Tag

Low carb

Browsing

This indulgent chilled slice is bursting with cool peppermint goodness. It consists of a shredded peppermint coconut base, and a choc-mint top. This decadent slice is easy to make with no baking required.

Growing up in Australia meant that the ever popular Mint Slice always ended up on the table for a special treat. Some people are Tim Tam lovers, while others prefer the cool taste of a Mint Slice…. I am a Mint Slice LOVER!

Still, even now I face the temptation – when Mr Lovintime (my gorgeous hubby), arrives home with a double packet!! There is something about rich creamy chocolate paired with refreshing peppermint. It’s like peas and carrots… They really are the perfect match.

Now this is not really like a traditional Mint Slice, but the flavors are just as beautiful. And…it is loaded with healthy ingredients that will keep you satisfied (unlike the whole packet of Mint Slice biscuits I would usually eat!!). With only 2.8 grams of net carbs, you can enjoy this guilt free.

WHAT’S IN A KETO COCONUT CHOC-MINT SLICE

  • Collagen – packed with protein, helps keep hunger at bay, benefits your hair, skin and nails
  • Spirulina – gives the base its green color, nutrient packed with vitamins and antioxidants
  • Ghee – a butter substitute, lactose free, perfect for dairy intolerance
  • Erythritol – a natural low-carb sweetener found in many fruits, it has no aftertaste
  • Cacao powder – high in antioxidants and essential minerals (such as selenium, magnesium and chromium)
  • Coconut – a high fat fruit which promotes blood sugar regulation

RECIPE TIPS

  • I used a food processor to break down the coconut. Alternatively, you can use a high-powered blender.
  • Alternatively, desiccated coconut could be used. Just make sure you check the ingredients label to make sure it has no added nasties.
  • The recipe calls for ghee to be used. You can substitute for coconut oil if going dairy-free.

Keto Coconut Choc-Mint Slice

Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Servings 10
Calories 278
This indulgent chilled slice is bursting with cool peppermint goodness. It consists of a shredded peppermint coconut base, and a choc-mint top. This decadent slice is easy to make with no baking required. The perfect keto, low carb treat.

Equipment

  • food processor

Ingredients

  • 300 grams desiccated or shredded coconut
  • 1 teaspoon Spirulina powder
  • 6 tablespoons collagen peptides
  • 2 tablespoons Erythritol (or 1.5 tablespoons granulated Stevia)
  • pinch Himalayan salt
  • 2 tablespoons Ghee (or coconut oil if dairy free)
  • 6 drops peppermint oil (food grade – I use doTERRA)
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract

Choc-Mint Top

  • 1 tablespoon powdered Erythritol (or 8 to 10 drops alcohol free liquid Stevia)
  • 2 drops food grade peppermint oil
  • 1 tablespoon cacao powder
  • 1 tablespoon ghee or coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions 

BASE

  • Melt the ghee or coconut oil so that it is at room temperature
  • Add the coconut to your food processor and mix until it becomes a fine texture. Skip this step if using desiccated coconut (just add desiccated coconut in).
  • Add all remaining ingredients and mix until well combined (you may need to stop a few times and scrape down the sides with a spatula).
  • Line a slice pan with baking paper.
  • Spoon out the ingredients into the tray and press down with a spatula or your finger tips. The slice needs to be well compacted and should be about 1cm thick.
  • Place slice into the freezer to set (1 hour)

Choc-Mint Topping

  • Remove the base from the freezer and work quickly to mix the Choc-Mint top.
  • Melt the ghee or coconut so it is in liquid form (not too warm).
  • Combine remaining topping ingredients in a bowl.
  • Using a hot knife, cut the slice into approximately 10 pieces or 20 smaller pieces. The hot knife will make it easier to cut.
  • Spoon the Choc-Mint topping over the base and place back into the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Serve chilled.

Notes

 
Author: phena79
Calories: 278kcal
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Low-Carb, paleo
Keyword: dessert, Easy, Keto, mint, slice, snack

Nutrition Facts

Serving size 47 g (2 oz)

Servings per container 10

Amount per serving
Calories 278

Calories from Fat 234

% Daily Value*
Total Fat 26g 40%
Saturated Fat 23g 115%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 10mg 4%
Sodium 33mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 12g 4%
Dietary Fiber 5g 20%
Sugars 2g
Protein 6g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This indulgent Keto Superglow Latte is packed full of goodness and will help you burn fat. The smooth, creamy texture will get you buzzing in the morning and energised ready for the day. An easy, dairy free, paleo and low carb latte.

