People watch their carbohydrate intake for a variety of reasons, including losing weight and maintaining low blood sugar levels. It is helpful to know which foods contain carbohydrates and which do not. Foods that contain no carbohydrates, or carbs, are sometimes called free foods because they can be eaten in relatively unrestricted amounts when you are watching your carb intake.
Beverages
Water, coffee and tea contain no carbs. Flavored waters and diet sodas usually contain no carbs, but you should always read product labels to make sure. Avoid coffee substitutes, which are usually made from grain.
Meat
Meat generally contains no carbohydrates unless the carbs have been added during processing. Avoid processed meats such as luncheon meats, sausages and bacon or any meats that say they contain "natural flavorings" or have been injected with a "solution." In the latter two instances, read labels to look for added sugars or sources of carbohydrates.
Fish
Fish generally contains no carbohydrates unless they have been added during processing, with the exception of certain shellfish including crab and lobster, which contain small amounts of carbohydrates. Whether or not these foods are acceptable depends on your diet plan or your doctor's recommendations.
Vegetables and Fruits
There are no vegetables and fruits that are completely free of carbohydrates. There are, however, a number of vegetables that contain small amounts of carbohydrates. Your diet plan or doctor's recommendations will determine what level of carbohydrates you can have from vegetable and fruit sources.
Dairy
There are no dairy products that are completely free of carbohydrates. Hard cheeses contain very small amounts of carbohydrates when eaten in moderation. Talk with your doctor or consult your diet plan to determine which dairy products you can include in your diet.
Fats
Natural oils such as olive oil, canola oil and walnut oil contain no carbohydrates. Clarified butter or ghee contains no carbohydrates, while butter contains a trace.
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