Low Carb, Keto Cinco de Mayo Recipes

Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) is nearly here! If you're on a low carb or keto diet, you may think your options are limited. The good news is there are loads of delicious, healthy ways to celebrate this day with family and friends -- including margaritas, nachos, and churros! For starters, you can use our low carb konjac-based Skinny Rice in place or all or some of the regular white rice in your favorite Cinco recipes. Using Skinny Rice in place or regular rice cuts about 200 calories and 40 grams of carbs. For more ideas, check out some of the delicioso Cinco options below. 

First, what Cinco de Mayo is complete without a margarita?! You'll love this sugar-free margarita option with all the fun, but fewer carbs and calories. ¡Salud!


Only 104 calories and 6g carbs
via Verywell Fit

For most, Cinco de Mayo (and for that matter, any gathering) isn't complete without guacamole and chips. Here's a creative, tasty solution when you're counting carbs.

Who wouldn't love to snack on these any day of the year?
via Wholesome Yum

For those on a keto diet, this recipe is a dream come true! Everyone loves nachos, and the crunchy secret ingredient in this recipe gives you an amazing snack with only 1g carbs.
Not low calories, but only 1g carbs!
via Healthy Recipes

There are endless ways to use Skinny Rice in place of regular rice in your favorite South of the Border recipes. Here's one popular option: our Skinny Burrito Cups! Fast and easy to customize.
Only 250 calories with 12g of protein and 18g net carbs
Via getskinnynoodles.com

This recipe is comfort food to love for Cinco de Mayo and all year round! It's a mash-up of three delicious things -- tacos, alfredo, and shirataki noodles -- in a convenient one-pan meal.
via Cast Iron Keto

Bet you never thought you could enjoy churros on a low carb or keto diet! And this wonderful recipe includes not just churros, but an amazing chocolate sauce for dipping. Spluge without the guilt!
via Keto Diet App


Wishing you a safe, festive Cinco de Mayo! 
Visit us at www.getskinnynoodles.com to learn more about healthy shirataki noodles and 38-calorie SmartCakes -- plus get cooking tips and explore all of our recipes.

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Easy Toshikoshi Ramen or "End of Year" Noodles with Healthy Skinny Ramen!

Are you ready to welcome the new year and say goodbye to the old one? Then say hello to a healthy version of Toshikoshi Ramen. In Japan, New Year's Day is the most important holiday of the year, just like Christmas in the West. While New Year's Day brings parties and much hoopla, New Year's Eve is customarily spent quietly at home with friends and family -- a time to reflect on the old year. The traditional meal to have while waiting to greet the new year is toshikoshi soba. Start the new year eating right with our healthier version of ramen below, made with Skinny Noodle Ramen Style to cut fat, carbs, and calories dramatically.  Yoi otoshi o!  --- よいお年を!Wishing you a happy new year!



Japanese Ramen with Skinny Noodles Ramen Style

1 7-ounce package Skinny Noodles Ramen Style
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp olive oil
1 minced garlic clove
1 tsp fresh grated ginger
sliced mushrooms (optional)
shredded carrot (optional)
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 tsp soy sauce
2 tsp miso (optional)
Soft boiled egg (optional)
sliced scallions (optional)
kimchee or Sriracha sauce (optional)

Skinny Ramen noodles are precooked. Rinse with hot water, drain well, and set aside. Heat sesame and olive oil in medium sauce pan; add garlic clove and ginger, then stir/simmer for 2-3 minutes. Do not brown. Add sliced mushrooms or carrots if desired; cook until soft. Add chicken or vegetable broth and soy sauce; simmer 5 minutes. Add miso if desired. Add Skinny Ramen and simmer 2-3 minutes. Transfer to bowl and add optional toppings: soft boiled egg, sliced scallions, and kimchee or Sriracha sauce for spicy version. Serve hot. Makes 1 serving.



Visit us at www.getskinnynoodles.com to learn more about Skinny Ramen and shirataki noodles, get cooking tips, and explore all of our shirataki noodles recipes!

Four Low Carb Ways to Treat Yourself


Summer brings warmer temperatures and often extra time to relax and enjoy life. For some of us, that means summer brings a chance to treat ourselves. If you're running to the beach, mountains, or pool, we have the perfect healthy snacks for you: New 38 calorie, low carb, gluten-free SmartCakes available in three yummy flavors: Coconut, Cinnamon, and Chocolate.
These tasty snack cakes are sugar free, starch free, and come in convenient grab-and-go packaging that makes them perfect to throw in your bag as you run out the door.

