No Carb No Sugar Foods

No carb, no sugar has been a motto to many since Dr. Robert Atkins introduced his diet in the 1970s, and it was again re-introduced in the "New Diet Revolution" in 1998. There has been much controversy as to the benefits of a diet low in carbohydrates and sugar that's high in fat, but there is still an array of products available, or you can just go for the foods that naturally have little to no carbs or sugar.

Fish & Poultry

Most fish and seafood have little to no carbohydrates. Tuna, salmon, sole, flounder, lobster, clams and shrimp are good choices, while oysters and mussels do have some carbs. Poultry--chicken, turkey, duck, goose, Cornish hen, quail and pheasant--is an excellent source of protein with few carbs and no sugar. Prepare fish and poultry grilled or marinated for no carb, no sugar dishes.

Meat

The original Atkins diet was shown with steak and bacon as staples. The truth is that beef, pork, lamb veal and venison offer no carbs and no sugar. Bacon (and ham) may actually contain some carbohydrates and sugar that were added in the curing process. This is also the case with luncheon meats. If you are looking to stay carb and sugar-free, stick with the steak.

Cheese

Most cheese has little to no carbs and sugar. Cheddar, Gouda, mozzarella, Roquefort, Swiss and blue cheese are all options with high amounts of protein. Cheeses made from cow, goat and sheep milk are good low carb choices. Look out for cream cheese and cottage cheese, which have more carbohydrates and added sugar.

Vegetables

Many vegetables do not have carbohydrates or sugar. Mushrooms, peppers, celery, lettuce radishes and cucumbers are excellent choices for the no carb diet. Artichokes, asparagus, eggplant, spinach, cauliflower, zucchini, broccoli and squash have a small amount of carbs. Peas, carrots, potatoes, beets and corn are naturally higher in sugar and carbohydrates.

Eggs

Eggs are an excellent source of protein for little money--and no carbs and sugar. They can be boiled, poached, fried or deviled. Another option is to make an omelet with eggs. You can also add in cheese or vegetables for a more filling meal that is still no carb and no sugar. For added nutrition, look for eggs fortified with omega-3.

Consideration

Be sure to read packages. A few cheeses are made with added sugar and processed cheese could have carbohydrates, though neither should be significant. When eating in a restaurant or purchasing meat, poultry or fish that has been prepared, stay away from breaded items. Some sauces--like "sweet and sour"--can have sugar or flour that add carbs to the dish. Keep in mind, though, that almost all foods have a small trace of carbohydrates.