Fajita minus tortilla

Fajita minus tortilla

This was again EASY---my favorite kind of recipe.  I bought the pre-packaged pre-cooked fajita chicken strips.  I combined the chicken with a very small amount of peppers and onions.  Finally, I topped it with cheese and a drizzle of ranch dressing.

This meal actually felt rather indulgent--even minus the delicious tortillas.

I am continuing to feel better with the low-carb lifestyle.  I've cheated a time or two and I always regret it shortly afterward.  I tend to get more headaches and my ulcers are truly awful after a sugar cheat.  

The hardest part seems to be grieving the loss of sugar.  No one loves sugar like I do.  I could compete with any child-anywhere.  If it was possible, I would eat only sugary things--and it would be rare to ever get sick of it.  Cake, ice cream, cheesecake, chocolate, pudding, ice cream (again, because it's the best), frappucinos, cookies, fruit juice and pastries.  Letting go of these delicious things is a true life change for me--and it's going to take some time.

Steak and brussels

Steak and brussel sprouts

I am in LOVE with our grill...and eating outside for dinners.  In about a month, the weather in Nashville will be so brutal that I won't even consider sitting out on the patio for a meal...but for now it is lovely.

The steak was so much better this time.  No marinade, just salt and pepper.  The brussel sprouts were totally inspired by a blog I love: http://barefootfoodie.com

I felt like such an adult cooking, eating and actually enjoying a vegetable that previously scarred me in childhood.  8-year-old me wasn't crazy though.  Ice cream is totally better.

Chicken and asparagus

Grilled chicken and asparagus

This was incredibly simple and extremely good.  I recently learned how to use the grill and I only needed a little assistance this time.

I glazed olive oil on chicken breasts and then sprinkled with Montreal Steak Seasoning-then cooked on the grill with the lid closed for about 10 minutes each side.

The asparagus I cooked on the grill on a pan with butter.  And...now my husband likes asparagus.  Win!  Oh yeah, and my dogs love it too!

Low carb breakfast

Scrambled egg in ham cups

Yah!  I've finally found an easy and filling low carb breakfast option.  Lately, I've been eating string cheese, and while fast, is sincerely not a satisfying kick-start to the day.  This, on the other hand,  makes fabulous portions of a hearty option.  And again, the only carbs are in the vegetables!

• Place 12 round slices of ham into a muffin pan
• Cook on the stove-1 lb. of italian 0 carb sausage
• Combine: 
• 11 eggs
• 1/2 package of shredded spinach
• sausage
• Scramble in large bowl
• Add pepper to taste
• Fill the ham slices with egg mixture
• Top with parmesan cheese
• Cook at 400 degrees for 15 minutes

Steak and cauliflower bake

Steak & Cheesy cauliflower bake

I'm not going to offer the recipe on this one.  I found the cheesy cauliflower bake recipe on Pinterest, but I didn't have all the ingredients so I substituted ones that didn't work as well.

Also, I tried a marinade on the steak that was low carb but based in sugar-free soy sauce and it came out so salty I could barely eat it.  

I will try both again in the future--and I'll post recipes when things are successful!

Zucchini again

Zucchini, egg whites & feta

About six years ago, I worked as a companion for an elderly italian lady.  No matter what she had me cook, try to cook...she always had me add egg whites.  It grew on me and its perfect for low carb.

• Sliced zucchini
• Egg whites
• Feta cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Simple, simple, simple--and so yummy!

Caesar Salad

Caesar Salad

• Pre-cooked chicken strips--warmed up
• Fresh romaine lettuce
• Caesar salad dressing

Parmesan chicken & Zucchini with feta cheese

This one was super easy.  I drizzled olive oil on the chicken, then sprinkled the pre-made parmesan and rosemary mix onto it.  Then I cooked it at 350 for 35 minutes.  The zucchini is sliced then sauteed in olive oil.  At the last minute, toss some feta cheese on top and mix.  

This dinner was actually pretty great.  It was super simple, delicious and the only carbs are from the zucchini.  I'm trying to keep a creative mind with chicken.  It can become so blah if you don't try new seasoning combinations.

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! 

I decided to start this blog as a place to chronicle the low carb cooking ideas that I am working with.  I'm not a great cook, or even much of a cook at all.

However, about five years ago I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and I've struggled with it off and on since then.  I'm finally having some success managing it with a low carb diet.  I don't have celiac disease, but sugar and wheat seem to aggravate my condition.

Now here's the difficult part.  I LOVE sugar.  Love, love, love!!!!  But....I feel much better without it.  Physically.  Mentally and emotionally I still really miss sugar, but yes I'm better without it.

I may or may not offer great recipes--but I will post pictures of meals that are successfully low carb, and hopefully that will continue to motivate me to try new things and think out of the box.