Lower carb dinners are also considered diabetic-friendly, with lower saturated fat levels and a focus on complex carbs and whole grains.
As summer weather nears, without even realizing it, I find my dinner menu planning transitioning to even more healthy, unprocessed foods and low carb dinners.
I don’t eliminate carbs, but do find them taking a backseat in the warmer months. Replacing them with foods like:
- Zucchini
- Cauliflower
- Meats
- Avocado
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Seafood
Foods that I normally serve with rice transition to other options.
Rice Substitution Ideas
This is a list of some of my favorite rice substitutions. For more ideas, this article has a good deal of nutrition information and more ideas.
- Barley
- Quinoa
- Riced cauliflower
- Riced broccoli
- Shredded cabbage
- Couscous
- Bulgur wheat
- Farro
Here’s what we’re cooking this week:
30 Minute Low Carb Dinners
Monday is a bright and delicious meatless stir-fry with all the veggies. Serve over brown rice or one of the ideas for rice substitutions above.
On Tuesday we’re making breaking out the slow cooker for an easy shredded taco. If you have leftovers, but sure and freeze the meat for simple dinners later in the season. Load up on healthy condiments (tomatoes, avocados, lettuce, and cabbage are some ideas).
Wednesday’s dinner features a super simple Instant Pot dinner with chicken thighs and baby bok choy. It’s the bok choy I’m drooling over this week! Again, add one of the rice substitutions above for variety in your carbs.
I love everything Mediterranean, and this fish dish, while we’ve had it on the menu before, is so tasty and healthy and delicious, that it’s on repeat this week.
For Friday, it’s salad night and homemade chicken tenders with Everything Bagel Seasoning. You know that’s going to be good!
The treat is also low carb — although, it’s a treat. But it’s summery and delicious… and we’ve been good all week.
Low Carb Dinners, in 30 minutes or less. It’s what’s on the menu this last full week of May. Delicious, full of flavor, easy to make, and as always, healthy!
Monday: Mushroom and Tofu Stir-Fry
“This tofu veggie stir-fry is quick and easy, making it a great go-to weeknight meal. Baked tofu has a firm, toothsome texture that crisps well in a hot pan. You can find it in flavors like teriyaki and sesame, both of which are delicious here. Or opt for a smoked version, which has the same texture with a more robust flavor. Serve over brown rice.”
Tuesday: Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef Tacos
“Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef is fall-apart-tender, braised in a somewhat spicy tomato-chipotle sauce, that makes amazing tacos. Or whatever else your heart desires.”
Wednesday: Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken Thighs with Bok Choy
For a quick healthy weeknight dinner, try this Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken Thighs with Bok Choy. Deliciously simple with all of the flavors you love in favorite Chinese takeout. To keep it lower carb, serve with brown rice, quinoa, lentils, or cauliflower rice.
Thursday: Herb Mediterranean Fish with Wilted Greens
“This Mediterranean fish recipe makes a tasty and healthful weeknight meal. Serve with wild rice or roasted potatoes.”
Friday: Homemade Chicken Tenders with Everything Bagel Seasoning over Salad
“Using everything bagel spice is a quick way to season and add extra crunch to breadcrumbs for chicken tenders. If you can’t find any premixed, make your own by combining equal parts dried minced onion and garlic, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, salt and ground pepper. This healthy chicken recipe tops a simple salad for an easy dinner that’s ready in 25 minutes.”
Treat: Summer Berry No Churn Ice Cream
This Summer Berry No Churn Ice Cream is a 4-ingredient, incredibly easy-to-make treat. It’s deliciously smooth, creamy, and packed with summer berry flavor.
