Diane Groppe

As the New Year approaches, many of us decide after weeks of indulgent eating, to slim down and get healthy.  One of the more popular ways is through low carb dieting.

Some of the most effective low-carb foods are probably in our refrigerators right now; possibly behind the eggnog, candy, and left over high-calorie saucy dishes!

Eating low-carb is very simple.  It is just a matter of doing it.  The trick is to be sure to keep it low-carb.  Yes, enjoy mayonnaise, butter, and cream, but be sure to avoid bread, pasta, and potatoes, soda, chips, and sugary sweets while on a low-carb regime or your results will be the opposite of what you are looking for.

A few ideas…

• • Turkey and mozzarella cheese roll-ups are very satisfying. They are packed with protein and tend to be more filling than other foods.

• • Dairy products, such as eggs, cream, and (some) yogurts, can be used to eat or cook with.

• • As always, vegetables come out on top of a healthy diet.  Be careful to avoid starchy veggies like corn and potatoes for the time-being.

• • Avocados are very healthy and give dishes a wonderful upgrade.

• • Nuts such as pecans, almonds, walnuts, and peanuts are filling and nutritious, just be sure to use in moderation-an ounce as a yummy mid-afternoon or evening snack.

Helpful tips to keeping it low-carb:

• • Plan ahead.  Take a few extra minutes to make a low-carb list before going to the grocery store, this will ensure these products will be purchased, avoiding unhealthy alternatives, and hopefully saving money. 

• • Have the next meal/snack planned.  If we allow ourselves to get hungry, we tend to grab less nutritious fillers.

• • Avoid getting bored.  Keep new and fresh ideas for menus in a file so they are easily accessible when deciding what to eat this week.

What are your favorite low-carb foods or recipes?