Recipes

Kid-Friendly Keto/Low-Carb School Lunch Ideas for Busy Moms | Easy Recipes | 2023

It almost that time again mommas! As a busy mom myself, I know the struggle of trying to prepare delicious and nutritious school lunches that fit the keto/low-carb lifestyle while keeping our little ones happy. But fear not! I’ve got your back with a collection of easy and kid-approved lunch ideas that are both healthy and low in carbs. Let’s dive right in:

🍱 Lunchbox 1: “Mini Pizzas on Zucchini Slices”

  • Spread a thin layer of sugar-free tomato sauce on zucchini slices.
  • Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and kid-friendly toppings like mini pepperoni or diced bell peppers.
  • Pop them in the oven until the cheese is melty and bubbly.
  • Pack them with a side of sliced cucumbers and a few berries for a balanced lunch.

🍱 Lunchbox 2: “Cheesy Ham Roll-Ups”

  • Lay out slices of deli ham or turkey.
  • Spread a layer of cream cheese on each slice.
  • Place a pickle or cucumber stick on one end and roll the ham/turkey around it.
  • Secure with toothpicks and cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • Add some cherry tomatoes and a handful of sliced almonds for a satisfying crunch.

🍱 Lunchbox 3: “Chicken Avocado Salad Wraps”

  • Dice cooked chicken breast and mix it with mashed avocado, a sprinkle of lime juice, and a dash of salt.
  • Roll the chicken avocado mixture in a low-carb tortilla or romaine leaf lettuce.
  • Slice into pinwheels and add a side of carrot sticks and a few cubes of cheese.

🍱 Lunchbox 4: “Cauliflower ‘Mac’ & Cheese”

  • Steam cauliflower florets until tender-crisp.
  • Toss them in a creamy cheese sauce made with heavy cream and cheddar cheese.
  • Sprinkle with a little bacon!
  • Add a handful of snap peas or broccoli florets and a few blackberries for a well-rounded meal.
  • Add homemade ranch dressing for dipping.

🍱 Lunchbox 5: “Egg Salad Bento Box”

  • Hard-boil some eggs and chop them up.
  • Mix with mayonnaise, mustard, and a touch of dill for extra flavor.
  • Include cucumber slices, celery sticks, and bell pepper strips for dipping.
  • Add a few strawberries for a sweet treat.
  • If your kiddo doesn’t like egg salad just cut two to three hard boiled eggs in half and sprinkle with Pink Himalayan salt instead.

🍱 Lunchbox 6: “Tuna Cucumber Boats”

  • Mix canned tuna with mayonnaise, boiled eggs, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
  • Scoop the tuna mixture into cucumber halves, creating “boats.”
  • Toss in some cherry tomatoes or cheese cubes and a handful of mixed nuts for a satisfying lunch.

🍱 Lunchbox 7: “Salami and Cheese Kabobs”

  • Cut salami and cheese into bite-sized cubes.
  • Thread them onto toothpicks.
  • Add some carrots and strawberries for a colorful meal.

🍱 Lunchbox 8: “Crispy Chicken Lettuce Wraps”

  • Prepare crispy baked chicken tenders using almond flour and your favorite seasonings.
  • Place the chicken tenders inside large lettuce leaves, like romaine or iceberg, and add sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes.
  • Serve with a side of sugar-free dipping sauce, such as ranch or a homemade Greek yogurt-based dressing.

🍱 Lunchbox 9: “Broccoli Cheddar Bites”

  • Mix steamed and finely chopped broccoli with eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dash of garlic powder.
  • Spoon the mixture into a greased mini muffin tin and bake until golden and set.
  • Pack these tasty broccoli cheddar bites with a handful of blueberries and some sugar-free dark chocolate for dessert.

🍱 Lunchbox 10: “Zoodle Chicken Alfredo”

  • Spiralize zucchini to create “zoodles” (zucchini noodles).
  • Cook and shred some chicken breast, then mix it with a creamy Alfredo sauce made from heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Toss the zoodles in the Alfredo sauce and pack with a side of sliced bell peppers and a few olives for extra flavor.

