veal, pork and beef, according to the USDA. Game is considered a red meat by the USDA. According to nutritiondata.com, game includes bison (buffalo), bear, antelope and beaver. Pork is classified as a red meat by the USDA. The majority of these meats, however, can contain larger amounts of saturated fats than other meat varieties. If cholesterol is an issue for you, monitor your intake of these foods.
All cuts of red meat such as brisket, ribs, roasts, sirloin, tenderloins, chops, steaks and ground do not contain carbs, according to nutritiondata.com. The organ meats such as kidneys, heart, tripe, gizzards, spleen and kidneys have no carbs either. Exotic meats such as bear, moose and deer are included in this category. Only when you add carb-containing sauces is the carb count increased.
White Meats
Other high-protein sources that are carb free include a variety of fowl and/or white meats. White meats consist of poultry such as chicken, goose, duck, Cornish game hens and turkey. Exotic fowl such as emu, dove, pigeon, quail, pheasant and ostrich are also considered a white meat, according to nutritiondata.com. The organ meats of all of these white meats contain no carbs.
Processed Meats
Foods known as processed meats can be carb free. Bacon, canned meats, sausage varieties, ham, deli meats, pickled pigs feet and jerkies of all kind are included in this category. Read the ingredient label to be sure of the nutrient content.
Seafood
Known as an antioxidant-rich lean protein, seafood is a carb-free food. Seafood includes shellfish and finfish. Within the shellfish family are lobster, shrimp, all varieties of crab, scallops, oysters, clams and crayfish. Whether you eat the shellfish directly from its shell or from a can (without added sauces), there are zero carbs.
Finfish are another class of seafood that are carb free. Fish include the canned, frozen and fresh variety. If the fish is processed, any addition of sauces may add to the carb content. Finfish include tuna varieties, sardines, anchovies, herring, mackerel, trout, mahi mahi (also known as dolphin fish), catfish and cod. The variety of carb-free salmon include chum, Atlantic, coho, pink, red, sockeye, king, chinook and Copper River.
References
- USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference; Release 20, USDA; 2008
- American Heart Association
