Carbohydrates, which is also known as a “carb,” are chemical compounds that focus on the storing and consuming of energy. There are many food items that can be considered to be a carb. Sugars and starches are classified as carbs. When a person wishes to follow a low-carbohydrate diet, they should know that they will be restricting the amount of carbs that are consumed throughout the day. There are a variety of weight loss programs that state the decrease in carb consumption is related to decreased insulin levels. When insulin levels decrease, the chances of becoming obese decreases. 

Some dietary programs limit or replace foods that are rich in carbihydrates, such as sugar, grains and starches. These foods are usually replaced by items that are filled with protein and fat. A few diets that promote a diet of decreased carbohydrates include the Atkins Diet,  South Beach Diet and the Zone Diet.

Stanford did a study on the effects of a low carb diets. One of the leading authors, Dena Bravata, M.D., stated that a low-carb diet often causes a diuretic effect. A diuretic is any drug that elevated the rate of urine elimination from the body. Some diuretics that you may be familiar with include cranberry juice, alcohol and caffeine.

When a person is following a low-carb diet, they should know that the diuretic effect caused by the diet will leave them dehydrated. Their body will also flush out necessary fluids, as well as calcium and other important minerals and vitamins. A low-carb dieter may also develop kidney stones. If a low-carb dieter is thinking of using additional diuretics while following the carb-restricting regimen, should rethink this strategy because it will do more harm than what they intend it to do. You will not lose more weight; you will only lose important fluids that your body needs to properly function.

If you are interested in purchasing foods that satisfy your low-carb diet needs, the following list features a list of foods that are low in carbohydrates:

Low Carbohydrate Foods

Vegetables

Alfalfa Sprouts

Asparagus

Boiled Beans

French Beans

Beetroot

Brussels Sprouts

Cabbage

Carrots

Cauliflower

Raw Celery

Boiled Celery

Chicory

Cumcumber

Leeks

Lettuce

Mushrooms

Onions

Parsnips

Peas

Boiled Potatoes

Radishes

Spinach

Spring Greens

Raw Tomatoes

Turnips

Brocolli

Watercress

Snow Peas

Green Beans

Fruits

Pumpkins

Apples

Baked Apples

Stewed Apples

Raw Apricots

Dried Apricots

Bananas

Raw Blackberries

Cherries

Figs

Gooseberries

White Grapes

Black Grapes

Grapefruit

Lemon Juice

Loganberries

Melon

Canteloupe

Oranges

Orange Juice

Peaches

Pears

Pineapple

Plums

Prunes

Raspberries

Rhubarb

Strawberries

Olives

Fresh Coconut

Desserts

Sugar-free Jell-O

Nuts

Almonds

Brazil Nuts

Chestnuts

Peanuts

Walnuts

There are alos foods that contain no carbohydrates at all. They can be found below:

No Carbohydrates

Meat

Corned Beef

Beef Steak

Boiled Chicken

Kidney

Liver

Roasted Pheasant

Roasted Mutton Leg

Bacon

Sirloin Beef

Roast Chicken

Grilled Pork Chops

Tongue

Roast Turkey

Roast Duck

Goose Grouse

Boiled Ham

Roasted Pork Leg

Roasted Pork Loin

Veal

Venison

Seafood

Tripe

Oysters

Mussels

Grilled, Fried or Steamed Cod

Boiled Crab

Eels

Fried Flounder

Steamed, Fried or Smoked Haddock

Fresh Steamed Salmon

Shrimp

Scallops

Sardines

Fried Herring

Kippers

Boiled Lobster

Steamed or Fried Whiting

Trout

Sole

Halibut

Fried Mackerel

Dairy

Butter

Egg White

Egg Yolk

Cream Cheese

Cheddar Cheese

Fried or Poached Eggs

Cream

Parmesan Cheese