2.03.2016

Alexandra Bee Approved Low Carb Recipes

Happy Hump Day, readers!

I hope you're having a great week!

I mentioned in my New Year's resolutions post, that Bryce and I have been doing the low-carb, low-sugar diet. We've basically cut out all carbs, sugars, and alcohol. That being said, we haven't stuck to it 100%. We've spent two weekends away with friends and the last two weeks have been full of social obligations. Overall, I've been really proud of our efforts though, and we are both already noticing results. Our end goal is to eat this way most of the time.

I will say, aside from social situations (I don't want to be that girl who barely eats at a dinner with friends, because the meal the hostess prepared isn't to my diet standards), the diet has been much easier than expected. Because we've been cooking really delicious meals I haven't really missed carbs that much. What I have missed, however, is the convenience of carbs. Quick and easy meals often involve carbs, and there have been a few nights where I just don't feel like taking the time to cook an elaborate meal. Another key piece of our success has been meal planning. We have always really struggled with this in the past, but the diet has forced us to stick to it. It's not easy to dine out on our diet, so we are forced to cook most meals and stick to our planning.

That being said, I have been taking note the recipes we have loved, so that I can compile them in one post to share with you.

First things first, I want to share that cauliflower is my new best friend. If you had told me I'd be typing this prior to starting the diet, I would have laughed at you. I've never been crazy about cauliflower and find it to be kind of bland. Because of its texture and the fact that it's bland, however, cauliflower really has turned out to be an amazing and versatile carb substitute.

And now for the recipes!

MASHED CAULIFLOWER
Mashed cauliflower has become a staple in our diet. Bryce actually prefers it to actual mashed potatoes. I will say, however, that it reminds me more of a risotto than a potato. I have used the process described in this recipe, but have doctored things up on my own adding butter, cream cheese, parmesan, salt, and pepper.

CREAMY SHRIMP WITH SAUTÉ
This meal was not only delicious, but ready in a snap. I don't have an actual "recipe" but will share how I fixed it. I started by roasting grape tomatoes in the oven that had been tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Meanwhile, I sautéed minced garlic in a very small amount of cream with a little bit of butter and salt, pepper, and herb seasoning. Next I added a bag of organic, frozen shrimp and a small container of mushrooms to the skillet. Once the shrimp was nearly finished, I added a bag of spinach and cooked just a few minutes until wilted. Next I mixed in the roasted tomatoes, seasoned the heck out if, and finally served with fresh grated parmesan. Moving forward, I will always serve this with mashed cauliflower! The next day I mixed leftover mashed cauliflower with the leftovers from this sauté and it literally tasted like a shrimp risotto. AH-mazing! 

AVOCADO CHICKEN SALAD
I had been dying to try this recipe long before starting our diet, so was glad to finally get around to it. I really love chicken salad so was intrigued by this lighter version using a rotisserie chicken. Served wrap style using bibb lettuce, this was a great simple meal. As a note, I think it was better after chilling overnight in the fridge.

PEPPERONI PIZZA WITH CAULIFLOWER CRUST
Again, if you told me I would become a cauliflower convert, I would not have believed you. But, I was amazed by how good this pizza turned out. We've now made pizza a few times on our diet using this recipe for the crust. And I'll daresay, it is just as good as the standard at-home pizzas we cook with a pre-made crust.

MINI TURKEY MEATBALL VEGETABLE SOUP
We have been making soups a lot this fall and winter which I love. It's an easy way to pack a lot of veggies into your meal and also makes enough for 2 meals. This recipe did not disappoint. I left the breadcrumbs out when preparing the meatballs and they were still delicious. I am looking forward to pulling the leftovers out of the freezer for an easy dinner one night this week!

ONE SKILLET CHICKEN WITH LEMON GARLIC CREAM SAUCE
This meal was really delicious and definitely one of our favorites from the low carb journey so far. I followed this recipe, but also sautéed some spinach with the chicken and served it with mashed cauliflower and grilled asparagus. 

CROCKPOT CARNITAS WITH CHIMICHURRI SAUCE IN A CAULIFLOWER TORTILLA
And folks, I saved the best for last! This recipe which I shared last week has been our absolute favorite low carb meal so far. I am thinking we'll be making our second batch very soon!

Have you kept up with your New Year's resolutions?

Any low carb recipes I must try?

Have a great day!

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