50 "Almost Zero" Low-Carb Foods and Recipes (2024)

These virtually carb-free foods will help you feel great and lose weight!

50 "Almost Zero" Low-Carb Foods and Recipes (1)

I’m always looking for ways to fight flab and lose weight. If you want to jump start your weight loss induction too, finding low-carb foods and recipes will certainly push you in the right direction.

When you consume carbs, your body releases glucose and insulin, both of which have an effect on your blood sugar levels and ultimately your appetite. When you consume fewer carbs and focus on other nutrients instead (think protein and good fat), you’ll stabilize your blood sugar and probably notice a reduction in your hunger levels.

I know that when I choose an egg and veggie scramble with some avocado on top (a high protein, high healthy fat, low carb breakfast) over a bowl of cereal (a high carb, low protein, low healthy fat breakfast) in the morning, I stay full and satisfied much longer than when I choose that bowl of cereal.

On top of staying full longer (which in and of itself is a powerful weight loss tool), eating low carb meals can also boost your metabolism. So, a low carb diet pushes you to get in those other important nutrients, stabilizes your blood sugar levels, keeps you full longer, AND boosts your metabolism?! I’d say those are some pretty powerful flab-fighting factors! In fact, research indicates low-carb diets cause more weight loss than low-fat diets, along with carrying impressive health benefits.

Now, I know that right now you’re probably thinking about all of the foods that you love and would have to give up in order to eat a low carb diet. I’m here to tell you that it’s worth it. Believe me. I, myself, am a huge carb lover. I basically lived by the “No carbs? Over my BREAD body!” photos all over social media. Pizza, pasta, pizza, bread, pizza–did I mention pizza? Yeah, when I say that I’m a fan of carbs, I mean it.

However, I’m an even bigger fan of losing weight. If you are also a big fan of losing weight, then you will want to try these 50 “almost zero” low-carb foods and recipes. Not only will you lose that unwanted flab and unwanted weight, but you’ll also fall in love with new foods. Take it from someone who knows.

Cutting back on carbs might seem like a hopeless endeavor, especially if you’re a die-hard pizza fan like me, but with this list of 50 different foods and recipes, it isn’t as hard as it sounds. This list liberates you from that awful task of carb counting. The carb count is actually listed next to each food according to the serving sizes indicated. And, to top it off, the foods are sorted into categories:

  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Eggs & Dairy
  • Cheese
  • Seafood
  • Meat
  • Nuts & Seeds

It’ll be hard to miss that pizza when you have all of these other categories to choose from. Especially when these ingredients and meals will help you lose weight and look great! Sound too good to be true? Just keep reading to learn more.

Vegetables:

Based on ½ cup serving

1. Arugula: .2

Did you know that arugula can lower your risk of cancer, promotes healthy bones, improves eyesight, boosts metabolism, strengthens your immune system, and contains plenty of antioxidants? Yeah, pretty great!

So, not only will you delight your tastebuds with this Herbed Couscous with Arugula and Pistachios, but you’ll also get all of the health benefits above.

2. Parsley: .4

Treat yourself to this impressive Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Parsley!

3. Radish: .5

On top of being very colorful and pretty, radishes also provide numerous health benefits. Some of these health benefits include:

  • aid in digestion
  • treat urinary disorders
  • hunger satisfying
  • low in calories
  • high in fiber
  • metabolism boosting

4. Bok Choy: .7

This Bok Choy Egg Drop Soupmakes a great appetizer for an Asian-inspired menu!

5. Celery: .8

As a kid, I was a huge fan of the classic Ants On a Log snack. Dipping vegetables in peanut butter was pretty much the only way that I would eat vegetables, and it’s a good thing that I chose celery as my vegetable of choice.

Along with many other vitamins and minerals, celery contains calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B12, and fiber. On top of that, it can help lower cholesterol, detoxify your body, and reduce blood pressure.

6. Spinach: .2

This versatile Grilled Spinach Stuffed Portabello Mushroom Tops can be an entree or side dish!

7. Lettuce: .25

If you ask me, lettuce doesn’t get enough credit. People often associate it with salads, which are often seen as the enemy in a world full of Ice Cream Supermans and Pizza Spidermans.

But, contrary to the popular belief, lettuce is the real superhero. The green is incredibly low in calories, is a good source vitamins such as vitamin K and vitamin A, and contains minerals like iron and calcium. And that’s not even the best part!

To me, the best part is that you can pretty much eat lettuce with every meal. Use some to make a salad (I promise salads taste a lot better than you might think), throw some on your tacos, throw some on a sandwich, or better yet: put your sandwich IN lettuce! Substituting lettuce for bread is a very wise low-carb choice. Check out our 6 Easy Lettuce Wraps for some fun, delicious ideas.

8. Cauliflower: 2.5g

Whip up this clean and easy Cauliflower Stir Fry in a matter of minutes!

9. Swiss Chard: .5

This light and scrumptious Swiss Chard Simple Saute makes a nutritious meal your body will thank you for.

10. Cabbage: 1

Cabbage contains many nutrients such as vitamin C, fiber, and sulfur which helps fight infections. This leafy green can also be used in way more ways than you might think. You can use it to make many of our recipes such as:

  • One Pot “Stuffed” Cabbage Stew
  • Spicy Roasted Cabbage Wedges
  • Fried Rice with Cabbage
  • Crispy Chickpea Cakes with Cabbage Salad
  • Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

You’ll find out that cabbage really doesn’t disappoint!

11. Avocado: .5

Need recipe ideas? Check out these drool-worthy 13 Delicious Ways to Eat Avocados.

