Foods without carbs

Apricots

Carb count: 8 grams per 2 fruits

Bob Dylan famously sang, "Everybody must get stoned." If he was referring to eating the stone fruit apricots as a lower-sugar option, he definitely had the right idea. Enjoy as an out-of-hand snack, or slice and add to yogurt, oatmeal, and even salad for natural sweetness.

Nutrition Bonus: The orange-tinged flesh of the apricot is a tipoff that it contains high amounts of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that has been linked to improved brain functioning.3

Avocado

Carb count: 8 grams per 1/2 avocado

Unlike most of its counterparts in the fruit world—yes, it's a fruit—avocado is virtually free of sugar. In fact, 75 percent of its carbs come from nondigestible fiber.

Nutrition Bonus: Fatty in a good way, avocados are plush in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.

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Strawberries

Carb count: 11 grams per cup

Among berries, strawberries supply the least sugar, making them a great option to satisfy a sweet tooth. If you're concerned about possible pesticide exposure, opt for strawberries labelled "organic."

Nutrition Bonus: Strawberries are a stellar source of vitamin C, which may help regular gym-goers avoid coming down with the sniffles.4

11

Red Grapefruit

Carb count: 9 grams per 1/2 fruit

Time to pucker up to this lower-carbohydrate fruit option, which supplies about 20 percent less sugar than that found in an orange. Just don't try to tame its sour power by coating it in sugar.

Nutrition Bonus: You can count on grapefruit for an added dose of immune-boosting vitamin C.

OTHER LOW-CARB FRUITS

• Rhubarb
• Watermelon
• Peaches
• Star fruit
• Cantaloupe
• Blackberries

LOW-CARB MEATS AND FISH

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Catfish

Carb count: 0 grams per 3 ounces

More flavorful than tilapia, farmed catfish is an inexpensive way to load up your muscles with pure high-quality protein. American-farmed catfish is also considered a sustainable option from the fish counter. Fillets are great steamed, grilled, oven-roasted, or pan-seared.

Nutrition Bonus: This swimmer is a good source of vitamin B12, which your nervous system needs in order to function properly.

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Canned Pink Salmon

Carb count: 0 grams per 1/2 can

The canned-fish aisle is a great place to locate virtually carb-free protein. Pink salmon is an economical option with lower levels of toxins such as mercury than what's found in most canned tuna.

Nutrition Bonus: Canned salmon is a good way to reel in plenty of the omega-3 fats that have been shown to reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness and stimulate muscle protein synthesis.5