Carbohydrates, or carbs as they are often referred to, are the sugars and starches present in many foods and drinks. They are essential nutrients that supply energy to cells and tissues. Once eaten, carbohydrates are converted into glycogen which is then stored in the body for later use when more energy is needed. While carbohydrates are essential for normal bodily and metabolic function, excessive consumption causes the accumulation of fats and weight gain. To avoid this weight gain it is wise to incorporate low-carb or no-carb foods into your daily diet.

No-Carb Breakfast Foods

Low-Carb or No-Carb Breakfast Recipes

1. Cheese Blintz

Servings: 1

Time Needed: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pat of butter
• 1 medium egg
• 2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese
• 1 tablespoons of sour cream
• 1 tablespoons of half & half
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• 4 g soy protein isolate
• 1 packet of sweetener

Instructions:

1. Cream sour cream, ricotta cheese, and Splenda. Then set aside.
2. Beat the egg, half & half, and protein powder into smooth batter.
3. Lightly grease bottom of 10" fry pan with olive oil. Melt butter over low to medium heat.
4. Pour batter into fry pan and gently roll the pan to cover bottom of pan. After the batter has solidified, gently turn with spatula.
5. Cook till golden. Place crept on plate, spread a spoonful of cheese filling in the center and roll crepe-style.

2. Flax Bread

Servings: 10

Time Needed: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoons of vanilla
• 1 cup of whole ground flax
• ½ teaspoon of baking soda
• ½ teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 packet of sweetener
• ½ cup of chopped walnuts
• ⅔ cup of water

Instructions:

1. Grind the flax seeds.
2. In one bowl, mix ground flax, baking soda and baking powder. Add walnuts.
3. In a second bowl, combine eggs, water, oil, sweetener (like Stevia or Splenda) and vanilla. Mix well.
4. Grease an 8” microwave casserole dish.
5. Combine dry and wet ingredients and pour into casserole dish.
6. Microwave on high for 5 minutes.
7. Turn casserole upside down onto a baking rack. Cool. Turn over and serve sliced, with cream cheese & berries.

3. Sausage and Egg Muffins

Servings: 12

Time Needed: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup of cream (half & half)
• 12 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of pepper
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 16 oz. pork sausage

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Spray muffin tin with cooking spray and fill each cup halfway with cooked sausage.
2. Mix eggs and cream together. If desired, add cheese, bacon, salsa, onions - be creative. Spoon on top of the sausage until each muffin cup is almost full.
3. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, until eggs are done and slightly golden.
4. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Gently use a spoon to remove the sausage muffins and enjoy hot.

4. Breakfast Meatballs

Servings: 15

Time Needed: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• ½ pound of shredded cheddar cheese,
• 3 large eggs
• 32 ounces pork sausage
• 2 tablespoons of onion, minced
• 1 pound of lean ground beef

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350° F (175° C).
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix thoroughly.
3. Roll into 1 1/2" balls or drop by tablespoonful onto a cooking sheet.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes.
5. This recipe makes 50 - 60 meatballs that can be eaten hot, or frozen for later use.

5. Veggie Quiche

Servings: 6

Time Needed: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups of low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup of low-fat half & half cream
• 1 tablespoon of pepper
• ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (red pepper)
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 3 cups of broccoli

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 375° F (200° C).
2. Lightly steam broccoli.
3. Spread steamed broccoli in a 9" pie plate.
4. Sprinkle broccoli with shredded cheese.
5. Combine remaining ingredients, stirring with a whisk until well blended to make a custard mixture.
6. Pour egg custard mixture over the broccoli and cheese.
7. Bake in pre-heated oven for 35 minutes until the custard is firm.