Low carb meals have become very popular. But following a low carb eating plan can have its drawbacks.
Dining out can become a nightmare. And sometimes the craving for a doughy pizza can only be satisfied by the real thing!
These 18 low carb meals are delicious enough to rival the finest restaurants.
They’ll also keep you feeling full for longer, so you won’t be craving that pizza.
Carbs or No carbs: the Dieter’s Dilemma.
Let’s clear up a popular misunderstanding: carbs are not the enemy.
For healthy individuals, consuming a balanced intake of carbs is part of a healthy lifestyle.
Indeed, one of the oldest populations on the planet, the Okinawans, rarely eat meats or fish. Instead, they prefer to feast on a plant-based diet which includes lots of carb-heavy sweet potatoes.
But, if you’re looking to lose a few pounds and get in shape, the low carb approach is tough to match.
Good Carbs vs Bad Carbs.
I’ll keep this short as I’m sure most of you know the difference between these two by now!
Simply put, if it’s white and/or tastes sweet, they’re bad carbs! (white bread, cakes, donuts, candy/sweets etc).
Whilst single-ingredient wholefoods such as brown rice, whole grains, oats, buckwheat, millet, beans etc are good carbs.
See also: 10 Low Carb Food Swaps for Weight Loss
Signs That You’re Insulin Resistant.
Eating too many bad carbs can lead to insulin resistance due to high blood sugar.
This can lead to all sorts of health problems and is the precursor to type II diabetes.
Warning signs of insulin resistance include feeling weak and tired and being constantly hungry.
Good carbs, on the other hand, do not cause such high blood sugar levels.
This, in turn, primes your body to be more insulin sensitive, leading to better health, feeling satisfied after eating and high energy levels.
How to Reset Your Insulin Levels.
If you suspect that you may be insulin resistant, eating low carb meals can help restore your natural insulin levels.
And as we’ve already discussed, they’re perfect if you want to lose weight fast and consistently.
Read: 25 Top Foods for Diabetics
18 Low Carb Meals.
1. Fat Head Pizza
Speaking of pizza, get ready for the ‘Holy Grail’ of low carb pizzas.
The Fat Head contains 203 calories and only 4g of carbs per serving!
What’s more, it’s wheat free, gluten free, sugar-free and is suitable for Paleo.
Little wonder this pizza is ranked Google’s number one low-carb and keto pizza.
One Fat Head devotee lost 58kg in 38 weeks with “no medication, no gym and no shakes – just real food”.
Get the (new and improved) recipe here at Ditch the Carbs.
2. Strawberry Halloumi Salad
The perfect marriage of texture and taste. Although salt and sweet are two distinct flavors, the presence of salt actually increases the inherently sweet strawberries.
Now you know why salted caramel tastes SO good!
At Low Carb, So Simple. Get your recipe here.
3. Zucchini Lasagna
This Italian classic gets a makeover as you swap out the pasta for zucchini.
It’s an excellent choice if you want to trick your brain into thinking you’re eating carbs.
You’ll never know the difference, but your waistline will!
Don’t forget the mandolin and careful you don’t cut your fingers!
By Gina Homolka at Skinnytaste. Get the recipe here
Related: 14 Quick and Easy Healthy Recipes
4. Chicken Caesar Wraps
This delicious wrap is both quick and easy with a total time of just 20 minutes.
Full of Italian promise, this tasty dish serves up to 4, making it a healthy favorite for the whole family.
By Delish. Get the recipe here.
5. Honey-Soy Glazed Salmon with Mushrooms and Peppers
This Asian inspired low carb meal puts a new spin on an old favorite and is ready in 50 minutes.
Shitake mushrooms are great for boosting immunity.
Peppers are packed with more vitamin C than citrus fruits and the salmon delivers your daily dose of omega 3 fats.
By Marian Cooper Cairns at Country Living. Check out the recipe here.
6. Avocado & Arugula Omelette
This makes for a perfect low carb breakfast.
And ready in just 20 minutes, you won’t be rushing for the door.
Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture whilst the duo of lemon and avocado complement one another beautifully.
By Julia Clancy at Eating Well. Recipe available here.
7. Grilled Chicken and Blackberry Salad
So much for ‘skinny salads’. This treat is unashamedly high in healthy fats and protein. This keeps your insulin levels low and stops you craving sugary snacks.