If you have a bit more time, you can crumble SmartCakes, then layer them with fresh fruit like berries or apples and sugar-free Cool Whip to create your own light summer trifles. Fast, easy, healthy, and delish! You and your whole family will love SmartCakes.

Looking for other low carb ways to treat yourself? Then you'll love these lip-smacking yet healthy recipes below. Whether you crave waffles, chips, or cake, you can snack to your heart's content with no guilt thanks to these recipes!

 Low Carb Waffles
There's no better way to celebrate the weekend!
You can even freeze these babies, then toast on weekdays.
Via: Foodie Fiasco
 
Low Carb Cheese Chips & Copycat Chipotle Guacamole
Who wouldn't love to snack on these?
Via: Wholesome Yum

 Chocolate Zucchini Cake
If you want to bake from scratch for a crowd, try this terrific recipe!
Via: Low Carb Yum

Visit us at www.getskinnynoodles.com to learn more about SmartCakes, healthy shirataki noodles, get cooking tips, and explore all of our  recipes.


Fast Healthy Noodle Salad for Summer



Eating healthy can be a challenge. And cooking when it's hot outside? No one wants to do that. But this recipe solves both problems. Made with low carb, low calorie shirataki noodles, it contains only 185 calories, 26 grams of carbs, and 4 Weight Watcher Points+ per serving. Since shirataki noodles are precooked, you'll spend even less time in the kitchen. Just drain, rinse well, and pat the noodles dry with paper towel. You can prep the rest of the ingredients and mix the whole recipe in less than 10 minutes. Refrigerate the salad for about an hour to allow the flavors to blend, and you're good to go!

Don't believe it's that easy? Watch our Chef Tommy make the salad below.



Summer Skinny Noodles Salad

Ingredients:
  • 8 oz package Skinny Noodles Spaghetti Shirataki, drained and rinsed
  • 4 oz carrots, shredded
  • 4 oz snow peas, trimmed and shredded
  • 4 oz red bell pepper, shredded
  • 4 oz baby corn, sliced lengthwise
  • 1/3 C your favorite ready-to-use Asian dressing (soy sesame or miso sesame, etc.) 
    OR
     Mix the following ingredients together: 
  • 1/3 C soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Directions:
In a large bowl, add noodles, carrots, snow peas, red bell pepper, and baby corn. Whisk soy sauce, oil, sugar, and garlic powder in a bowl until well combined OR use 1/3 cup of ready-to-use dressing. Pour dressing over noodle salad; toss gently. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour before serving.
Makes 2 servings.

Per Serving: 185 calories, 7g fat, 26g carbohydrates, 11g fiber, 6g protein

Visit us at www.getskinnynoodles.com to learn more about shirataki noodles, get cooking tips, and explore all of our shirataki noodles recipes. Want to try an assortment of Skinny Noodles varieties? Check out the options here.

4 Ways to Eat Shirataki Noodles




As a working parent, I feel like there are never enough hours in the day. You're fighting traffic, driving the kids to practice, helping with homework, and trying to get a healthy meal on the table. I hate to admit it, but sometimes takeout or drive-thru is the only way to save my sanity. But when I am home to cook, ingredients that make meal prep fast and healthy rank high on my shopping list. If you are trying to cut calories and carbs, shirataki noodles and shirataki rice are precooked and fast, healthy alternatives to regular pasta and white rice. Just drain the package, rinse well, then pan fry 2-3 minutes. If desired, after rinsing and draining, try our Vinegar Tip: Toss noodles in bowl, add 1-2 teaspoons of vinegar, mix gently, and set aside 1-2 minutes to neutralize the alkaline smell. Rinse and drain throughly again, and prepare noodles by dry frying, parboiling, or microwaving. The possibilities are endless. Here are some of the easy, delicious options!

Skinny Minestone Soup

If you're new to shirataki noodles or shirataki rice, soups are one of the easiest ways to serve them. Just drain, rinse well, toss into the soup in place of pasta or rice with the rest of the ingredients, and simmer. You can even use shirataki noodles and rice in a slow cooker; just add during the last 20-30 minutes of cook time. Due to their high fiber content, shirataki noodles and rice never get mushy like regular pasta or rice.