Remember, moms, the key to keeping your kids excited about their lunches is to add variety and let them have a say in their meals. Always consider your child’s preferences and allergies when preparing their lunchbox. These keto/low-carb lunch ideas will not only make your life easier but also help your little ones stay focused and energized throughout the school day. Happy lunch packing! 😊🎒

Healthy Keto Father’s Day Meals: 10 Kid-Approved Recipes for the Whole Family

As a health-conscious momma with picky kids, I understand the importance of celebrating Father’s Day with delicious yet nourishing meals. This Father’s Day, let’s show our love and appreciation by preparing a memorable keto feast that will delight Dad and keep the whole family on track.. Here are 10 mouthwatering and kid-approved keto meal ideas that will make Father’s Day extra special.

Image credit: Alex Munsell- Unsplash
  1. Grilled Ribeye Steak: Dad deserves the best, and nothing beats a perfectly grilled ribeye steak. Seasoned with a blend of herbs, salt, and pepper, this tender and juicy steak will be a delightful centerpiece for your Father’s Day celebration.
  2. Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp: Indulge Dad’s taste buds with a platter of lemon garlic butter shrimp. The succulent shrimp, cooked in a luscious buttery sauce infused with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, will be a hit with the whole family. Serve it alongside a vibrant salad or cauliflower rice.
  3. Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breast: Elevate ordinary chicken breast by wrapping it in crispy bacon and stuffing it with a mixture of spinach, cream cheese, and herbs. This dish is incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
  4. Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa: Impress Dad with a grilled salmon fillet topped with a refreshing avocado salsa. The combination of tender salmon and the creamy avocado salsa bursting with tangy flavors will make this dish a standout on Father’s Day.
  5. Keto BBQ Ribs: Treat Dad to tender and flavorful keto BBQ ribs that are sure to satisfy his cravings. Slow-cooked to perfection and slathered with a homemade low-carb BBQ sauce, these fall-off-the-bone ribs will have everyone asking for seconds.
  6. Steak Salad: Create a wholesome and hearty steak salad by layering a bed of mixed greens with slices of grilled steak, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle it with a delicious keto-friendly dressing for a satisfying meal.
  7. Garlic Butter Herb Roasted Chicken: Roast a whole chicken with a fragrant blend of garlic, butter, and herbs. The result is a succulent and flavorful chicken that will be a crowd-pleaser at your Father’s Day gathering. Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  8. Zucchini Noodle Carbonara: Enjoy a keto-friendly twist on classic carbonara by substituting zucchini noodles for pasta. Toss the noodles in a creamy sauce made from eggs, parmesan cheese, and crispy bacon. It’s a wholesome and comforting dish that even the kids will adore.
  9. Grilled Pork Chops with Herb Butter: Grill thick-cut pork chops seasoned with a medley of herbs, and top them off with a dollop of herb butter. This simple yet flavorful dish will satisfy Dad’s cravings while keeping it healthy and keto-friendly.
  10. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Whip up a quick and nutritious beef and broccoli stir-fry that the whole family will love. Sauté thinly sliced beef with crisp broccoli florets in a savory stir-fry sauce. Serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.

This Father’s Day, celebrate with a healthy and delicious keto meal that Dad and the whole family will enjoy. From mouthwatering steaks and seafood to comforting chicken and pork dishes, these recipes will make Father’s Day memorable while staying true to your keto lifestyle. Let’s show our love through wholesome food, creating lasting memories around the dinner table. Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there!

Keto Waffles – A Delicious and Healthy Breakfast Option

If you’re on the keto diet, breakfast can become a bit mundane. Many traditional breakfast items are off-limits because they are loaded with carbs, leaving you with few delicious options for your first meal of the day if you choose to eat breakfast. Fortunately, if you’re looking for a tasty and keto-friendly breakfast option, you don’t have to look any further than keto waffles! Keto waffles are an excellent breakfast choice for any keto dieter.

