Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! May 2010 bring you only good things. We are officially starting our low carb regime in two days but I'm gearing up for it early by getting prepared. Following a low carb diet is easy when you have plenty of options for delicious, satisfying food. If you wish to follow a low carb plan, I recommend the following:

*Collect as many recipes that suit you (know what you like and know what you are able to cook). Make sure you collect recipes for easy, quick weekday meals as well as more extravagant ones for the weekends if you like to cook

*Stock your fridge and pantry with delicious low carb staples (cooked chicken, eggs, a variety of cheeses and nuts, good quality olive oil, fresh vegetables and herbs, lemons and limes, fancy mustard and vinegar, fresh crudites and sour cream to make homemade dips, etc.)

*Develop a meal plan for the upcoming week or at least for the upcoming 2-3 days. If you are traveling, figure out where you can find a low carb meal option (most restaurants serve grilled chicken salads and you can always request an omelette).

My husband and I love to leaf through low carb cookbooks and find good recipes for the week ahead. We usually do this on a Sunday during a break from the football games -- LOL!. The recipe below for Parmesan Chicken is from Dana Carpender's "500 Low Carb Recipes" and it is simple, delicious and filling. It pairs nicely with a steamed green vegetable like asparagus or broccoli and a nice salad. It makes six servings.

Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast
4 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon pepper
2 eggs
4 tablespoons of butter

Pound the chicken breasts until they are 1/4 inch thick and cut into 6 portions. Set aside.
Combine the cheese with the oregano, garlic, paprika and pepper on a plate. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. Dip the chicken in the egg mixture and then in the cheese mixture, coating both sides well. Melt the butter in a heavy skillet over medium-low heat and saute for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until cooked through.