Monday, May 9, 2016

Low Carb Onion Rings




I’ve really been missing onion rings since I went low carb.

Which is weird because it’s not like I ate them a lot before.  I guess, like anything, it’s the knowing I can’t have them that makes me want them more!

I prefer beer battered onion rings, which these are not.  But as a low carb substitute, they did have everything I look for in an onion ring.



Crunchy and savory on the outside – sweet and soft on the inside…

Mission accomplished!

These low carb onion rings are super easy to make.

My only change would be to cut them thicker than I did, as my breading to onion ratio was a little heavier than I would have liked. Next time I’ll cut the onion rings to about 1/2 inch thick.

Some people have commented that the breading didn’t stick to their onion rings. Please note that it’s important that your oil is hot enough to weld it on there almost instantly.



Also, you have to bread the onion rings individually, a couple at a time, not just dump the whole lot into the egg and then right into the breading in one pile.

If you do that you’ll get a lumpy mess and nothing will adhere to the actual onions.

Recipe type: Appetizer
Cuisine: Onion rings
Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS
1 large onion
1 egg
2 Tbsp coconut flour
2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
⅛ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp parsley flakes
⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
salt to taste
¼ cup olive oil for frying
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat the oil in a medium saute pan.
Meanwhile, beat the egg in a shallow bowl. Combine the coconut flour, parmesan, garlic powder, parsley flakes, cayenne and salt in a shallow bowl.
Slice up your onion to a thickness of about ½ - ¾ of an inch and break up the rings until you have a big pile. Add all of the onion rings to the beaten egg and mix thoroughly so they are well coated. Soak the onions in the egg for at least a minute, and then in small batches dip in the coating and then into the hot oil.
Fry until golden brown and then turn with a fork or tongs to brown the other side. Remove to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
Serve with sugar free ketchup or the sauce of your choice. Enjoy!

NUTRITION INFORMATION
Calories: 175 Fat: 16g Carbohydrates: 4g net Protein: 3g
source:http://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/2012/06/low-carb-onion-rings.html

Low Carb Blender Sherbert




This Low Carb Blender Sherbet recipe has zero carbs and whips together quickly.

Minutes to Prepare: 2
Number of Servings: 1

Ingredients

1 small box sugar free gelatin (4 serving size) any flavor
1 T Heavy whipping cream
½ tsp vanilla
⅓ cup boilng water
⅓ cup ice cold water or sugar free soda
1½ cup crushed ice
Additional non caloric flavoring or sweetener (opt.)



Directions



Pour dry gelatin into a small mixing bowl.
Add ⅓ cup boiling water and stir until gelatin is dissolved.
Pour ⅓ cup cold water (or soda) over dissolved gelatin along with the vanilla and cream as well as any other non-caloric sweeteners or flavorings you desire.
Place 1½ crushed ice in blender and pour gelatin mixture over ice. Blend until smooth and serve immediately or put covered in freezer.


Serving Size: Makes 1 serving

Number of Servings: 1

Nutritional Info
Servings Per Recipe: 1
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 62.8
Total Fat: 5.6 g
Cholesterol: 20.5 mg
Sodium: 75.9 mg
Total Carbs: 0.7 g
Dietary Fiber: 0.0 g
Protein: 0.3 g
source:https://recipes.sparkpeople.com



Sunday, May 8, 2016

Low Carb Peanut Butter Pie




Just 3 ingredients, no-bake, and low carb too! This Peanut Butter Pie is a rich, creamy dessert that really satisfies when you want something sweet to eat.

Disclosure: Life Tastes Good is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, to help with blog expenses when you make a purchase through an affiliate link. Thank you for your support!



Whether you are eating a low carb diet due to allergies, health reasons, or if you just want to lose a few pounds, you are going to love this easy-to-make, tasty treat that only has 2 carbs per serving. Shoot, even if you aren't on a low carb diet you'll want to sink your teeth into this no-bake, creamilicious peanut butter pie, because it is sooooo good!

