A no-carb diet is an extreme version of low-carb diets, such as that prescribed by the Atkins Diet. You might follow a no-carb diet to lose weight or as treatment for epilepsy. As is suggested by the name, it contains little to no carbohydrates and consists primarily of meat, seafood, eggs, cheese and fats. The diet is extremely controversial among those in the health community and should not be followed unless you are being monitored by a physician. If you do go on a no-carb diet, you can choose to exclude pork, eggs and cheese.
Indications
A no-carb diet sometimes is called a ketogenic diet. When the body is denied carbohydrates, it turns dietary and body fat to ketones to use for fuel. People, particularly children, with epilepsy may be prescribed the diet to help control seizures -- especially when symptoms are resistant to drug therapy. Most ketogenic diets for epilepsy contain a minimal amount of carbohydrates, however. People also may try a no-carb diet for weight loss, as the process of ketosis burns fat and carbohydrates are a primary source of calories in the diet. Some bodybuilders use a no-carb diet during the pre-competition, cutting phase of their cycle to retain as much lean body mass and lose body fat and water weight.
Typical Foods
Pork and eggs could be staples of a no-carb diet, but you can opt for other high-protein, no-carb options. Any type of fish, including salmon, sole and tuna, are carb-free and appropriate for a no-carb diet. Meats such as beef, bison, elk and lamb are alternatives to pork. Poultry is another carb-free food for your diet plan. A no-carb diet is usually high in fat as well as protein. You naturally get fat from the animal sources of protein and also may eat plant oils, which contain no carbohydrates.
Limitations
A no-carb diet, especially one without eggs, pork and cheese, is especially limiting. You must flavor your food with just plant oil, small amounts of dried spices and salt. Vegetables, milk, fruits, beans, soy products and nuts are off-limits, as they all contain carbohydrates. Certain shellfish, including mussels and oysters, also contain carbohydrates. Your typical day might consist of a steak for breakfast, chicken breast for lunch and salmon for dinner.
Health Considerations
A comprehensive review published in the August 17, 2004, edition of “ Nutrition & Metabolism” notes that you may experience impaired physical performance when following a no-carb diet. However, studies of the Inuit population -- the indigenous people of the Arctic -- reveal that you can survive on such a plan. The long-term effects of a no-carb diet have not been studied extensively, however. A no-carb diet can strain your liver and kidneys as well as cause nausea, headache, mental fatigue and bad breath. You may experience significant fatigue as your body adjusts to using ketones, rather than glucose, for fuel. Other potential side effects of following a no-carb diet for a long time are kidney stones, high cholesterol, dehydration, constipation and bone fractures.
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