How to Eat a Light No-Carb Dinner to Lose Weight

Atkins, The Zone, South Beach Diet -- all these diet programs emphasize the effect carbohydrates have on eating and weight loss. Some studies indicate that diets high in carbohydrates contribute not only to weight gain but other disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, according the Harvard School of Public Health. Some dieters investigating low- or no-carb programs believe they must fill up on red meat since meat proteins typically have no carbs, but lighter options exist. Dieters looking for a low- or no-carb meal can create a variety of flavorful dishes with some creativity.

Instructions

1

Prepare a light protein as the centerpiece of the meal. Fish and chicken contain no carbohydrates. The best cooking methods are baking and roasting to keep the entree light, with no fat added. Purchase fresh fish for the best flavor. If you must buy frozen, look for packages without breading on the fillets.

2

Fill up on vegetables. Although most vegetables do have carbs, they are typically negligible. Broccoli and asparagus, for instance, contain 10 g or fewer carbs in a 1-cup serving. The best choice is a green salad; an entire cup of iceberg lettuce has just 1 g carbohydrates. Fresh spinach, bok choy, radishes, cucumber, olives, eggs and small amounts of cheese add flavor without the carbohydrates. Top the salad off with a no-carb salad dressing such as blue cheese or a vinaigrette. Many commercial brands bottle no-carb versions or you can create your own.

3

Dress up the meal with a suitable beverage. Both red and white wines contribute fewer than 2 g carbohydrates per glass. If you don't want alcohol, try sparkling water or tea.

4

Add something sweet for dessert. Finish your meal with unsweetened gelatin for a light dessert that will cleanse the palate. Add a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream for a bit of flourish. If you want something a little heavier, pour a tablespoon of half-and-half or heavy cream on the chopped gelatin, or bake a no-sugar cheesecake.

5

Flavor your food. You can keep your meal light but still give it kick by adding different kinds of spices and flavorings. Try curry chicken, ginger fish and balsamic vinegar veggies. Experiment with different spices to find the tastes you like best. No-carb sauces often use oil as the base, so they may be a bit heavy, but some lighter choices are on the market that use a low-fat base. Be careful to choose those that don't have added sugar.