Low carb meal suggestions

[Unicorn.]

I want to start cutting out some carbs in our diet, especially bread. Dd and ds have gained a lot of weight in the last 2 years, and I've been trying to figure out what has been different. I realized that one, I stopped controlling the portion size, and two, we started eating sandwiches almost every day for lunch. I have already switched from white bread/tortillas, to whole grain or whole wheat, but would like to cut back on those too.

 

Ds (14) starts private school next week, and I will be packing his lunch. So what I'm mostly looking for is ideas other than sandwiches that will travel well, and fill up a hungry teenage boy.

[LizzyBee]

Do they like salads?

 

I've lost weight by stopping to think whether I'm actually hungry or not before taking seconds, and eating a lot of salads. If I have a salad for a meal, I add protein in some form. Chicken, hard-boiled egg, a 2.5 oz pkg of tuna or salmon all work well. I watch for the little pkgs of tuna and salmon to go on sale for $1, then I buy a bunch of them. The albacore tuna isn't as fishy if your kids aren't really tuna fans.

[Aggie]

We rarely have bread here and we seem to take meals with us almost everyday.

 

I try to cook extra meat at night so we have some for the next day. Smoked turkey, hamburgers, meatloaf, and grilled chicken are good hot or cold.

 

Hummus, though not technically low carb, is healthy, delicious, and easy to take. Also pack some almonds, walnuts or raw sunflower seeds.

 

Lots of fruit and veggies. Baby carrots, radishes, and any fruit that's on sale.

 

Will he have access to a microwave or fridge at school? If so, after supper, make a plate for his lunch the next day.

 

hth!

[Aggie]

Do they like salads?

 

I've lost weight by stopping to think whether I'm actually hungry or not before taking seconds, and eating a lot of salads. If I have a salad for a meal, I add protein in some form. Chicken, hard-boiled egg, a 2.5 oz pkg of tuna or salmon all work well. I watch for the little pkgs of tuna and salmon to go on sale for $1, then I buy a bunch of them. The albacore tuna isn't as fishy if your kids aren't really tuna fans.

 

Those packages of albacore are wonderful! And hard boiled eggs...he'll probably need 2-3 for lunch.

 

Also...cottage cheese with some fruit or even tomatoes. My dh likes to put pepper in his. I like mine sweet. :)

[Unicorn.]

I'm ok w/ carbs from beans/peas etc. Mostly I'm wanting to get rid of breads/tortillas. He likes hummus, but won't touch fish, boiled eggs, celery, or cottage cheese. And no, he won't have access to a microwave. :P

[Lolosoli]

One of the things I'm doing/trying is making sandwiches..but, with lettuce (especially romaine hearts) as the "bread".

[RahRah]

Cold cut roll-ups (ham + cheese, turkey + cheese, roast beef + cheese, salami-ham-pepperoni + cheese)

 

Ham + canteloupe + cheddar...all cut up separate, bit size

 

Chicken or turkey Salad made with mayo, pecans, and a few dried cranberries....along with baby carrots, broccoli florets or other veggies with ranch dip (they sell individual serving size)

 

Plain or low-sugar, whole-milk yogurt with walnuts, pecans or slivered almonds, berries of choice to mix together

 

Salads - cobb, chef, etc. - salad dressing packed separate so it doesn''t wilt the salad greens

 

Deviled eggs

 

Homemade soup with lots of vegetables (beef, chicken, turkey, etc.)

[RahRah]

One of the things I'm doing/trying is making sandwiches..but, with lettuce (especially romaine hearts) as the "bread".

 

If there is a Jimmy John's around, the OP could order one of their sandwwiches to watch and see how they do it.....their roll-up technique makes the "sandwich" tight!