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Add these no-carb foods to your diet: A complete guide

These ingredients won't cost you any carbohydrates, so feel free to indulge

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It’s inevitable that as the New Year approaches, some of us may feel the need to set a resolution or two. And it’s no secret that some of those resolutions may very well revolve around improving health and/or dropping a few pounds. As challenging as it can sometimes be, cutting carbohydrates from our diet, or at least cutting back, is a surefire way to do that. The good news is, unlike many other restrictive diets, going carb-free can actually be a pretty delicious and satisfying way to go. With the popularity of no-carb/low-carb diets like Keto, Atkins, and Whole-30 still soaring, people are more curious than ever about which foods are allowed in a no-carb diet, and we’re here to answer that question.

These are our favorite no-carb foods.

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Meats and seafood

Porter Road Meat
Porter Road
  • Beef – While some cuts are fattier and more caloric than others, all beef is completely carb free.
  • Chicken – Chicken breast, the dieter’s best friend. But as with beef, fat doesn’t equal bad when counting carbs, so feel free to go for more flavorful cuts like thighs and drumsticks.
  • Pork – As with many other meats, be sure to avoid pre-seasoned or marinated pieces as those may contain carbohydrates, but plain pork won’t set you back any carbs.
  • Duck – We don’t see enough of this delicious bird in the states, and we say it’s time to change that — whether you’re eating carbs or not. But for the record, duck is also carb-free.
  • Hot dogs and sausages – You can still enjoy a ballpark frank when you’re skipping the carbs. Just take it out of the bun first.
  • Deli meats – This carb-free lunch item can be wonderful, even without the bread. We like to wrap them around other low-carb treats like string cheese or pickles.
  • Lamb – Gamey, succulent, savory lamb is a delicious carb-free choice at home or for a special night out.
  • Salmon – This delicious and beautiful fish can easily be prepared in any number of ways.
  • Tuna – Canned or fresh, this popular beauty won’t cost you any carbs.
  • Trout – A personal favorite, this carb-free fish is incredible grilled or pan-fried in butter.

Fats and oils

Olive oil being poured onto a spoon, with a bowl of salad in the background.
Image Source / Alamy
  • Butter – The fact that this heaven-sent ingredient is carb-free is nothing short of a miracle.
  • Olive oil – Fat is our friend in a no-carb diet, and this pantry staple is no exception.
  • Canola oil – Carb free and ready to fry, this oil has a high smoke point, which makes it perfect for frying your favorite carb-free foods.
  • Lard – Grandma would be proud to see you using this old-fashioned, delicious fat in your cooking. It’s also great for using in high-heat conditions.

Condiments, seasonings, and sweeteners

Array of Indian spices on table.
Image used with permission by copyright holder
  • Salt and pepper – Season your heart out. No carbs here.
  • Everything bagel seasoning – This popular seasoning technically has a minuscule amount of carbohydrates, but the act of shaking the jar will burn them off.
  • Italian seasoning – Delicious on any number of the meats listed above.
  • Curry powder – Also wonderful in any number of applications.
  • Parsley – Fresh herbs are a great way to add flavor when you’re skipping the carbs.
  • Basil – Pair basil with any number of things, especially tomato-heavy dishes.
  • Thyme – Thyme adds savory spice and complexity to dishes with its lemony freshness.
  • Oregano – Oregano is another fabulous fresh herb option.
  • Onion powder – Onions will end up costing you a few carbs, but mercifully enough, onion powder will not.
  • Vinegar – All vinegars are carb-free and provide a delicious splash of zippy flavor.
  • Mayonnaise – This popular condiment is naturally made from just oil and eggs, so if you’re eating the real stuff, you won’t be getting any carbs.
  • Hot sauce – You’ll have to read your labels carefully here, but most brands tend to be carb-free.
  • Stevia and Splenda – All the sweetness, none of the carbs.

Snacks

Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock
  • Beef (and other meats) jerky – Just dehydrated meat, this popular snack is free of carbs. Just read the packaging carefully — some seasonings used may not be carb-free.
  • Pork rinds – Another porky treat with zero carbohydrates.
  • Boiled eggs – Make a big batch and keep them in your fridge for a protein-packed, carb-free snack.
  • Cheese – Depending on the type, most cheeses make for a delicious no-carb, or at least very low-carb snack.

With all of these options, cutting back on carbs should be a pretty easy and delicious way to keep up with those resolutions.

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Lindsay Parrill
Lindsay Parrill
Contributor
Lindsay is a graduate of California Culinary Academy, Le Cordon Bleu, San Francisco, from where she holds a degree in…
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