WHAT IS A KETO SUPERFOOD LATTE?

A Keto Superfood Latte is a variation of the very popular Bulletproof Coffee.  While the usual Bulletproof coffee includes butter and coconut oil or MCT oil, this recipe has replaced the butter with cocao butter.  It is also loaded with Collagen peptides and hulled hemp seeds.

WHAT DO I NEED?

1. COFFEE

Everyone likes to have their coffee different.  For me I like it strong, so I have 2 to 3 shots of good quality espresso in my latte.  Generally, you need about ¾ of a cup of coffee, so you will need to make it to suit your specific taste.

2. MCT OIL

MCT oil is extracted from coconut oil.  As the name suggests it contains medium chains of fats called triglycerides.  MCT’s are easily digested by the body and have many health benefits. 

MCT can easily be converted to ketones.  If your following a ketogenic diet, MCT oil can help you burn fat more effectively.

Other benefits include increased brain function, anti-microbial properties, riginbrain health and weight loss.

3. Cocao  BUTTER

Cocao Butter, along with cacao powder comes from the cacao bean.  Its plant origins make it dairy free and vegan.  This makes cacao butter much more easily digestible.

In addition, cacao butter is extremely high in healthy fats and antioxidants.  Antioxidants can help improve the immune system, promote heart health, and lower inflammation.

Cacao butter can be found online, at most health food stores and good pharmacies.  If you are having trouble sourcing it, you can use regular butter or nut butter. 

Often Cacao butter comes in large chunks and needs to be weighed for recipes.  However, many places now have cacao buttons.  The buttons can be easily measured with a spoon.

4. HULLED HEMP SEEDS

Although hemp seeds come from the Cannabis sativa plant, they do not cause mind altering effects.   While it is related to the marijuana plant, the seeds of this plant are extremely low in THC.

Australia has recently followed the rest of the world and legalised the oral ingestion of hemp products.  Prior to this time, Hemp products were only used topically.

Hemp seeds are considered by many people to be a superfood.  They have an amazing nutritional profile and numerous health benefits – so many, that I am continuously looking for new ways I can include them in my recipes! 

Benefits include:

  • Rich in essential fatty acids (omega-6, and omega-3)
  • Great source of protein making them ideal for vegans and vegetarians.  The seeds contain all the essential amino acids. This makes them a complete protein.
  • Excellent source of vitamin E and minerals, such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulphur, calcium, iron and zinc
  • They are a source of arginine and gamma-linolenic acid, which have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease
  • May reduce symptoms associated with PMS and menopause, thanks to its high levels of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)

Hulled hemp seeds can also be purchased online or at a reputable.  Make sure you purchase the hulled seeds (or hemp hearts) and not the whole hemp seeds.  The whole seeds will not break down as well in your blender and give the latte a bitter taste.

5. COLLAGEN PEPTIDES

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and a key building block for the skin.  It helps form the connective tissues in the skin, muscles, bones, joints and tendons. 

Collagen, together with elastin, help keep the skin supple and wrinkle free.  However, as we get older, our bodies struggle to produce enough collagen.   When this is combined with environmental exposure to the sun and pollutants, our skin loses its suppleness. 

Both collagen peptides and gelatin (another form of digestible collagen) have many benefits including:

  • Decreased joint pain and inflammation
  • Promotes gut health
  • Strengthens the barrier of the digestive tract
  • Supports glowing skin
  • Reduces hunger
  • Strengthens bones

Collagen is purchased in both tablet and powder form.  I prefer the powder form as it can be used in my Keto Superfood Lattes as well as extra protein for my smoothies.

It can be purchased online or at your local pharmacy.

HOW DO I MAKE A KETO SUPERFOOD LATTE?

To make the latte you need to combine all the ingredients in a high-powered blender.  Blending it causes it to emulsify into the creamy latte texture. The hemp seeds and fats will separate if not blended.

I use a Ninja to blend my latte.  Make sure your blender is okay with hot liquids.  Some people have used a stick blender, but it does not seem to mix it up enough.

I like to sprinkle cinnamon on the top of my latte.  Cinnamon also helps control sugar cravings – a must on a keto diet?.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS?

What if I don’t drink coffee?

You can adapt this recipe for tea or un-caffeinated beverages such as a hot chocolate.  Just brew up the tea or hot chocolate as the base, then add the rest of the ingredients and blend.

What if I cannot have collagen?

Collagen is an animal product, which does not make it suitable for the vegan diet.  Collagen can be omitted from the recipe and you will still get the health benefits from the other ingredients.