Adapted from a recipe created by SkinnyTaste.com

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 c chopped onion
  • 1 c diced carrots
  • 1/2 c diced celery
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 32 oz reduced sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 28 oz can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz can white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 fresh rosemary sprig (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Dash of dried basil, to taste (optional)
  • Salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
  • 1 medium 8 oz zucchini, diced
  • 2 c chopped fresh spinach
  • 2 – 8 oz. packages Skinny Noodles Macaroni, drained and rinsed
  • Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Saute carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in oil over medium-high heat about 15 minutes, or until tender. Transfer to slow cooker along with broth, tomatoes, beans, salt, and pepper. Add rosemary, bay leaves, and basil; cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high 4-6 hours.

About 40 minutes before the soup is done, add zucchini, spinach, and Skinny Noodles Macaroni. Cover and cook 30 more minutes. Remove bay leaves and rosemary sprig. Serve hot topped with Parmesan cheese if desired. Makes 8 servings.

Per Serving (without optional ingredients): 95 calories, 1g fat, 17g carbohydrates, 5g fiber, 5g protein
Weight Watcher Points+: 2

Looking for more healthy, creative meal options for busy evenings? Try one of these other delicious options below, or browse all our healthy recipes at getskinnynoodles.com.

Less than 250 calories and only 9g of carbs!

Just 131 calories and 10g of carbs!
 
Paleo Pad Thai
The tradition Asian dish gets a healthy paleo update!
Via: GrokGrub.com

Visit us at www.getskinnynoodles.com to learn more about shirataki noodles and shirataki rice, get cooking tips, and explore all of our shirataki noodles recipes! 

Skinny Noodles Shrimp Alfredo with Shirataki Noodles



Officially, March is Irish-American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the contributions of the Irish people to the United States. Of course, this month also brings St. Patrick's Day (March 17); and unofficially, it's the month of everything green. Like Mardi Gras or "Fat Tuesday," St. Patrick's Day is often a day filled with over-indulgence -- lots of parties, plenty of alcohol, and a ton of less-than-healthy food. But what if you're trying to eat right? We have a delicious, satisfying way to celebrate the Green Month without breaking the carb or calorie bank: Skinny Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo.


Our light version of this Italian classic has less than 250 calories and only 9 grams of carbs per serving. The secret is colorful, low carb, low calorie Skinny Noodles Spinach Fettuccine. With 4 grams of filling fiber and 45 percent of the RDA for iron per serving (1/2 package), Skinny Noodles Spinach Fettuccine packs a powerful, Popeye punch! The noodles have a mild flavor that makes them a perfect companion for the creamy, delectable sauce. And because the dish is made with shrimp, it's also an easy meatless meal especially during Lent. Not a fan of shrimp? Substitute chicken or mushrooms instead. Finding ways to take good care of yourself shouldn't be like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It's not about luck. It's about finding balance: Eating right and moving as much as possible most days.

"You'll never plow a field by turning it over in the mind." 
- Irish Saying 

Skinny Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo 
Adapted from a recipe by Cooking Light 
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients


  • 2 – 8 oz. packages Skinny Noodles Spinach Fettuccine (no longer available - try Skinny Noodles Spaghetti instead!)
  • 1 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1/2 C (2 oz.) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 C fat-free half-and-half
  • 3 Tbsp (1.5 oz.) fat-free cream cheese
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Drain and rinse Skinny Noodles thoroughly. Parboil Skinny Noodles for 2-3 minutes; drain and set aside. Combine shrimp, onions, and garlic in a small bowl. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil; swirl to coat. Add shrimp mixture, and sauté for 4 minutes or until shrimp are done. Remove from pan; keep warm. Reduce heat to medium. Add Parmesan, half-and-half, cream cheese, and pepper to pan. Cook 2 minutes or until cheeses melt. Combine pasta, cheese mixture, and shrimp mixture. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired.

Per serving: 247 calories, 8g fat, 9g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, 31g protein
Weight Watchers Points+: 6
Glycemic Load: 4


Shirataki noodles and shirataki rice like Skinny Noodles are made from a root native to Asia called konnyaku (konjac). This root (sometimes mistakenly called a yam, although it is not a member of the yam or sweet potato family) is naturally low in calories and carbs, and a good source of healthy fiber.

Visit us at www.getskinnynoodles.com to learn more about shirataki noodles, get cooking tips, and explore all of our shirataki noodles recipes!

