13 Low-Carb Dinners That Are Perfect for Spring
Let's get something straight: Carbs are good. They're an essential part of a healthy diet, because they give you energy. Eating the right carbs can actually help with weight loss, if that's a goal of yours. That said, eating a dinner that's lower in carbs has some benefits. "Sugar is our body's main source of energy but we don’t need much energy at night," Amy Shapiro, M.S., R.D., tells SELF. Plus, many low-carb swaps, like vegetable noodles instead of pasta, are also lower in calories, so "you'll be less full, and that means better sleep and better digestion," Shapiro says.
If you're thinking about following a low-carb diet, do your research and make sure you're going about it in a healthy way. If you're just looking to add a few light, low-carb dinners to your normal routine, here are some healthy options that are perfect for spring. Each has no more than 20 grams of carbs per serving, and is guaranteed to be delicious.
http://lindawagner.net/1Easy Spinach Artichoke Frittata from Linda Wagner
This breakfast-for-dinner recipe is great for artichoke lovers who don't want to go all in on dip. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving (1/2 frittata): 345 calories, 12 g carbs
2Flank Steak With Chimichurri from How Sweet It Is
Perfect for nights when you wanna light up the grill and chow down on a good old hunk of meat. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 450 calories, 12 g carbs
Kevin Lynch / http://www.closetcooking.com/3Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Scampi With Zucchini Noodles from Closet Cooking
This low-carb take on a restaurant favorite tastes even better alfresco. It's a little low in calories, so consider doubling the portion size (don't have to tell us twice!). Get the recipe here.
Per one double serving: 340 calories, 14 g carbs
http://fitfoodiefinds.com/2017/03/red-coconut-curry-meatballs-with-cauliflower-rice/4Red Curry Coconut Meatballs With Cauliflower Rice from Fit Foodie Finds
This filling, low-carb recipe yields 4 servings, which means you'll have plenty of leftovers for lunches. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 429 calories, 14 g carbs
http://www.skinnytaste.com/sheet-pan-shrimp-with-broccolini-and-tomatoes/5Sheet Pan Shrimp and Broccolini With Tomatoes from Skinnytaste
This 30-minute light dinner is great for a busy weeknight when you want more than just leftovers or salad. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 238 calories, 9 g carbs
http://www.skinnytaste.com/mini-bell-pepper-loaded-turkey-nachos/6Mini Bell Pepper Loaded Turkey Nachos from Skinnytaste
Everybody feels like nachos for dinner every once in a while. Turn that craving into a healthy way to pack in some extra veggies by swapping tortilla chips for mini bell peppers. Double the serving size to make it dinner-worthy. Get the recipe here.
Per one double serving: 374 calories, 11 g carbs
http://inspiralized.com/7Cold Spiralized Sesame Noodle Salad from Inspiralized
There's a ton of flavor and crunch going on here, thanks to spiralized cucumber, zucchini, and carrot, plus a rich tahini-ginger dressing. Add a serving of shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 255 calories, 14 g carbs
http://www.foodfaithfitness.com/larb-gai-thai-chicken-skillet/8Larb Gai Thai Skillet from Food Faith Fitness
In this twist on a traditional Thai dish, ground chicken serves as the protein base, while riced cauliflower adds volume without adding many carbs or calories. Lots of fresh herbs, spices, lime, and a subtle dose of fish sauce give this skillet its unique flavor profile. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 197 calories, 14 g carbs
http://www.cottercrunch.com/marinated-balsamic-pork-loin-skillet/9Balsamic Pork Loin Skillet from Cotter Crunch
If you're tired of your usual protein choices, pork loin is a great way to mix things up. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 309 calories, 8 g carbs
https://cafedelites.com/10Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad from Cafe Delites
Chicken for protein, avocado for healthy fat, and fresh mozzarella for fun. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 293 calories, 11 g carbs
http://www.cottercrunch.com/easy-jalapeno-shrimp-veggie-bake/11Jalapeño Shrimp and Veggie Bake from Cotter Crunch
This easy bake has just enough butter and cream to make it feel special. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 253 calories, 9 g carbs
http://inquiringchef.com/slow-roasted-halibut-burst-tomatoes-gremolata/12Slow-Roasted Halibut With Burst Tomatoes and Gremolata from Inquiring Chef
Tomatoes aren't in peak season just yet, so slow-roasting them is a good way to bring out as much flavor as possible. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 282 calories, 14 g carbs
http://www.joyfulhealthyeats.com/13Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats from Joyful Healthy Eats
These zucchini boats are cute, delicious, and really fun to eat. Get the recipe here.
Per four boats: 438 calories, 20 g carbs
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