Tips For Enjoying a Low-Carb Summer
Quick, tasty, and healthy can seem like an impossible combination, especially in the summer where days are filled with graduations, celebrations and BBQ's. We want to make it super simple for you by sharing some of our favorite condiments, snacks and family recipes. These easy low-carb and keto tips and recipes are sure to help you achieve a successful low carb summer while maintaining your health goals.
Let's start with condiments! Condiments are a must have in our households! Condiments are clearly not meant to be consumed as your main food, but highly enhance the flavor of your favorite dishes. A few of the keto-friendly condiments that we always have stocked are a variety of hot sauces, G-Hughes BBQ sauce, Heinz no sugar added ketchup, and Primal Kitchen avocado mayo. The latter is perfect for your tuna salad or chicken marinade (recipes below)!
Now let's heat up the grill and talk about protein! We grill beef, chicken and seafood regularly in the summer and these are perfect proteins to keep you satiated and nourished. Hamburgers and hot dogs are especially popular at most BBQ's, probably because they are kid friendly and easier to bulk when serving to a large crowd, unlike ribs. We say, skip the buns, opt in for a lettuce wrap which won't leave you feeling bloated, or serve up low carb bread as buns or pigs in a blanket.
Summer is a great time to also visit your farmers markets and get fresh meat, eggs, dairy and produce. Nowadays there are also amazing local farmers that will deliver high quality protein straight to your door. Walden Local Meat Co. is a local meat share we are checking out that offers 100% grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork and chicken, and wild-caught fish that is raised in New England and New York.
With the right protein, you usually do not need sides, however we all can appreciate how awesome a great piece of grilled [low-carb] bread, roasted vegetables or a light and refreshing salad (see recipe below) can be. When in large groups, preparing a lot of sides also limits the amount of protein you need to prepare.
Most of all it is important to stay hydrated through the summer heat. Skip the ice cold soda that is filled with 39 grams of sugar and enjoy plain or flavored seltzers. Our favorite has been LMNT and Re Lyte electrolyte powders.
Last, but not least, let’s talk about dessert! It’s probably best to keep it simple with seasonal berries and fresh whipped cream which is refreshing and low glycemic. If you enjoy baking or need something more for an occasion then your options are endless with our low carb baking mixes. We like to present both simple and elevated desserts and have curated a website full of low carb and keto friendly recipes for you to try out! Check them out here!
RECIPES
Low Carb Tuna Salad - This is a classic comfort food that is simple to make with very few ingredients and can be enjoyed in a lettuce wrap or sandwich made with ROSETTE'S low carb bread.
- 2 cans/packs of tuna
- 2-3 tbsp mayonnaise, to bind the ingredients
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 tbsp red onion, diced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- salt, to taste
- 1/4 avocado, optional
- 1-2 tbsp diced jalapeño, if you like it spicy
Drain the tuna and mix it with the mayonnaise, celery, red onion, salt and any personal favorite add ons in a bowl. Season all the flavors to your liking. Break up any large pieces of tuna while mixing. Enjoy!
Grilled Chicken Marinade - This should be adjusted to the amount of chicken you are preparing. Unlike with baking, we don't usually follow measurements when cooking. When asked, Armenians typically respond by saying "achki chap", which translates to measure with your eye. This recipe is for a family pack of chicken.
- 6 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1/4 cup lemon juice or avocado mayo
- 3 tbsp Oregano or Parsley
- 2 tbsp Pepper paste, hot
- 1 tbsp of Sumac
- 2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Allspice
- Salt, to taste
- Avocado Oil, drizzle
Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl, add the chicken and marinate for at least one hour, the longer, the bolder the flavor.
Cucumber-Tomato Salad - This salad is light and refreshing and consists of tomatoes, cucumbers and herbs. Combine all of the following in a bowl and serve as mezze (first course) or a side.
- mini cucumbers, chopped
- tomatoes, chopped
- scallions, thinly sliced
- parsley, chopped
- mint, chopped
- avocado oil
- lemon juice, to taste
- salt, to taste