Truth be told friends, I'm not a fan of complicated math BUT I can add...seriously!
After reading my first blog you may be asking yourself, how in the world could you possibly keep making "normal meals" sticking to the rule book for healthy eating. The answer lies within "1+1=ZERO".
Here's a fact: If you consume 5 grams carbs, but the food you're eating contains 3 grams fiber...you're actually only "processing" 2 grams carbs. The fiber cancels out the carbs! So the key to eating something a bit higher in carbs, would be to "cancel it out" by eating high fiber.
Fruits for instance, are very high in sugar. All very satisfying with some nutritional value, but if your goal is weight loss...there are quite a few fruits that may surprise you. Here are the list of fruits to stay away from...they are the highest carb and lowest fiber fruits (listed from worst to "best"):
Tangerines - Cherries - Grapes - Mangos - Bananas - Oranges - Pineapple - Pears - Melons
Ok friends.. here's the GOOD news! There are fruits that have lower sugars and higher fiber:
BERRIES!!! Strawberry, blueberry, raspberry....if it's a berry, you're good to go. (sidenote...do NOT add this berry to yogurt if you are in weight loss mode...yogurt is very high in sugar and will counter any effort to remain carb counscious).
Now that you know what's ok for breakfast or snack...Here's a meal that is Tasty, filling and warm for the tummy! Introducing...the carb friendly version of VEGETABLE BEEF SOUP! Remember what i said about fiber...the more you consume the more weight you will lose. Keep that in mind when you're choosing your vegetables (featured in the next blog).
2 lbs round steak (Preferably grilled for flavor before adding to the soup) and diced into 1 inch cubes.
2 tbsn Olive oil
1 bag (produce area) or 1/2 lb Fresh green beans cut into 2 inch pieces.
4 celery stalks diced
1 large onion diced
1 garlic clove crushed
3-4 cups water (preference on how much broth you prefer)
1 16oz can diced tomatoes (fire roasted or garlic) I've used 2 cans...either way works.
1/4-1/2 Head cabbage chopped
Frozen box or bag of spinach
LOTS of pepper to taste
Sea Salt to taste
Saute the green beans, celery, onion and garlic for 10 minutes. Add the water and stir in beef, cabbage, spinach and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then cover and down to a low/medium simmer for 1.5 hours. I use a dutch oven which seems to shave off some of the "simmer" time.
Sidenote: The pepper adds a TON of flavor to this soup...
This was the VERY first southbeach diet recipe I made 6 years ago and i've been making it ever since. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do (as a matter of fact I made it yesterday and will be having it for lunch today!).
Happy cooking, eating and dishwashing!