Why Keto Waffles?
Keto waffles offer several benefits that make them an ideal breakfast food for anyone following the ketogenic diet. For example, they provide a good source of energy to start your day; they’re high in protein, which helps keep you full longer; and they contain healthy fats to fuel your body and brain. They can be made in a pinch, with minimal effort — perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends!

Making Keto Waffles
Making keto waffles is surprisingly easy — all you need is a low-carb flour alternative like almond flour, coconut flour, eggs, and butter or keto-friendly oil. Simply mix all of the ingredients together until it forms a thick batter, spray your waffle iron with oil, and then pour it in. Cook until golden brown, about two minutes per side depending on how hot your iron gets. Voila! Delicious homemade keto waffles in no time at all.

Toppings & Variations
You can enjoy your keto waffles as-is or top them off with some delicious toppings like sugar-free syrup, fresh berries, almond butter, or whipped cream. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg or even add protein powder to the batter before cooking. The possibilities are endless!

Keto waffles are an excellent way to start off your morning right while still following the keto diet basics. They’re easy to make and packed with protein and healthy fats that will provide you with sustained energy throughout the day without compromising flavor or texture. So if you’re looking for a tasty breakfast option that won’t kick you out of ketosis – try making some keto waffles today! It’s sure to become one of your new favorite breakfasts!

Check out the recipe below.

KETO WAFFLES

2 Large Eggs

4 Tbsp Butter, Melted

⅓ Cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk or Heavy Whipping Cream

1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

¾ Cup Almond Flour

2 Tbsp Keto Sweetener (Lakanto is our favorite)

½ Teaspoon Baking Powder

Add wet ingredients to a blender, once blended then add dry ingredients. Blend together for a few minutes on high. The longer the batter is blended the fluffier your waffles will be. Pour batter onto greased waffle iron. Cook until golden brown. For toppings, place heavy whipping cream and mixed berries in a pan on the stovetop until warm. Pour over waffles and enjoy!

Keto NO OatMeal

Keto No’atmeal is surprisingly easy to make and so healthy for you. At this point in the pregnancy game (26 weeks!) I am in need of some quick, healthy breakfast ideas. Flaxseed and Chia Seeds are nutrient-dense foods that have amazing benefits for your body (See graphics below).

  • (photo from BeautyEpic.com)
  • photo from LiveLoveFruit.com

There are so many variations of this recipe so I kept it simple and you can add in any other tasty ideas you might have.

NO’atmeal Recipe:

2 Tbsp Ground Flax
2 Tbsp Chia Seeds
1/2 C any keto-friendly milk, I use unsweetened Almond Milk carrageenan-free
Toppings or add-ins of your choice (some ideas: cinnamon, berries, Lakanto Monk Fruit Maple Syrup– use our link for 20% off)

Directions:

Heat everything in a saucepan on the stove until it simmers mixing constantly.
Remove from heat and add in your desired toppings. Enjoy right away or some prefer to let it sit in the fridge overnight and enjoy the next day.


Other yummy ways to enjoy 👇

Keto Hemp Seed Oatmeal

EASY LOW CARB KETO OATMEAL

No Oat Oatmeal

Low Carb Taco Soup

Low Carb Taco Soup 1

This taco soup screams fall and comfort low-carb keto food! It was surprisingly delicious! What I love most about it is that I didn’t have to stand over the stove cooking. Just toss it all in the crockpot and when finished, top with some of your favorite full-fat keto options. I call that a win!

Simmering in the crock-pot

Recipe
5-6 chicken breasts
1 small onion diced
half diced green bell pepper
splash of v8 juice
1 pack full-fat cream cheese
1 can Rotel
1 tsp minced garlic
1 packet of taco seasoning (make it more keto friendly with this recipe)
1 tsp Better Than Bouillon (sub chicken broth if you prefer and just omit the cup of water below)
1 cup of water

Additional Optional Toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro for an extra zing!