Years ago, probably about 20 of them, I discovered low carb dieting and it helped me to lose the baby weight after having my daughter. In addition to losing weight in all the right places, I also noticed I felt great! My system seems to 'fire on all cylinders', so to speak, when I'm limiting my carb intake. I found a little paperback book for the Atkin's Diet and read it cover to cover. That book is where I found the recipe for this Low Carb Peanut Butter Pie. One taste and I was hooked! I got my neighbor hooked on this pie too. It seemed one of us always had it chilling in the fridge!


Over the years I've strayed from my low carb lifestyle, but for the past couple months I have been back on track and reaping the benefits. I have more energy, I'm more alert, my brain fog has lifted, and I've lost 30 lbs! Yep, I'm feeling great! I'm not advocating for a low carb diet, I'm just sharing what works for me. Not everyone reacts the same to limiting carbs, so be sure to listen to your body if you decide to go that route. It's always best to check with your doctor before making a lifestyle change.

To make this scrumptious treat I mixed peanut butter, cream cheese, and whipped cream together. Because I was sharing this with my mom and husband, I added a little bit of sugar substitute to sweeten it just a tad for them. And by little I mean one of those sugar packets like you put in your coffee. Yeah, it didn't need much. I suggest tasting it and adding sugar substitute a little at a time until it's as sweet as you like it, because we're all different.

Once I had it mixed up and tasting just right, I transferred it from the mixing bowl to a parchment lined 8x8" square pan and popped it in the freezer until set - about an hour. Then I store it in the fridge and enjoy a little piece each day. To serve I grated some chocolate on for garnish, but remember chocolate will add carbs, so be careful and use sparingly. Just a touch goes a long way! I look forward to the creamy goodness of this Peanut Butter Pie each day!

Ingredients

1 cup all natural peanut butter
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar free Cool Whip
sugar substitute to taste (optional)



Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup peanut butter with 1 (8 ounce) package softened cream cheese until well mixed.
Fold in sugar free cool whip until well combined.
Give it a taste and add sugar substitute as needed.
Line an 8x8" square pan with parchment paper and transfer the peanut butter mixture into the pan. Spreading it around to evenly distribute. Cover and place in freezer until solid - about an hour. Slice into 16 pieces. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy!
Yield: 16 servings
Prep Time: 10 mins.
Total time: 10 mins.

source:http://ourlifetastesgood.blogspot.com/2015/05/low-carb-peanut-butter-pie.html

Low Carb Jalapeno Popper Chicken




    Boy, oh boy do I have something special to share with y’all today!  My Sister/BFF/Photographer is doing the low carb thing and she came up with a low carb version of the popular Jalapeno Popper Chicken that you could serve to both low carbers and non-low carbers alike!  (If you really wanted to add a carb-y side as an option, might I suggest this Mexican Cilantro Rice)



Low Carb Smothered Jalapeno Popper Chicken
Ingredients
6 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
salt and pepper to taste

For the Jalapeno Popper Layer
5 slices of bacon, diced
1/4 cup jalapeno slices, diced (the kind in the jar that you put on nachos)
1/4 cup diced onion
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup Kraft grated Parmesan
For the Topping
1 bag of crushed Pork Skins
1/2 cup Kraft grated Parmesan Cheese
4 TBSP butter, melted


Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Place chicken breast in a 13×9 casserole dish and bake until juices run clear.  30-40 minutes, depending on the size of the breast.   While chicken is baking, fry bacon pieces until crispy.  Remove bacon and add onions and saute until tender.  Remove from heat and add crispy bacon, onions, jalapenos, cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar and Parmesan cheese.  Mix until well combined.  Remove chicken from oven and reduce to 350 degrees.  Spread jalapeno popper mixture all over each Chicken breast until well covered.
For the Crumb topping: mix together the crushed pork skins, Parmesan cheese and melted butter.  Sprinkle on top of jalapeno popper topped chicken.  Bake until the tops are lightly browned, about 15 minutes.  ENJOY!!!
source:http://www.auntbeesrecipes.com/2014/01/low-carb-jalapeno-popper-chicken.html

EASY, LOW CARB BACON BROCCOLI SALAD




THE UBIQUITOUS BACON BROCCOLI SALAD DELIVERS GREAT CRUNCH AND FLAVOR. THIS VERSION IS EASY, LOW CARB, DAIRY-FREE, AND TOTALLY CUSTOMIZABLE.

