There's nothing quite like the crush of work stress [1] and family responsibilities to throw you off your weight-loss goals [2]. When you need to satisfy a deadline-induced craving for a crunchy snack [3] or throw together a weeknight dinner fast, it's essential to have simple, healthy recipes in your back pocket. These low-carb dishes will help you do just that. From make-ahead snacks like kale chips and roasted edamame to breakfasts, lunches, and dinners that require few ingredients or dishes [4], or very little prep time, you'll have everything you need to stay on track. Here's to a healthier, happier you — whatever the week throws your way.
Sheet-Pan Fajitas
In just under 20 minutes, you can transform a boring chicken breast into the most juicy and zesty fajita filling. Serve it with cauliflower rice [5] or low-carb tortillas.
Get the recipe: sheet-pan fajitas [6]
Carbs per serving: 6 grams
Baked Eggs in Avocado
This super-filling breakfast is rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids [7], and there's nothing simpler than cracking an egg into an avocado and popping it in the oven.
Get the recipe: egg baked in an avocado [8]
Carbs per serving: 18 grams
Kale Chips
Creamy vegan cashew cheese meets crunchy, zesty kale chips for this delicious low-carb snack.
Get the recipe: kale chips [9]
Carbs per serving: 11 grams
Baked Buffalo Wings
This recipe for baked wings cuts the calories in half but doesn't compromise on texture or taste.
Get the recipe: baked buffalo wings [10]
Carbs per serving: 5 grams
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
This delicious recipe uses the spaghetti squash as its own bowl, which makes for easy clean-up.
Get the recipe: spaghetti squash lasagna [11]
Carbs per serving: 14 grams
Parmesan Crusted Salmon With Roasted Broccoli
This crispy salmon dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, and you'll use just one pan.
Get the recipe: parmesan crusted salmon with roasted broccoli [12]
Carbs per serving: 15 grams
Lemon Garlic Black Pepper Shrimp
Your family or guests will never guess that this garlicky, buttery shrimp was ready in just 15 minutes. Serve it with zoodles, cauliflower rice, or roasted veggies for a filling meal.
Get the recipe: lemon garlic black pepper shrimp [13]
Carbs per serving: 2 grams
Thai Citrus Chicken Salad
To make this office-ready salad even more low-carb, omit the sugar in the dressing or replace it with a low-calorie sweetener.
Get the recipe: Thai citrus chicken salad [14]
Carbs per serving: 12 grams
Zucchini Pizza Bites
This saucy, cheesy snack will make you nostalgic for the pizza bites of your childhood — but they contain far fewer carbs.
Get the recipe: zucchini pizza bites [15]
Carbs per serving: 12 grams
Creamy, Low-Carb Cauliflower "Potato" Salad
Cauliflower does it again [16] in this "potato" salad dish. Prep it in the evening and let it chill overnight.
Get the recipe: creamy, low-carb cauliflower "potato" salad [17]
Carbs per serving: 14 grams
Pork Stir Fry with Broccoli
You won't need to order takeout when you have this quick and easy recipe at the ready.
Get the recipe: pork stir fry with broccoli [18]
Carbs per serving: 9.5 grams
Paleo Meatballs
This recipe is so flavorful you won't miss the breadcrumbs that give traditional meatballs their texture. Pair them with marinara sauce [19] and zucchini noodles, and dinner is served.
Get the recipe: Paleo meatballs [20]
Carbs per serving: 3 grams
Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese
You can still indulge in this American classic thanks to spaghetti squash. One cup of traditional pasta can have up to 43 grams of carbs, while the veggie noodles are around 7 grams.
Get the recipe here: spaghetti squash mac and cheese [21]
Carbs per serving: 17 grams
Italian-Style Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers are ready in a pinch, and they're less than 300 calories per serving with a whopping 32 grams of protein.
Get the recipe: Italian-style stuffed peppers [22]
Carbs per serving: 7 grams
Roasted Edamame
If you're craving a crunchy snack, try protein-rich edamame, roasted in olive oil, salt, and sesame seeds. Half the carbs in each serving come from fiber [23].
Get the recipe: roasted edamame [24]
Carbs per serving: 11 grams
Low-Calorie Chocolate Almond Smoothie
Satisfy your chocolate cravings with this yummy smoothie — it requires just four ingredients and contains less than two grams of sugar.
Get the recipe: chocolate almond smoothie [25]
Carbs per serving: 6 grams
Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowl
Cook the chicken in a pressure cooker, then add your choice of toppings, like cheese, guacamole, corn, and salsa. One thing you won't want to skip: the spicy mayo dressing.
Get the recipe: shredded chicken burrito bowl [26]
Carbs per serving: 9 grams