Directions:
Throw all ingredients in the crock-pot and cook for 6-8 hours on high or until chicken shreds easily and is cooked thoroughly. Scoop a big bowl, top with your favorite full-fat toppings like avocado and sour cream, and enjoy!


Easy Keto/Low Carb Crock Pot Meals
All Day I Dream About Food
Keto Taco Casserole
Women’s Health Keto CrockPot Recipes
Crockpot Crustless Pizza
Keto Crockpot Recipes




STUFFED PORTABELLO

After all this quarantine, stay at home business, this momma is over having to put thought into dinner each night. I had almost thrown in the towel and served lunch meat for dinner when I realized I had a simple recipe in the fridge waiting to be cooked. If you are looking for an easy, quick dinner idea, this is it. 

This is a super simple, versatile recipe that can be made in a pinch. 

Here’s the recipe!


KETO STUFFED PORTABELLOS

Ingredients
Portabellos
Raos Pizza Sauce
Mozzarella Cheese 
Avocado Oil
Pepperoni or any other pizza toppings desired

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375F degrees  
  2. Place a cast-iron skillet or oven safe skillet on medium on the stovetop. 
  3. Pour 1-2 Tbsp of avocado oil into the skillet until it is hot
  4. While it is heating, remove the stems from the portabellos 
  5. Chop/dice the stems for adding to the mushrooms 
  6. Place portabello caps top down into the skillet 
  7. Scoop a tsp or so of Rao’s pizza sauce into each cap
  8. Drop a couple of pinches of the chopped stems into the sauce of each portabello cap
  9. Cover the caps with shredded mozzarella 
  10. Let cook for 3-5 minutes on the stovetop
  11. Remove from stovetop and place in the oven for 15 minutes
  12. After removing from oven, add more cheese if desired 
  13. Let cool and enjoy

Other Delicious Keto Portabello Recipes

Wholesome Yum

I Breathe I’m Hungry

Cast Iron Keto

Mock Keto Kind Bars

🥜Mock Keto Kind Bars🥜

This mixture tastes amazing and held together like a granola bar should!

I have a sweet tooth and have been on the lookout for a keto granola bar to take with us when we travel that also tasted good and didn’t fall apart into crumbs. These amazing Mock Keto Kind Bars are the result of scouring the web and combining a handful of recipes along with the ingredients I had at home, to make exactly what I thought would be a tasty keto bar.

I wanted a bar that would hold together, that was low cost and that my kids would eat when we travel. When I came across this recipe I hit the keto jackpot (the base recipe can be found at Wholesomeyum.com)

This recipe can be altered to suit your tastebuds! Here is what I used:


Almonds 

Chia Seeds

Ground Flax 

Walnuts

Almond Flakes

Super Fine Blanched Almond Flour 

Almond Butter

Vanilla

Unsweetened Coconut Flakes

Kerry Gold Butter

 

So easy! Check out the video of how to make them! 

 

 

 

Mock-Keto-Kind-Bars3

 

➡️Make it your own!! My additions to the recipe⬅️

—I used Lakanto monk fruit sweetener (use our link for 20% off!)
and ground it up in my food processor to make powdered keto sweetener

—-With this recipe, you can use whatever nuts you’d like. Instead of 2 cups of almonds, I substituted 1 1/4 cups ground walnuts and 1/2 cup almond flakes

—-I didn’t have pumpkin seeds so I added a half cup of the mixture below:
-2 tbsp Chia seeds
-1/4 cup of Ground Flax
-And the rest Super Fine Blanched Almond Flour

—-I used Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetened Maple Syrup in place of Sukrin Fiber Syrup 🥞

—-The recipe calls for 1/4 cup almond butter— instead I used a 1/2 cup of almond butter and 2 tbsp butter

—-I omitted the vanilla beans and added another tsp of vanilla (3 teaspoons total)

 

