As my friends and family already know, I am on a mission to lose 100 pounds and change my eating habits. Don't worry, I still believe in cooking delicious, decadent, and satisfying meals. I am above all a "foodie" and by no stretch of the imagination a "health nut".
I started this goal 6 weeks ago and have already lost 27 pounds. In the first week, I realized I would face an obstacle in staying on task. I was provided a very simple representation of a menu by my doctor. Knowing that my goal would take about 6 months to reach, I knew I had to get creative. There was no way I was going to eat the same thing everyday or sacrifice taste and experience for any prolonged amount of time. Any "foodie" will understand that all meals must be an event even when losing weight.
So I started comparing the nutritional value of foods which gave me options for equivalent substitutes in my menu. Once I had created a list of acceptable foods, I started developing simple and delicious meals.
NO
CARB Fried Okra
As you read this description, keep in mind that I work a full time job and have an 8 year old daughter. The meals you read about on this blog take less than 30 minutes.
I apologize for the low quality photo of this plate. Take my word, it looks much more delicious than this picture shows.
Anyone from the south knows how much we like our fried okra. I just had to figure out how to get my fried okra fix without ANY
CARBS. I took sliced okra (fresh or frozen) and added them to a very hot skillet with only a tablespoon of canola oil. Let them cook stirring frequently. I added thin sliced onions to enhance the flavor and cooked until everything is evenly browned. (I like them nearly black) Then remove to a paper
towel to drain off any excess oil. Salt and pepper to taste and enjoy. You will be amazed how much it tastes like real southern fried okra.
On this plate you will also notice a skillet browned catfish fillet. Simply, season fillets with garlic salt and pepper. Place in a hot skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil and tablespoon of butter and cook until golden.
As an additional side dish for our fish, I made a cauliflower favorite. This dish takes less than 10 minutes. Take a bag of frozen cauliflower florets and put in a small baking dish. Microwave for 2 minutes. While that is heating, prepare the sauce. Mix together a Tb real mayo, Tb of brown mustard, 1/4 cup of
Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Mix into cauliflower then top with grated cheddar cheese. Put back in the microwave for 4 minutes or until all cheese is melted.
This plate of food tastes like a guilty pleasure but is totally carb free.
Use your favorite bone in, skin on chicken pieces. My family prefers leg quarters. Make sure they are cleaned well. Salt and pepper both sides of chicken and place in baking dish skin side up. Top with lots of sliced onions and a few pats of cold butter. Bake for 2 hours at 350 degrees uncovered. Baste with pan juices just before serving. Skin will be brown and crispy.
