Low Carb 1

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Low Carb 1

American is fat. I know, kind of a harsh statement, but as harsh as it is, it is true. Unfortunately I fall into that category. But as I write this I have lost 32 pounds and already feel so much better. I have a long way to go, but I will get there.

There are many life plans for loosing weight and then maintaining the loss. So go low fat, some go low calorie and still others go low carbohydrate. The last of those three, the low carbohydrate, was the route I chose. I think what is most important to realize when you begin a new way of life regarding food is to remember that it is a LIFELONG plan. Just because you loose the weight does not mean the next day you can eat a chocolate cake, a bowl of fettuccini and a 20 ounce steak. If you do, the pounds will surely come back..and quickly.

So when choosing a weight loss plan choose one that you can live with fort he rest of your life with minor modifications for maintaining your desired body weight.

Since I have chosen the Low Carbohydrate way of life, today's column will deal with those recipes. If you are interested in undertaking a low carbohydrate eating plan or any other for that matter, please discuss the plan with your doctor BEFORE you begin and research the plan before you start. There are many good books that have easy to follow plans. Some are more harsh than others, so look at them all and choose one that fits your style.

So , for all those low-carbers out there, this column is for you. The numbers in parentheses are the carbohydrate count for each individual ingredient taken from the USDA database. The total carbohydrate counts and per serving counts are at the end of each recipe.

BLT Salad

1 small tomato (6)

4-6 pieces bacon, cooked and drained (0)

1 tablespoon mayonnaise (0)

salt & pepper to taste

1 cup shredded lettuce (2)

1 hard boiled egg (1)

Take a small nice ripe homegrown tomato and dice it, toss it in a

colander to drain a little. In bowl, put in the pieces of bacon that have

been crumbled, along with mayonnaise, salt & pepper, sliced egg, and drained

tomatoes. Mix all together. Spoon onto lettuce leaves, or mix in shredded

lettuce. It tastes just as yummy as any BLT. Servings: 1 Carbohydrates per serving: 9

Cheese and Beef Pinwheels

1/2 pound roast beef from the deli, sliced thin(0)

1 cup cream cheese, room temp(6)

3 tablespoons creamed horseradish(2)

3 tablespoons finely chipped chives(.5)

1/4 cup sliced, stuffed olives(1)

Cream the cheese,and horseradish. Add in chives. Spread cream cheese mixture onto slices of roast beef. Roll up jelly roll fashion, and slice into bite size pieces. Place on a waxed paper lined serving platter. Top each pinwheel with a sliced olive. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving. Serves 6. Total carbohydrate count - 9.5 or about 1.5 per serving.

Asparagus and Brie Soup

1/3 cup butter (0)

1/2 pound asparagus, pared and blanched (12)

1/4 cup soy flour (7)

3 cups chicken broth (0)

1/2 cup white wine (.8)

1 cup heavy cream (6.6)

1/2 cup brie, rind removed (.5)

In a saucepan, melt the butter. Add the asparagus and sauté until tender. Stir in the flour, reduce heat and cook for 2 minutes. Add the broth, wine and cream. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer soup to a food processor or blender and puree.(You can use a hand blender in the pot if you like). Return to pot and reheat. Stir in the cheese and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot. Serves 4 Total carbohydrates - 26.9 or 6.725 per serving

CREAMY CHICKEN TACO SALAD

8 oz. cream cheese, cubed (6)

1/3 cup cream(2)

1 1/2 Cup chopped, cooked chicken (0)

1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies, drained (3)

1/2 teaspoon salt (0)

1/4 teaspoon chili powder or ground cumin (>1)

One large head Iceberg lettuce, shredded (16)

Chopped tomato (optional)

Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (>1)

Combine cream cheese and half and half in saucepan; stir over low heat until smooth. Stir in chicken, chilies and seasonings; heat thoroughly, stirring occasionally. Place lettuce on plate. Spoon some of the chicken mixture onto the lettuce and top with cheese and tomato. Serves 4 Total Carbohydrate Count:27 Per serving:6.75 (carbohydrate count does not include tomato)

Please note that before beginning any weight loss plan or radically changing your eating habits, it is recommended that you speak with your family doctor and make sure you are healthy.