If you're working toward your fitness goals or just trying to eat a little cleaner, going low-carb might be the move. That means cutting back on the usual, delicious, suspects - bread, pasta, sugar - and loading up on protein, healthy fats, and veggies. Some people go low-carb for weight loss, others for energy or better blood sugar. Or maybe you're just recovering from a very bread heavy weekend.Whatever your reason, these 10 low-carb breakfasts and dinners will help you stay on track and keep your taste buds happy.
© Getty1. Egg & Veggie Breakfast Muffins
Meal: Breakfast
Ingredients:
- 6 eggs
- ½ cup chopped spinach
- ¼ cup diced bell peppers
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
- Salt & pepper
How to make it:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Whisk eggs with salt and pepper. Stir in veggies and cheese. Pour into a greased muffin tin and bake for 18–20 minutes until set.
© lisegagne2. Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp
Meal: Dinner
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
How to make it:
Sauté garlic in sesame oil, add shrimp, and cook until pink. Toss in zoodles and soy sauce, stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
© Getty3. Avocado Baked Eggs
Meal: Breakfast
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 small eggs
- Salt, pepper
- chili flakes/ herbs of your choice
How to make it:
Halve and pit the avocado. Scoop a little flesh to fit the egg. Crack one egg in each half. Bake at 425°F for 12–14 minutes. Top with chili flakes/ fresh herbs.
4. Cabbage Stir-Fry with Ground Turkey
Meal: Dinner
Ingredients:
- ½ head cabbage/ baby bok choy, shredded
- ½ lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
How to make it:
Brown the turkey in oil, and season well. Add cabbage and cook until softened, about 6–8 minutes. Serve hot.
© DAJ5. Low-Carb Breakfast Tacos (Lettuce Wraps)
Meal: Breakfast
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs, scrambled
- 2 romaine lettuce leaves
- ¼ avocado, sliced
- salsa
- shredded cheese
How to make it:
Assemble eggs, avocado, cheese, and salsa inside lettuce leaves. Fold like tacos. Eat immediately.
© Brent Hofacker / 500px6. Cheesy Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Meal: Dinner
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cauliflower rice
- ½ cup shredded cheddar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt, pepper
How to make it:
Sauté cauliflower rice in butter until tender. Stir in cream and cheese until melted and creamy. Season to taste.
© Getty Images7. Chia Pudding with Berries
Meal: Breakfast
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- A handful of berries
How to make it: Mix chia seeds, milk, and vanilla. Chill overnight. Top with fresh berries in the morning.
© Natalia Danko / 500px8. Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus
Meal: Dinner
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt & pepper
How to make it:
Season salmon with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter and cook garlic for 1 minute. Add salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes. Remove salmon. Add remaining butter and asparagus to the same skillet, sauté for 4–5 minutes until tender. Squeeze lemon juice over everything and serve.
© Getty9. Almond Flour Pancakes
Meal: Breakfast
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
How to make it:
Mix all ingredients. Pour ¼ cup batter per pancake onto a greased skillet. Cook 2–3 minutes per side. Serve with butter or berries.
© GMVozd10. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cauliflower Rice
Meal: Dinner
Ingredients:
- 2 bell peppers, halved
- 1 cup cauliflower rice
- ½ cup cooked ground beef or turkey
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- Shredded cheese (optional)
How to make it:
Mix the meat, cauliflower rice, and sauce. Spoon into pepper halves. Top with cheese. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
