What Are Some No Carb Snacks?

A strictly zero-carb diet is anything but easy-- carbs lurk everywhere in natural foods. Even healthy foods like fruits and vegetables contain hefty amounts of both sugars and complex carbohydrates. Going low-carb can be done simply by reading labels. Low carb would be less than 15 grams per serving. It is still possible to eat pasta, bread, dairy, and fruits and veggies when on a low-carb diet. The hard-core no-carb approach can be a challenge.

Nuts

Almonds, peanuts, cashews and pistachios are no-carb options for a quick snack. Nuts are high in protein, contain essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and oils, and--like all high-fiber foods--help control overeating by creating a feeling of fullness. However, because of their high fat content, limit daily intake to about 1/4 cup. A 1-cup serving of almonds provides a diet-busting 550 calories and 47 grams of fat.

Seeds

Pumpkin, squash, sunflower, and flax are good seed choices for a quick snack. Seeds contain less calories and fat than nuts and still provide essential amino acids, protein and healthy omega-3 fats. Seeds are a good source of magnesium and zinc. Moderation is still the word when consuming seeds, especially if weight loss is one of your goals.


Jerky

Beef jerky or turkey jerky is another no-carb snack option. Both are very low in calories and high in protein. However, unlike most nuts and seeds, jerky is highly processed and often high in sodium and saturated fat. Turkey jerky contains less saturated fat than beef jerky as it comes from a leaner meat. Again, moderation is best.

Soybeans

Soybeans are a great source of fiber, protein, and folate and are low in cholesterol and sodium. When steamed, known as edamame, soybeans are even more nutrient-rich and lower in calories and fat. The USDA rates this food 4 out of 5 stars in terms of weight management and optimal health.

Cheese

All cheese can make a good snack if you pay heed to serving size. Even one ounce of cheese can be high in calories and fat. Cottage cheese is low in calories (average 110 per 4-ounce serving) and is a great source of selenium and protein. Another cheese you can snack on is mozzarella, especially the handy string-cheese form. If you choose the part-skim variety, a serving provides a mere 150 calories, 0 grams of fat, 2 grams of fiber, and approximately 36 grams of protein.

What to Eat On a Carb-Free Diet

For many, the thought of starting a low-carb or carb-free diet is borderline torture, relinquishing all of their favorite comfort foods—like pastries, doughnuts, cookies and cakes—for what seems to be a bland life of nothing but fatty, greasy foods. Overcoming this mental hurdle is difficult; however, once you realize that all those "comfort" foods are actually the source of many health problems, deciding to go low-carb is much easier. Then the only question is: What to eat?

What Not to Eat

This will be the proverbial dagger in the heart for many, but it is nonetheless something that needs to be addressed. To make a low-carb diet succeed, you cannot fall prey to the rigors of "Frankenfoods" like "low-carb" bread, cookies, ice cream and all the other little temptations the food industry wants you to accept as healthy alternatives. The sugar alcohols in those products have a substantial effect on body chemistry, and can negate the benefits otherwise present in a low-carb diet.

Low-Carb Options: Meats

One might consider a low-carb lifestyle to be comprised of endless plates of greasy bacon washed down with cooking oils, but this is not the case. While it is true that your primary food source on a low-carb diet will be meat, this does not mean the diet itself has to be torturous.

Low-carb food options include: Meats: Chicken, beef, bison, venison, ostrich, elk, caribou and all types of fish, among others, work.

Low Carb Options: Dairy & Eggs

Dairy: Hard cheeses in moderation are your main option here. Eggs: Eat the yolks while on a low-carb diet. The extra calories from fat will do wonders for your energy levels.

Low Carb Options: Fruits & Vegetables

Vegetables: "Green" and "fibrous" are the key words here. Broccoli, lettuce and cucumber will provide vital nutrients and needed fiber without overloading on carbs. Fruits: While fruits are normally taboo on a low-carb diet, some can be included if you are below your daily limit of carbs. Think berries of all sorts: blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and the like.

Low Carb options: Oils & Nuts

Oils: Healthy oils can provide much-needed fats in addition to livening up the flavor of foods. Olive, coconut, macadamia nut, flax and fish oil are all good choices. A good plan for using oils is to season salads or vegetables with oils to taste.

Nuts: Peanuts, walnuts, almonds, cashews and even natural peanut butter can also liven up dishes.

Seasonings

Beyond that, stores usually sell a number of pre-mixed seasonings that are calorie-free and can spice up otherwise bland cuts of meat. While the popular conception of a low-carb diet is a slew of tasteless food being choked down by the unhappiest man on earth, the reality is that you are only limited by your imagination. Additional information and meal ideas can be found in the book "Living the Low-Carb Life" by Jonny Bowden (see References).