What can I substitute for MCT oil?

You can use coconut oil if you don’t have MCT oil?  Personally, I find the taste of coconut in my coffee to be very strange and like to blander taste of MCT oil.

Can I add a keto sweetener to my latte?

Yes you can add a keto sweetener of your choice to your Superfood Latte.  I add 2 – 3 drops of alcohol-free stevia to mine each day.  Sometimes I even add some sugar free caramel syrup to give it a more caramel latte flavourNatvia has a delicious topping I also pop on top of keto ice-cream – YUM!

I don’t follow a ketogenic diet.  Will this still benefit my health?

We all need some fats in our diet for optimum health.  Even if you are not following a ketogenic diet, you can still get the benefits from these ingredients.  You will just need to watch how much fat you consume for the rest of you day’s meals.

I am intermittent fasting.  Will this break my fast?

If you are intermittent fasting, I suggest you omit the protein-based ingredients from the recipe (hulled hemp seeds and collagen).  Including the fats in your latte should not break your fast. 

Ultimate Keto Superglow Latte (Dairy free, paleo)

Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 317
This indulgent Latte is packed full of goodness and will help you burn fat. The smooth, creamy texture will get you buzzing in the morning and energized ready for the day. An easy dairy free, paleo and low carb latte.

Equipment

  • High powered blender

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup espresso coffee or tea
  • 2 teaspoons Cacao Buttons (or 10 grams if weighing cacao chunks)
  • 1 tablespoon Hulled Hemp seeds (also known as hemp hearts)
  • 1 tablespoon MCT Oil or Unflavored Coconut Oil (reduce to 1 teaspoon if having for the first time)
  • 1 tablespoon Collagen Peptides
  • 3-4 drops alcohol free Stevia or sweetener of choice ((optional))
  • Cinnamon ((optional))

Instructions 

  • Prepare the coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
  • Place all ingredients in a high powered blender. Blend on high until ingredients are well mixed.
  • Pour into your favorite mug or latte glass.
  • Sprinkle with cinnamon

Notes

  • Perfect for breakfast to kick start fat burning for the day
  • Blend it with your favorite dairy free milk to create an iced latte
Calories: 317kcal
Course: Breakfast, Drinks, Snack
Cuisine: Dairy-free, paleo, vegetarian
Keyword: dairy free, Keto, Latte, Superfood

Nutrition Facts

Serving size g

Servings per container 1

Amount per serving
Calories 317

Calories from Fat 243

% Daily Value*
Total Fat 27g 42%
Saturated Fat 20g 100%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 88mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Sugars 0g
Protein 12g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This easy keto chicken salad is the perfect mid week dinner or lunch. It is super creamy, dairy-free and paleo.

Photo by Tryphena Ballantyne

Who needs bread?

So many people on the keto diet (mwah included), cave because of two things – bread and pasta.

There are times that I think, “Ahhh, I would love a peanut butter sandwich right now on some super soft white bread.” And it makes it even harder when my hubby, aka “Mr Lovintime”, thoughtfully brings home a BBQ chicken and some soft white bread from the bakery.

Other times I crave the good old egg and lettuce sandwich. But then I remember what bread, especially processed white bread does for my gut and digestive issues.

Sometimes it’s the filling you might be craving. Especially when you start to tune in to your body’s needs.

We know that bread on it’s own is doing nothing for us. With 14g of carbs per slice, it will most likely kick us out of ketosis.

So this recipe was inspired by the good old fashioned egg and lettuce sandwich.

There are still many keto bread options if you would like to pop this on something. But I find this recipe on its own was enough to satisfy my cravings.

For Keto bread options check out some of the recipes at https://www.fatforweightloss.com.au/keto-bread/. Aaron has put many to the test.

Easy Keto Chicken Salad with Egg

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Servings 1
Creamy chicken salad with eggs and crunchy ice-berg lettuce

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably home made)
  • 4 large iceberg lettuce leaves
  • 1 or 2 hard boiled eggs (depending on macro needs)
  • 120 grams shredded chicken breast
  • 1/2 spring onion (chopped into rings)
  • 1/2 stick celery (finely sliced)
  • spinach leaves ((to garnish))
  • salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions 

  • Wash and dry the lettuce. Then lay it down flat on the serving plate.
  • In a small bowl, combine the chicken breast, mayonnaise, spring onions, celery, and the eggs.
  • Gently mix the ingredients, being careful not to damage the chopped eggs.
  • Season to desired taste.
  • Spoon mixture over lettuce leaves and garnish with spinach leaves or more spring onions.

