A low-carbohydrate diet can help you handle your weight and your blood sugar level levels. Fruits, grains, nuts, beans and dairy items contain carbs, however a range of other foods can help you adhere to your low-carbohydrate diet because they are carbohydrate complimentary. Because sugars are simple carbs, all carbohydrate-free foods are also sugar complimentary.
Daily Foods With No Sugar or Carbs
Lean Meats
Meat is carbohydrate complimentary and sugar complimentary– and provides iron and vitamin B-12. Pick lean meats such as beef tenderloin and leading loin, pork center loin and tenderloin, lamb chops and wild game. Trim visible fat from meat prior to cooking it to reduce the saturated fat content. Even more, restrict your consumption of processed meats, such as ham, bacon and sausage, which can be high in sodium. For dinner, serve low-carbohydrate skewers with cooked beef, tomatoes, mushrooms and green bell peppers, or make low-carbohydrate chili with extra-lean hamburger, tomatoes, chili powder and onions.
Choose Your Poultry
Chicken and turkey consist of no carbohydrates or sugars. Nutrients in poultry include protein, iron, zinc and niacin, or vitamin B3. Remove the skin before cooking fresh chicken or turkey to reduce its saturated fat material. For breakfast, try a Mexican-style omelet with chicken breast and tomatoes, cilantro, cheddar cheese and salsa. Roll-ups made with turkey breast, sliced up provolone cheese and avocados pieces in lettuce leaves are low-carbohydrate, low-sugar snacks. For a hot lunch, make soup with low-sodium broth, turkey or chicken, celery, carrots, zucchini and onions.
Eggs and Egg Whites
Eggs are sugar-free and nearly carbohydrate-free sources of premium protein. Egg whites are fat free and cholesterol totally free. Egg yolks include fat and cholesterol, but supply nutrients, such as vitamins A and D, folate and iron, which are not in egg whites. Have hard-boiled eggs for treats or, for a low-carbohydrate lunch, add sliced hard-boiled eggs to salads that consist of spinach and/or lettuce, sunflower seeds and cut turkey breast. Make rushed eggs or omelets for breakfast.
Catch Some Fish
Fish are naturally carbohydrate totally free– and offer protein and vitamin B-12. They also include omega-3 fats, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, which have multiple health benefits. Consuming at least two servings of seafood weekly can help reduce your risk for heart disease, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010. Mix tuna with diced celery and green onions, cheddar cheese and Greek yogurt for a low-carbohydrate snack. For supper, serve broiled fish with steamed Brussels sprouts or green beans with sliced up almonds.
Facts on Fats
All pure fats are carbohydrate totally free. Limit your consumption of animal fats, such as butter and lard, along with palm and coconut oils. These fats are high in hydrogenated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels in your blood and enhance your risk for heart disease. Choose plant-based oils, such as olive, canola, sunflower and soybean oils, which are lower in saturated fats. Mix olive oil with red wine vinegar to use for salad dressings, or use oil to sauté vegetables or meat on a low-carbohydrate diet.
