No-carb diet foods are foods that contain no carbohydrates---your main dietary source of energy. Advocates of low-carbohydrate diets believe that restricting carbohydrates enhances appetite control, weight loss and overall wellness. Though restricting carbohydrates may provide some benefits, such as fewer intake of added sugars and reduced food cravings, it also poses numerous risks, according to MayoClinic.com. For best results, seek guidance from your doctor or dietitian before significantly changing your diet.
Meat, Poultry and Eggs
Meat, including beef, pork, ham, veal and venison, poultry and eggs provide valuable amounts of protein and nutrients, such as B-vitamins, iron and zinc. They are also devoid of carbohydrates. To prevent excessive intake of saturated fat---a potential risk associated with low-carb diets---choose lean varieties, such as lean beef and pork, skinless chicken and turkey breasts, and egg whites. Low-fat cooking techniques include grilling in light amounts of olive oil or non-stick cooking spray, baking, steaming and broiling. Natural herbs, crushed nuts and cheese are examples of low-carbohydrate flavor and texture enhancers.
Fish and Seafood
Fish such as cod, haddock and walleye, and seafood such as lobster, clams and mussels, also provide ample protein and nutrients, including zinc, calcium and vitamin D. While breaded, fried fish fillets and fish sticks contain carbohydrates and unhealthy fats, un-breaded fillets and broiled, steamed or baked seafood are carbohydrate-free. For improved cholesterol levels and heart health, the American Heart Association recommends consuming fatty fish, such as salmon, albacore tuna, herring, lake trout, flounder, halibut or sardines, at least twice weekly. One serving is equal to roughly 3.5 oz. For added calcium, consume canned tuna or salmon, which contains tiny bone particles, regularly.
Oil, Butter and Cheese
A number of dietary fat sources are virtually free of carbohydrates. Certain cheeses, including monterey jack, camembert and gruyere, have less than 0.1 g of fat per slice. Oil, butter, margarine and shortening are also devoid of carbohydrates. Since high-fat cheeses, butter, margarine and shortening are high in saturated and/or trans fats---unhealthy fats linked with unhealthy cholesterol levels---choose plant-based oils, such as olive, canola, safflower or sunflower oil, more often. Low-fat cheeses often contain trace amounts of carbohydrates and provide a healthier alternative to high-fat variations.
Member Comments