Notes

  • Recipe macros based on 1 egg.
  • The chicken mixture can be stored in the fridge in an air tight container for 1 to 4 days.
  • Lovely topped with avocado and sliced almonds.
Author: phena79
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Dairy-free, Low-Carb, Meat dish
Keyword: Chicken, Easy, Egg, Keto, Lettuce, Salad

Nutrition Facts

Serving size g

Servings per container 1

Amount per serving
Calories 1280

Calories from Fat 792

% Daily Value*
Total Fat 88g 136%
Saturated Fat 18g 90%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 349mg 117%
Sodium 277mg 12%
Total Carbohydrate 5g 2%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 2g
Protein 46g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Every time I eat out at a restaurant, if it’s on the menu, I eat duck.  It’s one of those things that I don’t usually cook for my family.  In fact, this was my first time, and it didn’t disappoint. 

Many of the duck products at the grocery store are covered in marinades that contain high levels of refined cane sugar and preservatives. So when I spotted plain duck breast (without the nasties), I jumped at the opportunity to create a keto inspired dish.

Spices to Warm the Soul

In this recipe, the duck is rubbed with garam masala, a combination of ground spices used in extensively in Indian food.  The garam masala adds warmth, sweetness, and floral notes.  The addition of black pepper to the spice adds a little heat without making it too hot. 

Sweet Sweet Sauce

When I think of duck, I always imagine the sweet sauce that accompanies it.  The balsamic glaze in this recipe is super simple and ticks all of the keto boxes.  Spring onions add depth to the sauce, and adding bone broth packs it full of nutritional goodness.

This recipe is a true winter warmer and is perfect for dinner or lunch.  It only takes 30 minutes to make, so it can be made easily during a busy weeknight.

Cooking Tips

Many people find duck to be a little bit fiddly to cook.  First, you need to make sure the skin is scored. This helps the fat to render down faster.  Second, you need to cook it low and slow, so the meat is super tender.  Ideally, it should be eaten medium-rare, as overcooking will make the meat tough.

In this recipe you start on the stovetop and then add it to the oven to finish.  You will need to make sure you have a pan that can be transferred to the oven.  If not, you will need to pre-warm a sheet pan to transfer it to.

This dish goes beautifully with steamed broccolini and zucchini.  But it would also go well with a cauliflower mash or cauli-rice.

Indian Spiced Duck Breast with Balsamic Glaze (Low-carb, gluten free)

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings 2 people
A simple twist on the asian inspired duck breast. This beautiful juicy dish comes out lovely and tender, with a sweet Balsamic sauce. A great mid-week meal for those cold winter nights.

Equipment

  • Heavy based non stick skillet (Suitable for oven baking)

Ingredients

Duck

  • 2 x 180 gram duck breasts (with skin)
  • 1 ½ teaspoon garam masala spice mix
  • ½ teaspoon salt and pepper

Balsamic Glaze

  • 1 tablespoon oil of choice (I used duck fat)
  • 2 spring onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
  • 1 cup chicken stock or bone broth

Instructions 

Prepare the duck

  • Place the duck on a clean surface and pat dry with paper towel.
  • Score the skin with a sharp knife to allow the meat to cook evenly.
  • Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Rub in the garam masala.
  • Preheat the oven to 210° celsius (410° fahrenheit).

Prepare the Balsamic Glaze

  • Heat the oil in a small saucepan and fry the spring onions over a medium heat for two minutes.
  • Add the garlic and continue to cook.
  • Add the bone broth or stock and vinegar. Bring to boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer will you cook the duck (about 20-30 minutes.

To cook the duck

  • Put the duck, skin-side down, in a cold frying pan and place over a low-medium heat for 8 minutes.
  • Turn the duck over and cook for a further 2 minutes.
  • Transfer the duck to the oven and cook for 5 to 8 minutes depending on how you like you duck.
  • Pour the leftover fat from the duck into the balsamic glaze mixture
  • Remove your duck from the oven and allow to rest (about 5 minutes).

To serve

  • Drizzle your duck with the sweet balsamic glaze.
  • Serve with broccolini and cauliflower mash.
Author: phena79
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Dairy-free, Indian, Low-Carb, Meat dish
Keyword: Duck breast

Nutrition Facts

Serving size g

Servings per container 1

Amount per serving
Calories 390

Calories from Fat 180

% Daily Value*
Total Fat 20g 31%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 9.0mg 3%
Sodium 831mg 35%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Sugars 3g
Protein 45g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Rating: 1 out of 5.

Pin It