Only a limited number of foods are both low in calories and low in carbohydrates. If you are following a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate diet, very lean proteins and watery vegetables will make up the bulk of your diet. If you are using low-calorie and low-carbohydrate foods to help you lose weight, consult your doctor to be sure you take in adequate nutrition and energy to support your health.
Proteins
Meats, shellfish and poultry are low in carbohydrates, but fattier cuts of meat are high in calories. For example, 3 oz. of rib-eye steak contains almost 200 calories even though it has no carbohydrates. Three oz. of shrimp, however, have just 84 calories and no carbs. Crabmeat is also low in calories, with just 82 calories per 3 oz. and no carbohydrates. Canned tuna, packed in water, and broiled flounder both have 99 calories per 3 oz. with no carbohydrates. Egg whites are another protein source with no carbohydrates and just 16 calories per one large egg.
Vegetables
Watery green vegetables tend to contain the least carbohydrates. Arugula, spinach, romaine and bok choy contain just trace amounts of carbohydrates and only about 5 calories per cup when raw. Radishes contain 4 g of carbs and 19 calories per 1 cup. Cucumbers contain 3 g of carbohydrates and 16 calories per cup. Alfalfa sprouts have just 1 g of carbs and 8 calories per cup. Celery is also a low-carb, low-calorie snack with 3 g of carbs and 16 calories per 1 cup when chopped and raw.
Other Foods
Canned broth is low in calorie and carbohydrates. Chicken broth, for example, averages about 38 calories and 3 g of carbs. Lemon juice provides 3 g of carbs per fluid ounce with only 8 calories. While most fruits contain a significant amount of carbohydrates, three large strawberries, each measuring 1 3/8 inches across, contain 18 calories and just 3 g carbs.
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