Eating a low-carb diet is one of the most effective ways to lose weight [1], but to make it work, you need to cook your own meals [2] as often as possible. Simply put, cutting carbs works because it usually means cutting out junk, like takeout or processed goods, and replacing it with fresh, lightened-up recipes you can make at home.
The ones you'll find in this list make it easier to stay within your daily budget for carbs [3] by reinventing classics like pasta and tacos, saving you prep time, or just generally keeping your meals flavorful and exciting, so you don't cave to unhealthy cravings. More importantly, they do all that without tacking on extra calories, which ultimately determines your success on the scale. (You can calculate your target goal for calories here [4].) Keep reading for the recipes!
Chicken Broccoli Fritters
This tasty chicken recipe [5] is anything but boring. Even better, it smartly replaces breadcrumbs with nutritional yeast.
Get the recipe: chicken broccoli fritters [6]
Chimichurri Grilled Salmon
You'll want to spoon up every drop of this delicious chimichurri sauce. Serve the salmon [7] alongside some roasted vegetables.
Get the recipe: chimichurri grilled salmon [8]
Taco Zucchini Boats
You won't even miss the taco shells when you pile your toppings on these zucchini boats.
Get the recipe: taco zucchini boats [9]
Korean Chicken Skewers
Fire up the grill (or a grill pan) to make these spicy-sweet skewers, then serve them with vegetables and cauliflower rice.
Get the recipe: Korean chicken skewers [10]
Zucchini Noodle Shrimp Scampi
Replace traditional pasta with these delicious zucchini noodles. All you need is seven ingredients (including tasty shrimp [11]!) and 25 minutes for a healthy dinner.
Get the recipe: zucchini noodle shrimp scampi [12]
Baked Italian Chicken With Cherry Tomatoes
When you want something simple but flavorful for dinner, whip up this herb-seasoned chicken. It takes just 30 minutes to make and pairs well with any number of vegetables.
Get the recipe: baked Italian chicken with cherry tomatoes [13]
Kale, Caramelized Onion, and Gouda Egg Muffins
This veggie-filled breakfast is much healthier than any egg muffin you'll find in a drive-through, and they'll stay good in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Get the recipe: kale, caramelized onion, and gouda egg muffins [14]
Vegan Spring Roll Bowls
You won't grow tired of the crumbled tofu, tangy peanut sauce, and crisp vegetables in this meal-prepped lunch [15].
Get the recipe: vegan spring roll bowls [16]
Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls
These protein balls only look sinful, and they're the perfect snack when you're on the go.
Get the recipe: chocolate coconut protein balls [17]
Beef Instant Pot Carnitas
Make a batch of this beef, and you can easily throw it into a salad or low-carb tortillas [18] any day of the week.
Get the recipe: beef Instant Pot carnitas [19]
Shrimp Cauliflower Rice Pulao
Every bite of this 30-minute meal [20] is bursting with flavor — among the ingredients are garlic, ginger, and turmeric, as well as peppers and onions.
Get the recipe: shrimp cauliflower rice pulao [21]
Keto Clam Chowder
The hearty celery root in this recipe gives the chowder the same creamy texture as potatoes, only without the extra carbs.
Get the recipe: keto clam chowder [22]
Thai Chicken Coconut Curry
This Thai-inspired dish is the definition of comfort food. It contains just four grams of carbs per serving, but be careful — it can get a bit spicy.
Get the recipe: Thai chicken coconut curry [23]
Salmon in Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce
This sun-dried tomato sauce is so delicious, you'll want to try it with all your favorite proteins: salmon, chicken, tofu.
Get the recipe: salmon in creamy sun-dried tomato sauce [24]
Chicken and Cauliflower "Shawarma"
This high-protein recipe [25] is inspired by the spices found in shawarma. To make it low-carb, try swapping lettuce cups for the pita bread.
Get the recipe: chicken and cauliflower "shawarma" [26]