No Carb Foods

Carbohydrates or carbs (in dieting term) encompass sugar and starch present in foods and drinks. They are essential nutrients that serve the main purpose of supplying energy to the body cells and tissues. After consuming carbohydrates, they are converted into glycogen, which is then stored in the body for further use. Basically, there are two types of carbohydrates, namely, simple and complex. As the name suggests, the former is easy to digest, while the latter takes time for digestion. Though carbohydrates are essential for normal functioning of the body's metabolic processes, excess consumption leads to accumulation of fats, resulting in weight gain.

You may be familiar about what are low carb foods, but have you heard about the no carb foods? When it comes to weight loss, consuming no carbohydrate foods is a popular dieting plan. If you go through the various weight loss diet programs, you will notice that most of them focus on low or no carb foods. Let's take an example of Atkins diet in which the induction phase meal plan consist of foods low in carbohydrates, but high in proteins and fibers. Hence, dieters who strictly follow this diet program abstain from consuming rice, potatoes, pasta, and certain fruits and vegetables. Read more on low carb diet plans.

No Carb Foods List

By no carb foods, we mean those natural or processed food items that are zero in carbohydrate content. The doctor may prescribe a no-carbohydrate diet only if a patient is diagnosed with underlying health conditions related to insulin and blood glucose levels. While there are so many foods with low carbs, you can find limited options for no carb foods to eat. Following is a list of no carb foods:

Fluids
Water is considered as one of the healthiest carbohydrate-free drinks. It is not only carb free, but is also essential for keeping the body hydrated and carrying out the normal metabolic processes of the body. Drinking about eight glasses of water decreases the appetite, thus aiding in weight loss. Other no carb drinks include coconut water and diet soda. Read more on low carb drinks.

Oils
Majority of the oil types, including olive oil, safflower oil and corn oil contain zero carbs and little fat. Margarine, prepared from vegetable oils, is another food item with no carbohydrates. Nevertheless, it is to be borne in mind that oils are high in fats and fatty acids. Hence, it is also important to keep a watch on the oil consumption amount.

Dairy Products
Majority of the dairy products, excluding milk, contain no carb and are a favorite food item for those who want to lose weight. Butter, one of the popularly consumed dairy products, is also free of carbohydrates. But, keep a watch on butter intake as it contains 80 percent fat.

Cheese
Many of the cheese types contain very low to no carbs. For example, gruyere and Monterey Jack contain only about 0.1 g carbs per three slices, while cheddar, fontina and muenster contain 0.2 g carbs per three slices. Spread cheese on grilled or baked meat for a perfect no carb meal.

Salad Vegetables
Salad vegetables are found to be zero in carbohydrate content. Based on the taste preference, one can include vegetables like parsley, lettuce, mushroom, celery, radish and spinach. Read more on low carb vegetables.

Eggs
Eggs are another good no carb foods. Hence, they form an important food item for no carb diet. Eggs are rich in protein, amino acid, fat, cholesterol and tryptophan. In order to obtain maximum benefit from eggs while following a no carb diet plan, they can be hard-boiled.

Fish
Not all fish are carbohydrate-free, however, some of them contain very low to no carbs. Some of the fish varieties that have no carbohydrates in them are sardines, tuna and salmon. They can be prepared by boiling, grilling and baking to retain zero carbs.

Poultry
Poultry are rich in proteins, but free of carbohydrates. Hence, for no carb diet menu, poultry like chicken and turkey can be included. They are best eaten by steaming, broiling, grilling and baking, rather than deep frying them.

Beef
Beef and most other meat varieties, before they are processed, are no carb foods. You can bake or grill meat for no carb dieting. Nevertheless, meat are enriched with carbs after being processed. Thus, depending upon the meat processing method, the amount of carbohydrate content may vary. Read more on low carb food list.

As already mentioned, carbohydrates are crucial for the body. Hence, complete elimination of carbohydrate from the daily diet menu is nearly impossible. One can practice a low carb diet for a particular period, but only under medical supervision. If low or no carb diet is followed for a prolonged period, there are chances of developing unusual symptoms and other health complications. Read more on:

• Low Carb Diet Side Effects
• Low Carb Diet Problems

Even though low or no carb foods are meant for weight loss, always take a dietitian's advice prior to incorporating them in the diet plan. On a safety note, no-carbohydrates foods should be consumed only after consulting a qualified physician.