When following a low-carb diet like South Beach or Atkins, you may be at a loss for healthy meal and snack ideas that are quick, easy to make and satisfy the strict requirements for carbohydrate intake that the diets dictate. Low-carb eating should be complicated, and you may find that if it is, you're less likely to follow the diet plan altogether. Jot down a few easy low-carb food ideas so that you always have the right food when dieting.
Breakfast
Start your diet off on the right food each morning by preparing a healthy and low-carb breakfast in just a few minutes. Adding a handful of frozen berries to a cup of vanilla yogurt can satisfy a morning sweet tooth and keep your carb count low. Try substituting your usual morning hash browns with shredded jicama cooked in the same way. Or make a low-carb breakfast burrito with low-carb tortillas, eggs and sausage.
Lunch
Lunch can be a hard meal to stay true with your diet. If you work, you're probably surrounded by options that don't satisfy your diet requirements. Bring along an easy lunch by planning ahead. Pack a tuna salad mixed with mayonnaise and celery bits. You can eat it on a low-carb tortilla for a more fulfilling meal. Buy a simple salad mix and sprinkle it with bacon bits and hard-boiled egg slices. Or make your own lettuce wraps with your favorite type of lunch meat and a gourmet spread. Each lunch will take only minutes to prepare at home, and then help to keep you on track all day.
Dinner
Cap your day of great low-carb dieting off with a low-carb dinner that is easy to make, but still tastes good. Marinate a piece of chicken for 10 minutes with a low-carb marinade or apple cider vinegar, and grill with a few of your favorite vegetables or salsa on top. Make a quick frittata with eggs and ham for something fast and nutritious. Or wrap a thin piece of steak around a bundle of asparagus, and bake for an impressive low-cab meal that is easy to make for guests.
Snacks
If you're craving something between meals and need to keep it simple and low fat, try a cup of cantaloupe mixed with cottage cheese. One cup is just 16g of carbohydrates, and the cantaloupe can stop a sweet tooth. Air-popped popcorn can help you find something savory when sprinkled with garlic salt, or enjoy chopped vegetables dipped in hummus rather than ranch for an easy low-carb snack.
Member Comments