Vegetables

• The bad news is not many vegetables are naturally carb-free; however, the good news is that many contain less than 1 g of net carbs per serving. As a general rule, green vegetables contain less carbs than others. Chinese cabbage, endive and watercress have zero net carbs. Half a cup of bok choy contains 0.35 g of net carbs. Half a cup of raw broccoli rabe only contains 0.1 net carbs per serving, while one raw celery stalk has as little as 0.3 g of carbs, making for a perfect no-carb snack on the go. Raw lettuces, spinach, mustard greens and other dark, leafy greens generally contain less than 1 g of carbohydrates per ½ cup serving.

Broths and Stocks

• Chicken, beef and vegetable broths and stocks contain zero net carbs per serving, making them great food choices when you feel hungry, but already consumed your daily allotment of carbohydrate intake. Warm canned broth or stock in a small sauce pan on the stove for a carb-free soup lunch. Sip warm broth or stock between meals to quell hunger pains, or prior to dining out. The liquid helps you to feel full, so you consume less carbs often hidden in restaurant dishes.

Meats

• Most beef, pork, poultry and seafood is very low in carbohydrates or is carb-free altogether. Bass, cod, flounder, haddock, halibut, mahi-mahi, salmon and tuna are all carb-free jewels of the sea, but beware of shellfish, as most varieties have low to moderate carbohydrate content. Steak, pork chops, ham, ground beef, chicken breasts, drumsticks, turkey, hot dogs, bun-less burgers and many deli meats contain zero carbs per serving. Be careful with sausages, kielbasa and other prepared meats, as these items may contain a small amount of net carbohydrates per serving.

Condiments

• Raw veggies, plain broths, and pieces of undressed meat can taste dull and bland and will undoubtedly bore your taste buds after awhile, leaving even the most determined dieter vulnerable to off-limit temptations. Avoid cheating on your diet by amping up food's flavors with carb-free condiments, herbs and spices. Most oils, butter and mayonnaise do not contain any carbs per serving. Dried spices and herbs such as cayenne pepper, basil, oregano, tarragon, thyme and chives are also naturally carb-free, so experiment with them in the kitchen to keep other carb-free foods from becoming bland and ordinary.