Low-Carb dinners requested

IamMrsG · ‎08-29-2010

On another thread, I was discussing with Kachina624 that my husband's recent diagnosis as borderline diabetic has created a need for adjustment and creativity in our diet. His recommended carb count per meal is 60 or less. Kachina replied, "You'll have a real challenge ahead fixing those diatetic meals that are also yummy." [sic] That got me to thinking maybe a thread dedicated for Low Carb meals might be helpful for more folks than just myself.

For our next meeting with his dietitian in three months, I am keeping a record of our dinners. They're all standard meals we ordinarily enjoy, but portions have definitely been controlled. For example, we had Fettuccine Carbonara last night, but about half as much as usual, with salad filling half the plate. We agreed the meal was just as satisfying and filling.

That is my goal. I do not want a deprived or hungry husband in the house. We are trying a new recipe from Chef Mario Batali for brined pork chops tonight. If it turns out well, I will come back and post it here. If you have favorite Low Carb dinners at your house, would you please share them with us? I, for one, will be appreciative.

Edited to change font. Is it easy for you to read?

Strive for respect instead of attention. It lasts longer.

chickenbutt · ‎03-09-2010

Hey Mrs G! I have to admit that, while I don't like all the different fonts, colors, and sizes (makes my head hurt!), I agree with you that this font is definitely better than the default one.

I also have to admit that, since I mostly just cook for me, I've gotten a little lazy and I just knock out a simple protein and some veg when I want to avoid carbs and/or simple carbs.

Ms X · ‎09-13-2012

I'm trying to cut back on carbs and can offer some tips if not recipes. Maybe the nutritionist can comment on what I say.

Adding protein (like the pork chops you mentioned) to meals helps to make a meal more filling and stay with you. It's the same thing for nuts, which have good fats. Protein and good fats give you energy that stays with you and may make a low-carb diet easier to adjust to.

Have you tried adding cauliflower to the pasta so that you have the usual serving size without as much carbs?

Could you make a lasagna with half as much pasta using pasta substitutes like cauliflower in the layers?

Does almond milk have fewer carbs in it than regular milk? I'd think so because almonds have no carbs unless they add sugar.

Also, I've heard that wine has no carbs,so that could be a substitute for beer. Maybe the nutritionist can say whether he can have alcohol, as some say diabetics can't have it. I don't really like wine that much.

Maybe someone has info about low-carb bread.

sassenach1 · ‎03-09-2010

One of my favorite low carb meals is Susanne Somers stuffed peppers. I can't find the recipe at the moment, but I will try, if not, google it. Delicious and much loved in our family.

momtochloe · ‎11-03-2013

@IamMrsG wrote:
On another thread, I was discussing with Kachina624 that my husband's recent diagnosis as borderline diabetic has created a need for adjustment and creativity in our diet. His recommended carb count per meal is 60 or less. Kachina replied, "You'll have a real challenge ahead fixing those diatetic meals that are also yummy." [sic] That got me to thinking maybe a thread dedicated for Low Carb meals might be helpful for more folks than just myself.

For our next meeting with his dietitian in three months, I am keeping a record of our dinners. They're all standard meals we ordinarily enjoy, but portions have definitely been controlled. For example, we had Fettuccine Carbonara last night, but about half as much as usual, with salad filling half the plate. We agreed the meal was just as satisfying and filling.

That is my goal. I do not want a deprived or hungry husband in the house. We are trying a new recipe from Chef Mario Batali for brined pork chops tonight. If it turns out well, I will come back and post it here. If you have favorite Low Carb dinners at your house, would you please share them with us? I, for one, will be appreciative.

Edited to change font. Is it easy for you to read?

@IamMrsG I have always enjoyed your recipes and very much look forward to any new creations that are more focused on being health friendly and also delicious because if there is anyone that can pull this off it is you.

Good thoughts to you and your husband during this journey and God bless that you are doing such a great job looking out for his health!