➡️Make it your own!! My additions to the recipe and measurements below⬅️

  • 1 1/4 cups ground walnuts and 1/2 cup almond flakes
  • A mixture of:
    -2 tbsp Chia seeds
    -1/4 cup of Ground Flax
    -and the rest Super Fine Blanched Almond Flour
  • 1/3 cup Coconut flakes (unsweetened)
  • 2 tbsp Hemp seeds
  • 1/4 cup Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetened Maple Syrup
  • 1/2 cup of almond butter and 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cupLakanto monk fruit sweetener (use our link for 20% off!)
    ground up in the food processor to make powdered keto sweetener or your choice of powdered keto sweetener
  • 3 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp Pink Himalayan salt

 

 

Mock Keto Kind Bars

Directions:

  1. Prep 8×8 glass dish and cover with parchment paper.
  2. Heat a medium pan on the stovetop on low-medium heat.
  3. Melt butter then add almond butter, keto sweetener, Lakanto syrup, and vanilla and stir until well combined.
  4. Pour all other ingredients in a medium-sized bowl with a pour spout and stir until well mixed
  5. Place batter into prepped glass baking dish and press down to form an even layer.
  6. Let cool before cutting.

 

Keto Cauliflower Potato Salad

Summer is right around the corner and when I think of summer I think of picnicking with delicious keto sides! One of the things every southern summer cookout has as a staple is potato salad. It is a dish I have sorely missed!

When I was planning Easter dinner, the two things that came to mind were potato salad and ham.

I concocted this Keto Cauliflower “Potato” Salad at our Easter meal and I have to say it was so good I didn’t even miss the real thing! My husband even said this “Was my best side dish yet!” Play with the ingredients to suit your tastes. We are big mustard fans so we like a more mustardy keto potato salad. Just remember, you can always add more but you can’t take it away so add a bit at a time, taste test and keep going until you reach the desired yumminess.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INGREDIENTS:

    • 1 large head of cauliflower

    • 4-6 hard-boiled eggs chopped

    • 8 slices of bacon cooked and crumbled

    • 1 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

    • pink Himalayan salt and fresh-ground black pepper to taste

    • 4 tsp. yellow mustard

    • 3/4-1 cup mayo to taste

    • 1-2 tbsp dill relish

  • 1/2 an onion diced

     

    Optional:

  • sliced green onion/chives

  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder

 

 

Directions:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Toss in chopped cauliflower (remove most of the stem) for 5-7 minutes until just tender. Careful not to overcook or the cauliflower will turn to mush.
While the cauliflower is boiling, cook about a half pound of bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Drain and let cool, then crumble into pieces.
Drain the cauliflower and set aside to cool while prepping the other ingredients. Place in the fridge if needing to serve soon after.
Peel and dice 4-6 hard boiled eggs, depending on preference.
Shred 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese and set aside.
Dice 1/2 an onion and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl place cauliflower and all other ingredients in and stir well to combine.
 

          This recipe is versatile so if you are not a big onion fan, mustard fan, etc. you can change the quantity to your suit your taste. Chill, serve, and enjoy!

 

Check out these other great summer keto sides! 

Shrimp Salad

Summer BBQ Keto Sides

Best Low Carb BBQ Foods

Broccoli Salad 

Keto Summer Salads

Pork Rind Crusted Pork Loin

This seriously sounds as amazing as it was!! If you love pork chops this keto breading takes them to the NEXT LEVEL! The perfect blend of crunchiness with the utmost tender pork chop you will ever eat. I typically cook pork loin on the stove top, in a skillet, with no breading. I decided to try something different and MAN am I glad I did?!

If you have a cast iron skillet, that’s the way to go. If not, don’t despair… you can still make this delicious chunk o’ meat and enjoy it just the same.

Here’s a quick video with the steps involved in breading the pork loin in case you need a visual or just want to watch something that makes your mouth water until you get a chance to actually make em’!

