Carbohydrates provide your body with its main source of energy. While a no- or low-carb diet may help you lose weight initially, you can't subsist without any carbs in your diet. You need both simple and complex carbohydrates to maintain a number of bodily functions, including digestion and brain activity. While you are reducing carbs, however, make sure to include a wide range of healthy foods that don't have any carbohydrates to prevent complications. Consult with your doctor when reducing carbohydrate intake drastically.
Fish
Fish is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids that contains no carbohydrates. The way you cook fish determines its healthiness, however. Adding breading to fish for frying increases the amount of unhealthy trans fats you consume and also adds carbs as well. When broiled or baked with no butter, most fish is high in vitamin b-12 and iron. Additionally, fish is low in fat and calories. Shellfish and other saltwater catch may contain high levels of sodium, however.
Beef
Straight cuts of beef that haven't been processed have no carbohydrates in them. Processed beef, such as jerky or breaded versions like meatballs, use carbohydrates for fillers and coatings. Meat is an effective source of protein and also provides essential B vitamins, which are often lacking in a vegetarian diet. Lean meat is another good source of iron, zinc and niacin.
Butter
Salted or unsalted butter has virtually no carbs in it. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, 1 tbsp. butter as .001 grams of carbs. When you're reducing your dairy intake while eliminating or decreasing the number of carbs you eat, you can get some of your calcium needs met through butter. While it contains higher levels of fat, real butter is healthier than the trans fats you get from margarine and serves as a good cooking base or flavor-enhancer for your fish and other carb-free dishes. Certain cheeses, such as Parmesan and Muenster, also have just trace amounts of carbs in them.
Poultry and Pork
Chicken and turkey don't contain any carbs when they are cooked plain with no added breading. Like beef, they are a good source of protein, minerals and B vitamins. Ham, pork chops and other clean cuts of pork won't add any carbohydrates to your diet either.
Oils
Obtain your omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats from healthy oils that don't have any carbs, such as olive oil, soybean oil, peanut oil and vegetable oil. Healthy fats found in many nut and vegetables oils can actually help you prevent heart disease. They can normalize blood-clotting factors and reduce high cholesterol. Oils are high in calories, however, and should be used in moderation.
Salt
Table salt doesn't have any carbs in it and is an effective source of iodine. Salt is important to maintain proper fluid levels in your body and acts as an electrolyte to aid in muscle and nerve functions. At the same time, you should limit your intake of salt to no more than 2.4 g per day to avoid high blood pressure.
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