This raw broccoli salad has been around forever. I think the first time I had it was for my engagement party 20 years ago, which my mother so graciously hosted at home. It was a very small affair with only family and a close friend in attendance. Hey, East Coast Family, we all miss you!



The traditional version of this easy, low carb bacon broccoli salad calls for raisins, but we enjoy subbing cranberries. The dressing calls for sugar, but we find that by subbing erythritol, xylitol or stevia, we get the same great sweetenss for less carbs. And, because this recipe is dairy-free, I know this is something my daughter can have. Toppings are always fun and we add toasted sesame seeds, toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds or even toasted nuts, for a crunch factor.

This is one of my go-to salads in the Summer because it goes with most mains. Also, my kids like broccoli and are guaranteed to eat it.  This recipe makes a lot, but we eat it with our lunches and dinner and I have been know to have it for breakfast, too.  My friends can always count on me to bring this easy, low carb bacon broccoli salad to all of our gatherings. Why? Well, it’s my favorite!


Do you have a favorite version on this salad? How do you make it yours?

THIS AMAZING LOW CARB BACON BROCCOLI SALAD IS 2 NET CARBS PER SERVING

NGREDIENTS
2 pounds broccoli florets (about two big heads and stalks cut and trimmed)
½ pound bacon
1½ ounces green onion
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons white vinegar
3 tablespoons Swerve (or powdered erythritol or stevia glycerite to taste)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Order Ingredients
INSTRUCTIONS

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Cook and crumble the bacon.
Trim and cut broccoli into bit sized pieces.
Slice the scallions.
Mix the ingredients for the dressing.
Assemble before serving and garnish with your favorite topping.
source:http://www.lowcarbmaven.com/easy-low-carb-bacon-broccoli-salad


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Saturday, May 7, 2016

8 SMOOTHIE IDEAS UNDER 150 CALORIES




Today, I have 10 delicious smoothie recipe/ideas to share. The best part is, that they are all around 150 calories or less!

One of the ways I keep the calorie count down on my afternoon smoothie is by using Silk Unsweetened Almond or Coconut Milk. Depending on the flavor you choose, the calories range from 35 to 60. And now, Silk has a new option: Silk Almond Coconut Blend in Unsweetened and Original. I love the hint of coconut and the unsweetened version is only 35 calories for 8 oz! Plus they are non-GMO Certified. (Be sure to read about that if you are unfamiliar with that certification.)

The next time you’re tempted to grab an unhealthy snack, try one of these smoothies instead:



1. Cherrylicious
1 cup frozen cherries + 1/4 cup chopped pineapple + 1/2 cup low sugar orange juice or apple juice + 1/2 cup Unsweetened Almond Coconut Blend + 1/4 cup ice if needed (unless I am using all frozen fruit- I usually add a handful of ice to my smoothies)

2. Strawberry Banana
3/4 cup strawberries + 1/2 banana + 3/4 cup Unsweetened Almond Coconut Blend



3. Tropical Green Smoothie
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk + 3/4 cup pineapple (cubed) + 1/2 banana + 1/2 cup spinach + 1/2 cups ice

4. Peaches and Cream
1 cup sliced peaches + 1/2 cup Unsweetened Almond Coconut Blend

5. Pineapple Coconut
1 cup frozen pineapple + 3/4 cup Unsweetened Silk Coconut Milk

6. Creamsicle:
1/2 cup orange juice + 1/2 cup Unsweetened Almond Coconut Blend + 1 cup Frozen Mango Chunks

7. Good Morning Smoothie
4 oz orange juice + 1/2 banana +1/2 cups frozen mixed berries +
4 oz Unsweetened Almond Coconut Blend

8. Pomegranate Mixed Berry
1 cup frozen mixed berries + 4 oz pomegranate juice + 1/2 medium banana + 4 oz Unsweetened Almond Coconut Blend.