12. Mushrooms: 1

Shake things up with these tasty, protein-packed 5-Ingredient Baked Egg Mushrooms!

13. Asparagus: 1.2

Start your morning with this mouthwatering, nutrient-rich Asparagus and Egg Scramble.

14. Yellow squash: 1.4

15. Cucumber: 1.8

Dive into one of these 5 Slimming Cucumber Salads for Summer. Colorful and bursting with bold flavors, this salad is a summer must!

Fruits


Based on ½ cup serving

16.Coconut: 1

Fuel up with one of these chewy, full-flavored Banana Coconut Energy Bars for a pre-workout treat!

17. Raspberries: 3

Berries are one of my all-time favorite foods. They are the perfect addition to any meal that could use some sweetness, and they’re full of antioxidants.

Jazz up your toast or peanut butter sandwiches with this delectable and low carb Mixed Berry Chia Seed Jam.

18. Blackberries: 4

Another type of berry to incorporate into this low-carb diet? I’m in!

These low calorie, low carb beauties top the charts when it comes to weight loss fruits. Check out Which Fruits are Best for Weight Loss? to learn about additional fruits that fight flab.

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50 "Almost Zero" Low-Carb Foods and Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What foods have zero to low carbs? ›

Food and drinks allowed on a no-carb diet include meat, fish, eggs, cheese, butter, oils, water, and plain coffee or tea. If you're less stringent, you can also eat nuts, seeds, non-starchy vegetables, and high fat fruits like avocado and coconut since these foods are low in net carbs.

What foods can I eat unlimited on keto? ›

Foods you can eat on the keto diet include fish and seafood, meat and poultry, non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini, avocados, berries, nuts and seeds, eggs, high-fat dairy products, olive oil and other oils, and high-cocoa chocolate.

What is the famous diet with no carbs? ›

The Atkins Diet restricts carbs (carbohydrates) while focusing on protein and fats. The Atkins Diet has several phases for weight loss and maintenance. It starts out with a very low-carbohydrate eating plan. The Atkins Diet is formally called the Atkins Nutritional Approach.

What snack foods have no carbs? ›

Zero Carb Snacks:
  • Cheese: A savory and satisfying snack, cheese is low in carbs and high in flavor. ...
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs: Packed with protein and virtually carb-free, hard-boiled eggs make for a portable and nutritious snack. ...
  • Pork Rinds: Crispy and carb-free, pork rinds are a savory alternative to traditional snacks.

What happens if I eat no carbs for a month? ›

Severe carb limits can cause your body to break down fat into ketones for energy. This is called ketosis. Ketosis can cause side effects such as bad breath, headache, fatigue and weakness.

What junk food is keto-friendly? ›

Keto Junk Food Alternatives: Our Top 15 Alternatives
  • Southern Recipe Original Pork Rinds. ...
  • Keto Pizza Bites From Hog Heaven. ...
  • Keto Jalapeño Popper Burgers. ...
  • Family Size Chili & Lime Pork Rinds. ...
  • Keto Donuts - Krispy Kreme* Copycat Recipe. ...
  • Keto Roast Beef Sandwiches. ...
  • Spicy Dill Pork Rinds.
Feb 23, 2024

What foods are surprisingly keto? ›

Daniels said that salmon and other fish are very keto-friendly, as they provide necessary vitamins, potassium, and omega-3s to your diet while remaining virtually carb-free. But if you're not necessarily a salmon fan, she also encourages the consumption of other shellfish including clams, mussels, and oysters.

How can I satisfy my hunger without carbs? ›

Protein (chicken, fish, seafood, beef, eggs) and fats (butter, oil) do not contain carbs. Keep whole grains, dairy (like plain yogurt and milk), fruit and veggies in your diet. "Whole grains, fruit and vegetables provide fiber, which can keep you satiated and may help lower cholesterol," says Gorin.

What not to eat on a low-carb diet? ›

On a low carb diet, foods to avoid would include bread, pasta, potatoes, and other starchy vegetables, grains such as rice and corn, oatmeal, beans and lentils, milk, sugar, sweets such as cookies, candy and ice cream, beer, soda, and higher carb fruits like bananas, grapes, and apples.

What is the most filling food on keto? ›

13 of the best keto foods that keep you full
  • Mushrooms are a very filling vegetable. ...
  • Sauerkraut is rich in filling fiber. ...
  • Coconut yogurt can promote satiation. ...
  • Green pesto has an amazing fiber content. ...
  • Sardines are incredibly healthy. ...
  • Add eggs to your diet . ...
  • Make sure you are consuming full-fat dairy.
Oct 9, 2018

What are the 5 foods that burn belly fat? ›

Five foods that may help burn belly fat include:
  • foods with soluble fiber like fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
  • foods with protein like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.
  • fatty fish like tuna and salmon.
  • foods with probiotics like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
  • green tea.

Can you give me a list of low-carb foods? ›

Non-starchy vegetables: spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, asparagus, tomatoes. Lower carb fruits: oranges, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries. Nuts and seeds: almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, pistachios. High-fat dairy: cheese, butter, heavy cream, Greek yogurt.

What foods can I eat on a low-carb diet? ›

On a low carb diet, you want to eat foods that are high in protein and healthy fat and lower in carbs. These can include meat, fish, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, full-fat dairy products, and some fruits, like avocados.

What is an example of a low-carb diet? ›

Foods to enjoy include meat, fish, oils, butter, dairy and low-carb vegetables such as leafy greens, as well as specific fruits like avocado and olives. If you embark on a low-carb diet, think carefully about the fats and proteins you choose, and aim to limit foods high in trans fats.

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