Zero Total Carbohydrate Meals

Zero Total Carbohydrate Meals
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Carbohydrates are an essential part of your diet because they break down into glucose, the primary energy source for all cells in your body. Following certain diets requires you to cut almost all carbs from your diet. You have plenty of options available if you are looking for zero carbohydrate meals.

Carbohydrates

Normally, carbohydrates, which have 4 calories per gram, should make up 45 percent to 65 percent of your total calories, according to McKinley Health Center. For the average 2,000 calorie diet, this accounts for 225 g to 325 g of carbs. Low-carb diets often require you to cut your carb intake to 50 g to 150 g, with some diets going as low as 20 g. Almost all foods provide some type of carbohydrates, but you can follow your diet by sticking to lean animal meats and nonstarchy vegetables.

Grilled Chicken Over Salad

Make a bed of salad greens with romaine, iceberg or green-leaf lettuce. Salad lettuces have only trace amounts of carbs, less than 5 g per 1-cup serving. Brush olive oil on your skinless chicken breast prior to grilling, to avoid sticking. Oil provides calories from fat, not from carbohydrates. A 4 oz. chicken breast contains 135 calories, less than 12 g of fat, 28 g of protein and zero carbohydrates. For added flavor, top your salad with fresh cracked pepper, olive oil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

Beef Sirloin and Spinach

Select your favorite cut of beef sirloin and cut off any extra fat. A 5 oz. cut of sirloin provides 225 calories, 15 g of fat, 35 g of protein and no carbs. Searing your sirloin on the stove and finishing it in the oven gives it added texture and flavor. Pair the sirloin with a 1/2 cup side of sauteed spinach, which contains only about 5 g of carbohydrates. Make your entree mouth-watering by topping the sirloin with a 0.5 oz. portion of blue cheese crumbles, which has less than 0.5 g of carbohydrates.

Scrambled Eggs

Making eggs first thing in the morning is a surefire way to jump-start your day without having to consume carbohydrates. Two large eggs have 150 calories, 10 g of fat, 14 g of protein and zero carbs. Sprinkle on 0.5 oz. of cheddar cheese, which offers 50 calories, 4 g of fat, 3 g of protein and 0 g of carbs. Pair your eggs with two strips of bacon, which contain 100 calories, 8 g of fat, 7 g of protein and no carbohydrates.

References

Article reviewed by Bonny Brown Jones Last updated on: Aug 18, 2011

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