Smoothie tips:

Use fresh or frozen fruit (or a combo of both) If you use fresh, you will need to add about 1/2 cup of ice.) Ripe bananas work best.
Load the container in the proper order—liquids first, then soft fruits or vegetables, greens, and ice on top.
Depending on sweetness of the fruit, you might need a bit of sweetener, use honey, agave, maple syrup, Stevia, sugar substitute, apple juice, or a little sugar a tiny bit at a time.
All blenders are different, and will process, the ingredient at a different rate so if your Smoothie is too thin: Add a bit more fruit/banana/ice. If it is too thick: add a bit more Silk Almond/Coconut Milk or low sugar juice.
Optional add-ins to bump up the nutritional content: 1/2 avocado, (will add creaminess w/out changing the flavor) Handful of baby spinach, chia or flax seed, protein powder, nut butters, yogurt or even cooked oatmeal.
source:http://www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com/

Low Carb Smoothie Recipes (with natural ingredients except the sweetener!




Low Carb Smoothie Recipes
These low carb smoothie recipes are fast and delicious. Enjoy them for breakfast, or as a dessert at the end of a meal. One caveat:  if you are severely insulin resistant, whey protein might stall weight loss and interfere with ketosis because it does spike insulin.  However, whey protein is really good for your gut and your immune system, so it's an individual decision.



Creamy Chocolate Milk

This makes two servings.

16 ounces unsweetened almond milk
Low carb sweetener (stevia, etc) to taste
4 ounces heavy cream
1 scoop Jay Robb Enterprises - Whey Chocolate Isolate powder
1/2 cup crushed ice (optional: add if you like a thick drink, but the flavor will be less intense.)
Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. This recipe can be doubled, as can most low carb smoothie recipes.


Nutrition info for one serving: 292 calories, 25 grams of fat, 15 grams of protein, 4 carbs.
Strawberry Almond Smoothie

This makes two servings.

16 ounces unsweetened almond milk
Low carb sweetener (stevia, etc) to taste
4 ounces heavy cream
1/4 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries
1 scoop Jay Robb Enterprises - Whey Vanilla Isolate powder
powder

Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth, adding a little water to thin if needed. This is slightly higher in carbohydrates so make sure to measure those strawberries.

Nutrition info for one serving: 304 calories, 25 grams of fat, 15 grams of protein, 7 grams carb, 1 gram fiber.

Orange Creamsicle Cooler

This makes two servings.

16 ounces unsweetened almond milk
Low carb sweetener (stevia, etc) to taste
4 ounces heavy cream
1 scoop
Jay Robb Tropical Dreamsicle Whey powder
1/2 cup crushed ice (optional: add if you like a thick drink, but the flavor will be less intense.)
  Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. This recipe doubles well.



Nutrition info for one serving: 290 calories, 25 grams of fat, 15 grams of protein, 4 carbs.
Blueberry Almond Smoothie

This makes two servings.

16 ounces unsweetened almond milk
Low carb sweetener (stevia, etc) to taste
4 ounces heavy cream
1/4 cup frozen unsweetened blueberries
1 scoop Jay Robb Enterprises - Whey Vanilla Isolate powder
 Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Add a little water if it becomes too thick. Measure those blueberries as they add more carbs.

Nutrition info for one serving: 302 calories, 25 grams of fat, 15 grams of protein, 6 grams carbs, 1 grams fiber.

Cream and Soda Sparkler

This makes one serving.

2 ounces heavy cream
1-2 tablespoons DaVinci Sugar Free Raspberry Syrup
Sparkling flavored water, such as La Croix berry flavor (make sure it is unsweetened)
Put cream and raspberry syrup in glass. Pour sparkling water in a little at a time, it will foam a lot. Stir with long handled spoon and enjoy. Variations: Change up flavors (La Croix comes in lime, grapefruit, lemon, raspberry/cranberry, and the Da Vinci flavored syrups made with splenda come in lots of different flavors)
Nutrition info for one serving: 206 calories, 22 grams of fat, 1 gram of protein, 2 carbs.
source:http://www.ketogenic-diet-resource.com/