Healthy Food Recipes Low Carb
A low-carb diet is all about eating complex carbohydrates (like non-starchy veggies, avocado and berries) along with lean proteins. These healthy recipes — from soups to chicken dinners — are packed with flavor and fit the bill.
Wrapping a white fish like haddock in parchment paper heightens the flavor of this simple dinner. Serve it with a salad and your favorite dip for a satisfying meal.
Portobello Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a popular vegetarian protein with a high umami (savory, brothy) flavor. They also have a meaty texture making them an excellent vegetarian substitute for steak or burgers. They are very versatile and can be grilled, sauteed, fried or stuffed.
Portobello mushrooms have a rich, earthy and meaty flavor – the same flavors that are found in bacon or ham. They are low in calories and fat and contain a wide range of nutrients.
Mushrooms soak up water easily so they should be cleaned before using. This can be done by wiping the cap with a paper towel. If desired, the gills can be removed. This will give a cleaner appearance but is not necessary. Mushrooms are a great source of vitamin D, potassium and B vitamins. They are also a good source of selenium, an antioxidant.
Celery
A staple on many veggie trays and alongside dips, celery isn’t just flavorful and crunchy — it’s also nutritious. It’s a low-calorie vegetable that provides a good dose of fiber, along with vitamins and minerals like calcium and potassium.
Celery is also a source of phytonutrients, which according to a 2010 animal study may help protect the mucosa of the digestive tract and reduce inflammation. If you have gastrointestinal issues, you may want to limit your celery intake or consult with your doctor before adding it to your diet.
When shopping for celery, choose stalks that are crisp and green with a satisfying snap to them. Avoid limp and wilting celery, as well as any with brown spots or yellowing leaves. Also, keep in mind that celery is 95% water, so it will go bad more quickly than most other vegetables. To minimize food waste, wait to chop celery until you’re ready to use it (within a day or two max). Also, wash your celery thoroughly and opt for organic if possible to reduce your exposure to pesticides.
Green Beans
Green beans are a great source of low carbs. They contain a total of about 2net carbs per serving and are naturally fat-free. However, the way they are prepared can greatly increase their fat content. Steaming them in butter or sauteing them in oil can add 6 to 12 grams of fat per cup of green beans.
To reduce the amount of fat in your green bean recipes, try using less butter or oil. Another option is to roast your green beans in the oven. This will create a crispy texture on the outside of the beans while still retaining their freshness.
For a delicious side dish, serve green beans with an Italian salad made with romano cheese, parsley, cucumbers and tomatoes. They also go well with a protein-rich meal such as grilled chicken or shrimp scampi. Or, try them with a roasted jicama dish.
Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is rich in antioxidants and nutrients. It contains vitamins A and C, which are good for skin and eyes. It also helps fight chronic diseases and keeps your body strong.
You can eat it in a salad, as a side dish, or even in soups and curries. It is also delicious when combined with other vegetables, like peppers, mushrooms and feta cheese. You can also make it into a smoothie or add it to your favorite juice.
Try this recipe for low carb creamed spinach. It is easy to make and has just 3 grams net carbs per serving! It’s creamy and cheesy, perfect for the holidays or any time of year. If you’re not a fan of the taste of cream, you can always replace it with sour cream or yogurt. This healthy creamed spinach recipe is also gluten free and keto friendly, so it can be enjoyed by everyone!
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