A variety of foods contain no carbohydrates and a zero- or low-carbohydrate diet may be prescribed by a doctor to patients who suffer with underlying health problems related to blood sugar and insulin levels. Foods like eggs, poultry and meats that are great sources of proteins contain minimal or no carbohydrates at all. However, unless prescribed it is best to incorporate healthy carbs into the diet to maintain healthy nutrition. Restriction of carbohydrates may cause fat to get burned as energy rather than carbohydrates, which may lead to improved weight loss. Low-carbohydrate or zero-carbohydrate recommendations are integral parts of many diets, like the Atkins Diet and the South Beach Diet. Consult with your health care practitioner before implementing a low-carbohydrate or no-carbohydrate diet.
Vegetables
Not all vegetables are zero-carbohydrate options so it is imperative to be familiar with which ones contain no carbohydrates if you are following a low-carbohydrate diet plan or counting your carbohydrate intake. Vegetables like pepper, mushrooms, radishes, spinach, lettuce, celery, alfalfa sprouts, cucumber, bok choy, green olives, freeze-dried parsley and endive contain zero carbohydrates. Spices and herbs that are also free of carbohydrates include oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, basil, cilantro, sage, fennel, ginger, tarragon, dill, rosemary and parsley.
Meat
Most meats are free of carbohydrates unless they are processed and contain sugar or excess oil after frying. Lean meats provide your body with protein, amino acids and iron that help build muscle and maintain your overall health. Lean cuts of beef, lamb, veal, pork, turkey and chicken contain zero carbs. You should cook them by grilling, steaming, boiling or baking rather than frying to maintain zero carbohydrates. Processed meats should be avoided as they contain carbohydrates; lean meats like pork chops, beef roast, sirloin, eye of round, pork loins and ground beef should be selected instead. Organ meats should also be avoided. According to the University of Michigan Health System, meat is an integral component of zero- or low-carbohydrate diet menus.
Beverages
Water is essential for the health of your body and is completely free of carbohydrates. Drinking eight glasses of water a day aids in digestion and keeps your body hydrated, and also helps in carrying out normal metabolic processes. Club soda, coconut water and diet soda also contain zero carbohydrates as long as they are not flavored or sweetened. Most unsweetened teas, including black, green and white, as well as freshly brewed coffee, are carb-free. Some alcoholic beverages like rum, gin, vodka, whiskey and dry white wine do not contain any carbohydrates either.
Seafood
According to the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, seafood is a healthy food choice that is free of carbohydrates. You can boil, bake or steam fish like salmon, halibut and herring to avoid carbohydrates. Other no-carbohydrate diet menu selections include lobster, crab, sardines, tuna and flounder. Along with being devoid of carbohydrates, many seafood options supply your body with good essential fatty acids.
References
- The Alabama Cooperative Extension System: Nutrition Primer
- United States Department of Agriculture: Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion: PART D. Section 5: Carbohydrates
- United States Department of Agriculture: National Agricultural Library: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 20
- Harvard School of Public Health: The Nutrition Source: Carbohydrates: Good Carbs Guide the Way
- Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Important Basics Food Charts: Carbohydrates
- American Heart Association: Trans Fats
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