An ancient 'superfood' sent from heaven
Yes, you can have your cake and eat it too! By using a mix of almond flour, coconut flour, and a sweetener such as erythritol (a big favorite with keto bakers), you can whip up a cake fit for any birthday table.
Low-carb, grain-free, and gluten-free, cauliflower crust pizza has the added benefit of baked-in veggie goodness. The drained cauliflower rice is mixed with egg and–optionally–cheese, before firing in the oven.
Cauliflower 'rice' is another hugely popular alternative to the starchy original. Use a box grater or food processor to give the cauliflower a rice-like texture, then create your indulgent risotto with cream, wild mushrooms, and Parmesan.
Missing mac and cheese? Lightly-steamed cauliflower comes to the rescue again. You can make an easy, flour-free white sauce with heavy cream, cream cheese, and seasonings. Top with grated cheese and bake for hassle-free, carb-free, comfort food.
If you've had your fill of cauliflower, or just want a neat way to sneak some greens into a pizza, look no further than broccoli crust pizza. The crust is made in much the same way as the cauliflower version, and arguably tastes even better.
Shrimp are high in protein, low in carbs, and take mere minutes to cook. Served with seasoned cauliflower rice and salad, they make a healthy meal that tastes like a real treat.
The humble cauliflower has emerged as a low-carb superhero, cropping up in all manner of dishes. One delicious way to put it to good use is to use steamed cauliflower as an alternative to potatoes: drain, mash with butter and garlic, add cream and/or cheese to taste. Easy and delicious!
Crêpe lovers can create a lower-carb version by adding a spoonful of tapioca flour to beaten eggs. Made from specially treated manioc flour, tapioca is high in carbs, but a little goes a long way in this mix. It's gluten-free and grain-free, too.
If your carb limit doesn't extend to eating potato skins, the zucchini is your friend. You can chop the scooped-out flesh, mix with veggies, cheese, and even minced meat before baking in the oven.
All the rage with foodie Instagrammers, this photogenic bread is high protein, low-carb, and is made with only three ingredients. Eggs, cream cheese (or cottage cheese), and cream of tartar create a delicious base for epic sandwiches.
Satisfying a chocolate craving with only around one net carb per serving, these fudgy treats use almond flour, low-carb sweetener, high-quality cocoa powder, and optional sugar-free chocolate chips.
By swapping out starchy lasagne sheets for slices of eggplant and zucchini, you'll boost the vitamin content of a classic lasagne, while cutting out the carbs.
Switch wheat flour for almond flour, and sugar for sweetener, and you can bake delicious cookies. These can be made lemon-y or with peanut butter if that's to your taste, and they have the bonus of being gluten-free and grain-free.
A mix of almond flour and coconut flour with eggs, strong cheese, and seasonings creates a delicious savory snack. Spinach makes a nice addition if you want a tasty way to get your greens.
Riced cauliflower makes a good stand-in for couscous: pan-fry with chopped veggies and your choice of seasonings for a low-carb side or light lunch.
'Zoodles' are quick and easy to make with a spiralizer or simple julienne peeler. Cook with garlic, lemon juice, and spicy shrimp for a low-carb, vitamin-packed alternative to spaghetti.
The most popular way to eat konjac is as fine, 'angel hair' noodles in Asian-inspired dishes. Grab some shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and chili for a carb-free bowl of deliciousness.
Beloved of calorie-counters everywhere, konjac is a starchy root that contains virtually no carbs or calories. High in fiber and gluten-free, it's often turned into spaghetti or noodles. Cook the spaghetti with cream cheese and mushrooms for a hearty meal that won't ruin your diet.
Cutting down on carbs doesn't have to mean sacrificing a leisurely breakfast. Almond flour and eggs are the main ingredients, and you can top with cream plus any berries or fruits your carb-restricted diet allows.
Zucchini noodles are popularly enjoyed as a hot dish, but they're crisp, crunchy, and delicious when eaten cold. Shred, toss with lemon, vinegar, and oil, and throw in cherry tomatoes and cubed feta. Simple and delicious!
Crushed hazelnuts add a delicious crunch to a yummy treat that will satisfy a sweet tooth. With almond flour, cacao, eggs, and your choice of sweetener make this a gluten-free, keto-friendly indulgence.
Sometimes known as shakshuka, this is a hearty, Middle Eastern-inspired dish that just happens to be low-carb and gluten-free. The eggs are baked into spiced tomato sauce, and served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
These little mini-soufflés are flour-free and can be kept in the fridge overnight. Mix eggs, cheese, and any tasty extras like chives or cubed bacon, and bake in greased muffin cases.
Avocado has been riding a wave of foodie popularity for years, and that shows no sign of abating. Here, the stone is removed and filled with a cracked egg, before seasoning and baking in the oven.
Cottage cheese is a low-fat, high-protein ingredient that lends itself well to low-carb cooking. Mix with eggs and almond flour for easy, tasty pancakes.
Eggs, chopped veggies, and optional cheese are the wholesome ingredients of this versatile dish. Like a quiche minus the crust, it's oven-baked in a skillet, and can be sliced to eat hot or cold.
These dairy-free, grain-free, carb-free, and gluten-free muffins feature diced vegetables and ham baked into whisked egg for a fluffy breakfast treat.
Bagels might be off the menu, but you can get the same chewy breakfast experience with this cloud bread alternative. Spread with cream cheese, sliced meat or salmon, or whatever tasty toppings you'd add to a bagel.
Sources: (WebMD) (Epicurious)
See also: Foods you might not know are naturally gluten-free
The carb contingent is kept low by scooping out almost all the flesh from oven-baked potatoes (set aside for carb-consuming family and friends). Fill with soft cheese, crack an egg into each shell, and bake again before serving.
Cutting out carbs can be a huge test of willpower, but the ever-increasing popularity of keto, paleo, Atkins, and other low-carbohydrate diets means that more and more people are searching for tasty food with a low-carb count. Many celebrities, sports stars, and social media influencers espouse the benefits of a low-carb, high-protein regime, but is it possible to stick to the diet without the help of nutritionists and personal chefs?
Thankfully, yes. There are a whole host of sweet and savory treats out there that look and taste as good as any carb-loaded plate of comfort food. Hungry to know more? Click through this gallery to discover delicious dishes that are secretly low-carb.
These delicious dishes are secretly low-carb
For those who can't resist carbs...
FOOD Healthy eating
Cutting out carbs can be a huge test of willpower, but the ever-increasing popularity of keto, paleo, Atkins, and other low-carbohydrate diets means that more and more people are searching for tasty food with a low-carb count. Many celebrities, sports stars, and social media influencers espouse the benefits of a low-carb, high-protein regime, but is it possible to stick to the diet without the help of nutritionists and personal chefs?
Thankfully, yes. There are a whole host of sweet and savory treats out there that look and taste as good as any carb-loaded plate of comfort food. Hungry to know more? Click through this gallery to discover delicious dishes that are secretly low-carb.