Besides, you’ll get all the sweetness you want from the succulent blackberries.
By Martina Slajerova at Keto Diet Blog. Get the recipe here.
8. Amish Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Cheese lovers delight, as cream and crunch combine in this raw broccoli salad.
This low carb meal is also highly customizable. The author suggests several ways in which you can add a new layer of texture or colour to this delightful dish.
By Kim at Low Carb Maven.
Recipe available here.
9. Poached Pacific Sole with Capers and Chives
This light and fresh meal only requires six ingredients. Total time from kitchen to table is 35 minutes.
The delicate flavors of the sole are enhanced with white wine whilst the capers and chives give it some extra bite.
Although the recipe doesn’t call for it, I found a burst of fresh lemon juice added the finishing perfecting touch.
By Sara Quessenberr at Real Simple. Get the recipe here.
10. Spicy Beef and Pepper Stir Fry
This mouth-watering and meal is ready in just 30 minutes. As well as being low carb, the jalapeno peppers will actually help you burn stubborn body fat.
By Joy Zacharia and available here at Taste of Home.
Related: 20 Ketogenic Recipes for Weight Loss
11. Crispy Garlic Parmesan Wings
A firm favorite on Pinterest, the aroma of sautéed garlic will have you drooling in anticipation!
The secret’s in the baking powder which crisps up the wings nicely. The perfect finger food, serve with a plentiful supply of napkins!
By Carolyn at All Day I Dream About Food. Get the recipe here.
12. Healthy Low Carb Taco Salad
A deceptively simple dish involving just 10 ingredients and ready in just 20 minutes.
It’s not only low carb but celiac friendly as it’s gluten-free. The recipe is great if you have a larger family as it serves up to six portions but it can easily adapt to fewer diners.
By Maya at Wholesome Yum.
Check out the recipe here.
13. Creamy Chicken Casserole
Fit for the whole family and rated easy to make. This creamy chicken casserole tastes as good as it looks and sounds!
The author recommends serving with a side of leafy green salads, a drizzle of olive oil and fresh sea salt.
Low carb meals don’t come much healthier than this!
Available here by the Diet Doctor.
14. Turkey Meatballs
The key to this recipe is using mince made from turkey thigh which keeps these meatballs moist. Furthermore, the aromatic combination of herbs and spices adds a real depth of flavor.
By Sophie Wright at BBC Food. Check out the recipe here.
Related posts:
- Do You Know the Proven Secret Powers of these 12 Top Health Foods?
- 8 Superfood Detox Smoothies that will Boost the Loss of Toxins
15. Seafood Enchiladas
This gorgeous dish combines the Mexican flavors you love with the convenience of a casserole.
Serves 8, making them ideal for parties and gatherings where they’re sure to impress.
Tip: Remember – use rubber gloves when handling chilies.
Available here at Diabetic Living.
16. Peas, Rhubarb and Spinach Salad
A celebrated dish from the author’s homeland.
This seasonal salad is the creation of one of Milan’s top chefs.
It’s both low carb and Paleo friendly.
Recreate this five-star meal here.
By Vivica at the Nourished Caveman.
17.Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Pancetta and Soft-Boiled Eggs
One of the lowest carb meals on the list, coming in at just 2g per serving!
According to the author, it takes only a little effort and is ready in 30 minutes. Healthwise, eggs are the perfect form of protein for the human body and score high on the satiety meter keeping you feeling full.
If you ditch the crusty bread to serve (recommended to keep your blood sugar low), then you’ll only need five ingredients.
By Olive Magazine. Get your recipe here.
See also: 15 Zero Calorie Foods for Weight Loss
18. Caprese Stuffed Garlic Butter Portobellos
These bombshells are bursting with flavor. They’re ready in 15 minutes and contain only 12 g of carbs.
The optional balsamic glaze involves 2 teaspoons of brown sugar, which we, of course, will leave out!
By the beautiful Karina at Café Delites. Recipe available here.
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I neеded to thank you for this good read!!
I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it. I have got you saved as a favorite tօ check out
new things you post…
Hi Nydia. Thank you so much! A comment like that is worth more to me that all the riches in blogging! It’s been a while since I’ve posted a recipe roundup. It’s something that I want to include more often and I’ll try not to disappoint. Cheers, Peter.