Diet food doesn’t need to be boring. These recipes from Orlando locals cover a variety of common diet types.
Keto Taco Shells
Courtesy of Soozie the Foodie
To reach a state of ketosis, where the body uses fat for fuel, individuals on the ketogenic diet eat moderate amounts of protein and items that are high in fat and low in carbs. Load this taco shell with your favorite keto-friendly fillings, and you can even turn it into a burrito if you prefer.
Ingredients:
-Two cups low-moisture cheese (such as mozzarella, gruyere, Swiss and Monterey Jack)
Directions:
Put cheese in dry, cold pan. Slowly heat up the cheese over medium heat. Once the bottom starts to become golden, use spatula to make sure it’s not stuck. Continue to cook until you can slide it around on the pan (timing is different for each stove). Remove cheese from pan and place on paper towel. Form into a shell using spatula or edge of pan then freeze to help it hold its shape. Fill with desired fillings and enjoy.
Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast
Courtesy of Gary Appelsies, YMCA of Central Florida
This protein-rich breakfast is perfect for an anti-inflammatory diet. Not only can smoked salmon give your breakfast a decadent twist, but it’s also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for fighting inflammation. Red pepper flakes sprinkled over top help give relief from digestive issues, pain, and inflammation. The red onion in this recipe also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, avocado has many health benefits including being a healthy unsaturated fat that can help fight inflammation in the body. Visit the YMCA of Central Florida website for more healthy recipes.
Ingredients:
-1/4 medium avocado
-Zest of ½ lemon, optional
-1 teaspoon lemon juice, fresh squeezed
-Pinch of red pepper flakes, to taste
-1 slice Sprouted Whole Grain Bread
-1 clove garlic, cut in half4
-2 ounces smoked salmon
-¼ red onion thinly sliced
-¼ teaspoon sesame seeds, optional
Directions:
Scoop out the flesh of the avocado and place into a medium sized mixing bowl. Mash avocado with the back of a fork. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, chili flakes and set aside. Toast bread until lightly golden. While the bread is still hot, gently rub cut side of garlic onto the bread. Top toast with avocado mixture, smoked salmon and onion. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
Mediterranean Fish
Courtesy of Christie Fogarty
The heart-healthy Mediterranean diet includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats and fish, and healthy fats. This recipe, along with its suggested accompaniments, cover all the bases for this particular diet.
Ingredients:
-4 fish fillets (mahi mahi or salmon)
-1 pound olive bar medley (black and green olives, red cherry peppers, roasted garlic, etc.)
-Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
Season fish with salt and pepper. Heat a large pan over medium heat. Coat pan with oil from olive bar medley then gently place fish into the oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes then flip. Add all olive bar items into pan, cover and cook until olives are warm and fish is cooked through. Serve over farro and wilted spinach.