Va Va Veggies

As important as veggies are on a low carb diet, I thought I'd share some of my favorite ways to eat them. Truly, I think it would be hard to be on a healthy low carb diet without them. I know there are cases out there where people eat eggs, bacon and other meats only and lose weight. But I am not one of these low carbers. Eventually, the fat content is going to catch up with you and you're either going to have a cholesterol problem or a heart attack or some other kind of health problem. So, in order to do Atkins or any other low carb diet program the right way, you're going to have to eat your veggies.

I don't see this as a problem, however. I have always loved vegetables (more than fruit.) My favorite veggies to eat raw are cucumber, yellow and red peppers, cauliflower and carrots. You should stay away from carrots when you're in induction because they have a slightly higher sugar content than other vegetables, but I have eaten a lot of carrots and maintained my weight loss.

If you're like me, though, I've gotta have my dip. If you like ranch dip, here's a great solution. You can make the perfect ranch dip by combining one part sour cream with one part store-bought ranch dressing (Kraft, Wishbone - my favorite, or Hidden Valley Ranch .... even a generic brand will do.) It's a simple concept, I know, but I'm glad I know this because it makes the perfect veggie dip. I also love Toby's Tofu Pate (which I've mentioned before) and spinach dips. Usually, after I go grocery shopping, I chop up my veggies in bite-sized pieces and put them in some tupperware, so that they're always available for a snack.

As far as cooked veggies go, I love steamed broccoli and cauliflower. And I'm not shy with butter after they're steamed; butter is an indulgence I allow myself on the low carb diet. You have to have some indulgences if you ask me. Otherwise you'll go back to your regular patterns because you'll feel as though your diet is a compromise to enjoying food. I will never give up my enjoyment of food; I've found so many delicious things to eat on the low carb diet that I don't need to.

One final note on a product I love: Green Giant Broccoli and Cheese Sauce (I can't find a way to buy it online, but you'll find it at any grocer). I love broccoli and cheese and have tried other cheeses and combinations but this is by far my favorite. Here's why: It comes in a large bag, enough for 4-5 servings, and the cheese is in frozen chunks in the bag, rather than in a separate bag. This way, you just serve yourself some broccoli pieces and some cheese pieces, pop in in the microwave and you have a steamy hot treat. It's very yummy for a midnight snack or as a side dish with some meat, chicken or fish. Go ahead, try it!