When I first started low carb for Type 1 diabetes, I was worried about what sort of thing I was going to be able to eat. I was pleasantly surprised to discover I could still enjoy the meals I love, just made with slightly different ingredients! Below are a few of my favorite low carb / keto meals:
Breakfast:
Chaffles
A savory waffle made from grated mozzarella cheese and egg. I make a big batch each month and keep them in the freezer. Warming them up only takes 2-3 minutes in the toaster, so they are great for a quick breakfast. High in protein, tasty and filling. They can also be made sweet! Recipe: Keto Chaffles Recipe by Wholesome Yum
Pancakes
Made with almond flour and sweetener, or a store-bought low carb pancake mix. I also batch cook and freeze these. I love serving them with some sugar free syrup and a few berries! To make a chocolate version, I add a tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder to the mix. Recipe: Almond Cream Cheese Pancakes by Sugar Free Londoner
Greek Yogurt with Granola
I buy plain, whole Greek yogurt which is around 4g carbs per 100g. If I want it flavored or sweetened, I add a couple of stevia drops or flavoring like banana essence or vanilla. You can buy low carb granola, or for a cheaper option make it at home. Recipe: Keto Peanut Butter Granola by All Day I Dream About Food
Eggs
Scrambled, fried, boiled, poached… any way is good! I love scrambled, but recently my go-to has been dippy eggs with low carb bread (store-bought or homemade).
Smoothie Bowl
I experimented with making a low carb smoothie bowl and I was pleasantly surprised at how well it turned out! I just added a few berries, unsweetened almond milk, unflavored protein powder and here’s the secret ingredient for that gorgeous color – purple cauliflower. You honestly can’t taste the cauliflower at all, just the sweetness from the berries. You can also add avocado to make it extra creamy. Much more filling than regular smoothies too! Recipe: Healthy Keto Electrolyte Smoothie Bowls by Keto Diet App
Lunch:
“Picky Plate”
A typical lunch for me, just grabbing what I fancy out of the refrigerator! I try to make sure whatever I have on my plate is a good balance of protein, fat and nutrients. My go- tos are chicken, ham, cheese, pâté, olives, berries and veggies. I recently had a go at making homemade sauerkraut. Recipe: Homemade Sauerkraut by The Kitchn
Omelette
I’ve always loved omelettes and my blood sugars really love them too. I usually have one before a long hike, and I stay satiated and steady throughout. There are so many options for fillings, too – ham & cheese, spinach and goat cheese, pesto, avocado etc.
Stuffed Peppers
So quick and easy to make! I make these ahead of time if I’m going to be at the office or out for the day. Just chop a pepper in half and add fillings of choice (my favorites are tuna and cheddar cheese) and bake. Warm, sweet and filling! Recipe: Low Carb Stuffed Bell Peppers by Food.com
Sandwich/Wrap
Low carb doesn’t mean you can’t have sandwiches or wraps anymore! I’m always on the lookout to find great low carb alternatives or homemade recipes for traditionally higher carb items. I’ll either use store-bought or my own homemade low carb bread, and the same for wraps too. Most of the time I can’t even tell the difference between the low carb version and the high carb version!
Veggie Scramble
Spicy stir-fried chopped vegetables with a couple of eggs scrambled in or on top. Super filling and nutritious. I add cottage cheese to mine for extra protein.
Dinner:
Creamy Carbonara
Traditionally high carb, but amazing low carb too! I buy soy bean spaghetti from Aldi (3.0g carbs per serving), or alternatively you could use courgetti/zoodles.
Chicken/Steak and Veggies with Swede Fries
Swede (or rutabaga) is a great alternative to regular fries. Celeriac is another good substitute. If I have a bit more time on my hands I love making what I call “proper” fries by Heavenly Fan.
Low Carb Pizza
Perfect for a Friday night and simple, quick and easy to make too. It’s so lovely to be able to enjoy pizza without worrying about it negatively affecting my blood sugars. I usually make the dough ahead of time, roll into a base and then freeze, to make life even easier! Recipe: Fathead Pizza Crust by Wholesome Yum
Chicken Tikka with Cauliflower Rice
My favorite Indian dish. Amazingly, small poppadums are only 3g carb each so I usually have a poppadum too. Recipe: Keto Chicken Tikka by Headbangers Kitchen
Sticky Ribs and Veggies
My mind was blown last year when I found a low carb recipe for sweet BBQ sauce. Paired with good quality ribs from the butcher and you’re in for a treat. P.S. Carolyn Ketchum, you are a genius! Recipe: Sugar Free BBQ Sauce by All Day I Dream About Food
These are just a few of my favorites, but there are so many more incredible low carb recipes out there! Steady blood sugars and delicious food – what more could you want?