Goldengate8361 · ‎01-27-2014

Eating low carb is fabulous! Everyone would be healthier if they ate low carb. You can eat most any meats, eggs, abs cheeses on a low carb diet and, fortunately fir me, those are my very favorite foods! It's an easy way to eat. Good luck!

IamMrsG · ‎08-29-2010

@chickenbutt Hi, Chickenbutt (It doesn’t matter how long it’s been, I still smile at your nickname. Every time.) Thanks for the input on the font. I saw a few posts from another poster who uses it (it’s Veranda, btw) and thought it much easier on my old eyes.

@Ms X I must admit cauliflower has never been a regular on my table. We do use whole wheat pastas because they are heavier/more filling. Your idea about mixing in cauliflower to stretch a serving is clever. How much does it affect taste?

I found a recipe for using cauliflower as a pizza crust. I’ve saved it for when the day of desperate craving comes, and I know it will sooner or later.

Thank Goodness protein is permissible on this new diet. No kidding, I’d have mutiny on my hands if DH couldn’t have steak or bacon. Speaking of steak, I’ve already shared on this forum one of our ‘regulars,’ a recipe we found is Low Carb legal. If interested it’s Flank Steak W/Garlic Wine Sauce. This one steak gave us two meals, as I used the leftovers in Greek Steak Salad.

We both wanted to jump up and kiss the dietitian when she said she wasn’t worried about our wine consumption. DH and I are eonophiles, a fancy word for winos. DH likes an occasional beer, but that’s a taste I never acquired.

@sassenach1 DH and I went on the SugarBusters (low glycemic) diet back when it was au courant. That’s when I found Suzanne Somers’ recipe for Mushroom Sausage Stuffing. OMG, it’s good. I’ll Google for her stuffed peppers. Thank you for the suggestion.

@momtochloe You’re over generous in your praise, but I thank you nonetheless. In our conversation that prompted this thread, Kachina624 also complimented the recipes I’ve shared here, which rather surprised me. I’ve often suspected the recipes I use are too long/involved for most others’ interest or practical use and have fallen pretty much by the wayside. It’s gratifying to ‘hear’ they might be useful for someone.

Thank you for the good thoughts for ol’ DH. This getting old stuff is a challenge.

@ Goldengate8361 So far (but it is not even two weeks yet), this diet is workable. As I’ve said, portion control seems to be the key for us. That Fettuccine Carbonara last night was a test. To measure out a true two ounces of dry pasta was laughable, but I threw in one more egg to compensate. And, with that larger than normal salad, we left the table well satisfied.

@ciaobell I made your Diabetic Key Lime Pie for DH. He really liked it. Thank you.

Strive for respect instead of attention. It lasts longer.

Winkk · ‎03-15-2010

I eat low carb quite a lot, but I just cook for me. Carbs are high in pasta and bread and when eaten they should be whole grain to get some fiber. Do you have a way to calcuate the amount of carbs or are you using the package information? I have been using the web page myfitnesspal.com. It has been a big help in calculating calories, carbs, etc.

IamMrsG · ‎08-29-2010

@Winkk If I have not been able to check the back of the package, I've Googled "Carb count of XYZ" then compared what various sites calculate.

Thank you for the website recommendation. I will definitely check it out.

We have decided to add mashed potatoes to our Brined Pork Chop dinner tonight. It looks like he can have a full cup and still stay well under his 60 total carb limit.

Strive for respect instead of attention. It lasts longer.

Winkk · ‎03-15-2010

@IamMrsG wrote:
@Winkk If I have not been able to check the back of the package, I've Googled "Carb count of XYZ" then compared what various sites calculate.
Thank you for the website recommendation. I will definitely check it out.

We have decided to add mashed potatoes to our Brined Pork Chop dinner tonight. It looks like he can have a full cup and still stay well under his 60 total carb limit.

@IamMrsG - I wanted to mention that on that website you have to create a user name to acess it. However, I find it very helpful. Just type in the search box exactly what you want and it will provide all the nutritional information. I usually eat around 120 carbs per day. Good luck because eating low carb can be challenging.