6 Easy Low Carb Dinner Ideas and Recipes for Weight Loss
When we’re feeling worn out, stressed, or just tired of cooking, our brains naturally choose whatever seems easiest. Unfortunately, that often means foods that are high in sugar and simple carbohydrates. That’s why we have gathered recipes for low carb, healthy dinners that you can easily make on a weeknight. These recipes don’t taste like “diet food” – they’re filling, nutritious, and delicious.
Benefits of a Low Carb Diet
A low carb diet focuses on limiting carbohydrates, especially simple carbs like the ones found in white bread, pasta, and many fruits. Following a low carb diet has many benefits, including:
Lower risk for diabetes. Eating a diet high in carbs is one of the biggest risk factors for diabetes. Following a low carb diet helps to keep your blood sugar levels stable.
Lower heart disease risk. While we often think of fats as affecting cholesterol and heart health, carbs are important, too. Limiting your carb intake improves the health of your blood vessels and your heart itself.
Weight loss. Decades of scientific research show that following a low-carb diet results in sustained weight loss.
Steady energy levels. Without high doses of carbs causing your blood pressure to swing from high to low, you may notice steadier energy levels throughout the day.
Easy Low Carb Dinners
Next time you’re at a loss for what to eat, choose from one of these fantastic recipes. Our Mighty Health nutrition team has pulled together some amazing low carb meals that are nutrient dense and taste great. Rich in protein and healthy fats, these meals will sustain you and give you plenty of energy after a busy day. Click the links below for the full low carb recipe and instructions.
Lasagna Stuffed Zucchini Boats
This easy recipe has all of the flavor of an amazing lasagna with none of the carbs from the pasta. Browned ground chicken, bell pepper, and spinach are paired with three kinds of cheese for a decadent but healthy main course. After assembling the zucchini boats, they bake for just 35 minutes, making this a quick weeknight dinner.
Beef and Broccoli
This classic Chinese American dish tastes just like your favorite take-out place without the excess sodium and carbs. Marinating the steak in coconut aminos, ginger, and garlic gives it great flavor. The broccoli and meat cook in minutes, either in a wok or a cast-iron skillet. Serve alone or with cauliflower rice.
Baked Greek Stuffed Tomatoes
Stuffed tomatoes are a delight no matter the season, though they’re particularly tasty when tomatoes are at their peak. After taking the fleshy centers out of the tomatoes, their juices are cooked with the cauliflower rice to create a creamy, rich stuffing. When mixed with ground beef and seasoning, these stuffed tomatoes pack a flavor punch with every bite.
Burrito Zucchini Boats
These zucchini boats have a Tex Mex flair and make a perfect dinner when you’re craving burritos. Halved zucchini are filled with ground beef, black beans, corn, and cherry tomatoes and then topped with cheese. These are infinitely customizable, so add your favorite burrito toppings, such as cilantro, cubed avocado, salsa, or roasted sweet potatoes.
Spaghetti Bolognese with Zoodles
Spaghetti bolognese is indulgent, and this version is incredibly flavorful while remaining low-carb. It relies on pantry staples like onion, garlic, canned tomatoes, and dried herbs. The sauce only takes 15 minutes to simmer, though you can let it simmer longer to let the flavors develop even further.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
This easy low carb meal is suitable for a weeknight dinner but can also make a dramatic main course for Thanksgiving or a dinner party. After cutting acorn squash in half, they are filled with a mixture of ground turkey or beef, mushrooms, and apples, all cooked in chicken stock. The addition of rosemary and a layer of bubbling cheese really makes this dish shine.
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