5 Ideas to Try Today!
Are you on a ketogenic diet and looking for some tasty lunch ideas? Look no further than these five options that are both low carb and satisfying. From salads to sandwiches, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Keto-Friendly Salad
Salads can be a great option for those following the keto diet as they often allow for plenty of protein and healthy fats while avoiding high-carb ingredients like grains or starchy vegetables. Here’s one example of a delicious keto-friendly salad recipe:
Ingredients:
2 cups spinach leaves
1/2 avocado, sliced
1/4 cup roasted red peppers
1/4 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 oz grilled chicken breast, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, avocado, roasted red peppers, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
2. Add the sliced grilled chicken breast and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately.
This salad is packed full of nutrients from the leafy greens, healthy fats from the avocado and olive oil, and protein from the grilled chicken. It’s also low in carbs thanks to the lack of grains or starches.
2. Protein Packed Sandwich
While traditional bread may not work well on a keto diet, there are still plenty of options when it comes to making sandwiches. One idea is to use lettuce leaves instead of bread. Here’s an easy recipe for a keto-friendly turkey club sandwich using lettuce leaves:
Ingredients:
4 large lettuce leaves (such as romaine)
1/2 lb thinly sliced cooked turkey breast
1/4 cup sliced avocado
1/4 cup sliced cucumber
1/4 cup sliced tomato
1 oz bacon, chopped
1 tbsp mayo (or substitute with aioli if preferred)
1 tbsp mustard (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place four lettuce leaves on a plate and top each with a layer of thinly sliced turkey breast.
2. Add slices of avocado, cucumber, and tomato on top of the turkey.
3. Sprinkle bacon over everything.
4. Drizzle with mayo and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Fold up the sides of the lettuce leaves and then roll them tightly into a cylinder shape.
6. Cut in half and serve immediately.
This sandwich is loaded with protein from the turkey and bacon, healthy fats from the avocado and mayo, and fiber from the veggies. Plus, it’s super filling due to the lettuce leaves being much more substantial than regular bread.
3. Hearty Soups and Stews
For days where you need something warm and comforting, soups and stews can be perfect keto options. Here’s a simple recipe for a low-carb soup that’s sure to hit the spot:
Ingredients:
2 cups bone broth
1/2 lb shrimp, deveined and shellled
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and saute until softened.
3. Add the minced garlic and continue to saute for another minute.
4. Pour in the bone broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the shelled shrimp and chopped bell pepper to the pot and let simmer for about 5 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with additional herbs or spices added if desired.
This soup is rich in protein from the shrimp and healthy fats from the olive oil. It’s also low in carbs since it doesn’t contain any grains or starches.
4. Low Carb Rice Bowls
Rice bowls are a popular meal choice for many people, but they can be difficult to make keto-friendly. However, there are alternatives such as cauliflower rice which works perfectly as a replacement. Here’s a quick recipe for a low-carb rice bowl packed with flavorsome ingredients:
Ingredients:
1 head cauliflower, chopped into small florets
2 cups water
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Place the chopped cauliflower florets onto a baking sheet and toss with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and golden brown.
4. While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the sauce by heating the remaining coconut oil in a pan over medium heat.
5. Add the ground ginger, paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste.
6. Once the cauliflower is done, divide it evenly among four bowls.
7. Top each bowl with the prepared sauce and serve immediately.
This rice bowl is filled with healthy fats from the coconut oil and protein from the roasted cauliflower. It’s also low in carbs since it doesn’t contain any grains or starches.