 

 

Ingredients:

6-8 thinly sliced boneless pork chops
1/2 to 1 bag Pork Rinds (use spicy if you’d like a little extra kick)
1/2 cup almond flour
2 large eggs
**** your favorite seasonings of choice (I used the ones listed below)
1 tbsp. Pink Himalayan Salt and Herb Blend
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Steak seasoning mix

 

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Heat a cast iron skillet on the stove top with a few tablespoons of avocado oil over medium heat. If you do not have a cast iron skillet, a large baking sheet sprayed with oil can be used instead.
  3. Use a food processor to finely grind pork rinds.
  4. Add ground pork rinds and almond flour to a plate or large dish, spread out mixture evenly and set aside.
  5. In a separate bowl whisk together eggs and seasoning to make an egg wash.
  6. Dip each pork chop in the egg wash making sure to coat each side by flipping the pork chop.
  7. Take the pork chop out of the egg wash then place it into the almond flour/pork rind mixture.
  8. Coat each side of the pork chop evenly with the mixture.
  9. Place breaded pork chop into the cast iron skillet (be sure the oil is hot so it will immediately start to crisp the breading).
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes on one side then remove from oven and flip each pork chop over to brown on the other side. Return to oven and bake for another 10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

 

I can’t wait to try this keto breading with some chicken tenders! Let us know in the comments if you make it!

Low-Carb-Keto Cinnamon Rolls

       I have been eyeballing keto cinnamon roll recipes for a while now. I was under the impression the recipes were all too complicated and it just wouldn’t taste the way I was expecting. I was surprised at how good these cinnamon rolls were. They turned out delightful! The entire family enjoyed them. The only thing I may do differently next time is to add more baking powder to give more fluff. 
       The one diet you will be successful with is the one you will stick to and I know if my family and I feel deprived of great foods, we would not stick with it! One of my favorite things to do is find recipes we have grown to love and make them keto/low- carb style. So YES! You can have cinnamon rolls with the keto diet! ENJOY!

The icing is the best part

 


Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup super-fine blanched almond flour
  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella shredded (using low-moisture is best)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 2+ tbsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp aluminum free baking powder
  • 3 tbsp granulated keto approved sweetener (I used Lakanto-Monk Fruit)

  • Icing

    • 2-4 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (use more for a thinner icing)
    • 4 oz full-fat cream cheese
    • 2 tbsp keto approved sweetener
    • Dash of vanilla

      Instructions

      1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

      2. Place mozzarella and cream cheese in a large glass bowl and heat in the microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute.

      3. Remove the mixture from the microwave, add in the almond flour and egg and stir. If it becomes difficult to stir, place back in the microwave for 20-30 second increments (stirring in between) until able to form a smooth dough.

      4. Place the dough on a sheet of parchment paper, spread out with a spoon.
        5. Place a second sheet of parchment paper on top of the dough, using your hands and a rolling pin/empty wine bottle 😉) into a thin layer about 1/4 inch thick.

        *** Handy Keto Mom Hack– use a clean empty wine bottle as a makeshift rolling pin to roll out the dough.

        6. Spread melted butter over the dough using a cooking brush. Sprinkle the cinnamon and keto approved sweetener (Lankanto-Monk Fruit, Swerve Granular, over the dough. 

        7. Begin rolling the dough using/pulling the parchment paper to form a log with your hands. Slice the dough starting from the middle into about 10 equal pieces.

        8. Using a glass baking dish or cookie sheet, place the cinnamon rolls in the oven on 350 F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and firm.

        9. Remove and let cool before icing.

        Icing

        1. Using a hand mixer, mix the unsweetened almond milk, full-fat cream cheese, keto sweetener, and vanilla until icing forms. For a thicker icing, use less almond milk. When finished, use a spoon to drizzle the rolls with icing.
          * For more icing, double the recipe.

           

         

        Other delicious Low-Carb Keto Breakfast Ideas

        23 Easy Low- Carb Breakfast Ideas

        30 + Easy Keto Diet Breakfast Ideas

        26 Best Keto Breakfast Ideas 

        Low Carb Breakfast Ideas from Tasteaholics

 

 

 

 

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