ZERO Carb Diet...Do They Work?

So many people are looking for ways to shed a few pounds, or several. You want to make certain though that whatever kind of diet you are thinking about trying, you speak with your doctor first.

  What do I think about "Zero Carb" diets? I'm on the fence....some people I know have gone on them and lost up to 20 pounds. It sure won't be easy if you are used to eating junk. It's going to take being optimistic and having faith in yourself NOT to pick up a donut or something greasy and fatty. This takes much effort and self discipline...that's where I fall short. Sometimes I simply cannot help myself and I indulge. I have a hard time saving NO to certain foods.

I think zero carb can be a viable option for some, but highly impractical for most. If one had access to and ate different animals, all range fed and without pollutants, and if one ate all offal (and stomach contents) it’s possible to approach zero carb… but again highly impractical. The foods you eat, zero carb may be impractical, unnecessary, and at worst downright dangerous.

Following this kind of no carb diet, a person would eat unlimited quantities of meat, fish, eggs and butter. Cheese would be limited and other dairy products would not be allowed. Vegetable oils might be allowed, since they contain no carbohydrates. It is important to remember that some vegetables are included too, but only those that are lowest in carbohydrate content. Generally that means green leafy vegetables. Others, such as onions and broccoli, are higher in carbs. 

Anybody wanting to follow this type of diet needs to keep certain things in mind. So you might need to try to find wild, organically raised meats today, such as organic grass fed beef. This comes expensive if it is the major part of your diet. If instead you eat regular non-organic meat from the supermarket, you are likely to miss out on some nutrients while taking in hormones and chemicals that might make it harder for your body to survive on this type of diet. So if you want to do this, be prepared for the cost.

The medical evidence for no carb diets is inconclusive. Some studies have found that cholesterol and fatty deposits in the arteries are actually reduced on this diet. Others have found that the heart has less energy and may be weakened by it.It is important to be sure not to eat too much protein, because this is bad for the kidneys. A high proportion of daily calories should come from fat on the no carb diet. A low fat version would be dangerous. At the same time it is vital to drink plenty of water. The rule is 8 x 12 oz glasses (or, of course, 12 x 8 oz glasses). Again there is a risk of kidney damage if there is not enough water flowing through the system.

Milk Products

A common misconception is that milk contains zero carbohydrates. Milk contains a sugar called lactose, and a serving has about 12 grams of carbs, according to Understanding Nutrition. However, cheeses like mozzarella, muenster, cheddar, Monterey jack, and fontina virtually have no carbohydrates. The only exception is cottage cheese, which, according to Understanding Nutrition, contains 6 grams of carbohydrate per serving.

Meats and Meat Alternatives

Meats and meat products do not contain carbohydrates, except for processed varieties such as packaged deli meat. Grill or bake meats, to reduce the fat content. Legumes and nuts contain fiber, but their starch content may wreak havoc on a low-carb diet, as they contain about 15 grams per serving.

Vegetables

Vegetables contain fiber, but some varieties contain starch as well. Non-starchy vegetables contain the least amount of carbohydrates, about 5 grams per serving, according to Understanding Nutrition. Opt for non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, squash, carrots, tomatoes, and broccoli. Starchy vegetables, such as peas, potatoes and corn, contain 15 grams of carbohydrate per serving.

Other Foods

According to Medical News Today, pure vegetable oil does not contain any carbohydrates. However, vegetable oil should be used sparingly, as it contains about 15 grams of fat per serving. Water also contains zero carbs. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses per day!

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