Forgoing carbohydrates is not an easy task. Waving good-bye to pasta, bread and potatoes can seem nearly impossible to many of us. However, the no-carb diet focuses on lean meats, poultry, vegetables, eggs and cheese, which can be adapted into many meals with a bit of creativity and will power. The key is to find foods that have no carbohydrates such as lean meats and water-rich vegetables that satisfy your cravings.
Step 1
Start your morning with an omelet made with broccoli, cauliflower and cheese alongside two slices of turkey bacon. Most cheeses are carb-free, however, cheddar, Muenster, gruyere and Monterey Jack have the lowest carb count. Grate or slice cheese into your morning eggs, atop your lunchtime salad or your evening water-rich vegetable plate.
Step 2
Create lunchtime salads using dark leafy greens, radishes, cucumbers, celery, and lean protein such as grilled chicken, egg salad or tuna salad prepared with mayonnaise. The meats that you choose to eat should not be breaded, and all sauces should be avoided, as there are always hidden sugars and starches. Stick with olive oil, Dijon mustard and vinegar for a sure no-carb dressing.
Step 3
Load your dinner plate with high-protein entrees and vegetables such as steamed broccoli, green beans and spinach. Fire up the grill with a bison burger and forgo the bun. Top with mustard, lettuce and tomato for a succulent no-carb dinner. When dining out, ask if there is a low-carb menu, and always remember to ask if there are carbs or sugar in the entrée and sauces. When preparing your own meal, carefully read labels for hidden forms of sugar.
Tips and Warnings
- Check with your doctor before starting a no-carb diet. Anything made with flour, starches or sugar is off limits. Too much of a good thing can be bad. Many meats are high in sodium and may contain nitrates and other preservatives. Therefore, these foods are not recommended for daily consumption.
- Beware of processed meats, as many are loaded with high levels of sodium. No-carb diets should not be long term, as our bodies need healthy complex carbohydrates to survive.
Things You'll Need
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Lean poultry
- Pork
- Fish
- Meats
- Vegetables
- Wate
- Deli meats
- Seltzer
References
- "The Carb Cycling Diet: Balancing Hi Carb, Low Carb and No Carb Days for Healthy Weight Loss"; Roman Malkov; February 2009
- "The Vegetarian Low-Carb Diet: The Fast, No-Hunger Weightloss Diet for Vegetarians"; Rose Elliot; December 2006
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