Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Quick Lowcarb Dinner Ideas

Lettuce is a vegetable that is low in carbs.


The experts at the American College of Sports Medicine state that the lack of variety in low-carbohydrate food makes it a difficult diet plan to follow (See Reference 1.) However, cooking the meats and vegetables in various ways, such as grilling or broiling, helps make it easier to stick with it.


Chicken


Chicken is a low-carb meat that is quick and easy to prepare. In addition to being low in carbs, it is very versatile. Chicken prepared on the grill or in the oven provides a high-protein, low-carb meal. Coat the chicken in fat-free Italian salad dressing and allow it to marinate for about 1 hour "See Reference 2." Grill or bake the chicken until it is completely white in the center for a healthy, quick dinner.








Fish


Another alternative for a low-carb meat is fish. Any low-fat fish is acceptable, according to the Mayo Clinic "See Reference 3." Again, the recommended method for cooking fish is grilling or baking. Cover the fish with extra-virgin olive oil and grill it until the meat is flaky. Coat the finished product with lemon juice and black pepper. Place the fish in a whole-grain pita wrap to make an easy fish taco. Add lettuce and a low-carb sauce, such as salsa.


Vegetables








When eating a low-carb diet, think green. Vegetables, such as green beans, broccoli, and lettuce, offer the benefit of low carbohydrates. Of course, steaming or grilling vegetables is recommended; however, the carbohydrate count is extremely low; therefore, pan-searing vegetables in olive oil and garlic is an easy alternative.


Cook four pieces of bacon in a frying pan and drain the grease after removing the bacon. Place 2 teaspoons of olive oil in the pan and cook the green beans. Add the bacon back to the pan for a tasty side dish that is low in carbs.

Tags: green beans, low-carb meat, that carbs