 

Skinny Creamy Tuna Mac Casserole with Shirataki Noodles



Wasn't it just New Year's? The first few months of the year seem to fly by and before you know it, Spring is here! Right now, many of our friends are observing Lent -- avoiding candy, bread, or carbs altogether. Whether you are eating meatless on Fridays during Lent or simply looking for a satisfying meatless meal, we have a delicious solution: Skinny Creamy Tuna Mac Casserole. Anyone who grew up eating Mom's tuna casserole loves this comforting dish. But if you're trying to cut carbs and calories, and eat healthy overall, this version made with Skinny Noodles Macaroni is ideal. Served with a crispy green salad on the side, a serving of this tasty casserole leaves you full and satisfied for hours. Yet each yummy serving has under 300 calories and only 8 Weight Watcher Points+!

Healthy Tip: Try Skinny Noodles shirataki in soups in place of regular pasta or white rice to cut about 200 calories and 40 grams of carbs per serving. Also you can add shirataki noodles or shirataki rice to slow cooker recipes during the last 20 minutes of cook time. Shirataki cannot be overcooked, and won't get mushy like regular pasta or rice.

Skinny Creamy Tuna Mac Casserole
Ingredients:
  • 2 – 8 oz. packages Skinny Noodles Macaroni
  • 1 10.75 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 c fat-free sour cream
  • 1 6 oz can tuna, drained
  • 1-1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 c chopped onions
  • 1 egg, whisked
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 c finely crushed potato chips
  • 1 pinch paprika
Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 400°. Open packages of Skinny Noodles Macaroni-style into a colander. Rinse with warm water and drain well. Pat dry noodles with paper towels. Heat a nonstick frying pan over med. heat. Add noodles and dry fry for 3 - 4 minutes; turn off heat and let sit. In a large bowl mix all ingredients except potato chips and paprika. Add Skinny Noodles and mix again, add salt and pepper to taste. Transfer content to a lightly greased 1.5 quart casserole dish, sprinkle top with crushed chips and paprika and cook for 30 - 35 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings.

Per Serving: 299 calories, 15g fat, 23g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, 18g protein, 73mg cholesterol
Weight Watcher Points+: 8

Shirataki noodles and shirataki rice are made from a root native to Asia called konnyaku (konjac). This root (sometimes mistakenly called a yam, although it is not a member of the yam or sweet potato family) is naturally low in calories and carbs, and a good source of healthy fiber.

Visit us at www.getskinnynoodles.com to learn more about shirataki noodles, get cooking tips, and explore all of our shirataki noodles recipes!

Healthy Macaroni & Cheese with Shirataki Noodles


It's time to bring back one of our most popular light recipes: Baked Skinny Mac & Cheese! Everyone loves Macaroni & Cheese, a perennial comfort food favorite. But not everyone loves the extra calories, carbs, and fat in traditional recipes. Enter our version made with low carb, low calorie Skinny Noodles Macaroni. This macaroni-shaped shirataki noodle is made from the Asian root konnyaku (konjac). Konnyaku is naturally low in calories, low in carbs, and a good source of filling fiber.

Food made from konnyaku has been eaten for hundreds of years in Japan.  Noodles and "rice" made from konnyaku flour instead of wheat or white rice are an excellent, healthy alternative for those who are trying to lose weight, or those following a diabetic, gluten-free, or vegan diet. In addition, Skinny Noodles are made the traditional way -- with no soy or tofu -- which makes them suitable for those who eat clean, following a paleo diet.

Preparation Tip: Shirataki noodles are most often packed in natural alkaline water to keep them fresh and ready to eat without preservatives. When you open the package, you'll notice an ocean-like scent. Don't panic! To neutralize the scent instantly, rinse and drain the noodles well, toss into bowl, add 1-2 teaspoons of vinegar, gently mix into noodles, and set aside 1-2 minutes. The vinegar will neutralize the alkaline smell. Now rinse and drain thoroughly again. Pat noodles dry with a clean towel and pan fry for 2-3 minutes until the noodles "squeak." Voila! Low carb, low calorie noodles or "rice" for your favorite recipes. Try in soups in place of regular pasta or white rice to cut about 200 calories and 40 grams of carbs per serving. Also you can add shirataki noodles or shirataki rice to slow cooker recipes during the last 20 minutes of cook time.

Baked Skinny Mac & Cheese
Ingredients:
  • 2 – 8 oz. packages Skinny Noodles Macaroni
  • 1 c low fat milk
  • 3 Tbsp. flour
  • 1 c shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 Tbsp. breadcrumbs (optional)
  • Dash of paprika (optional)

Directions:
Rinse Skinny Noodles Macaroni and drain well. Blot with paper towels. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat macaroni on high for 2 minutes. Drain additional liquid and set aside. In a medium sauce pan, heat milk and flour on low heat, stirring until mixture becomes thick. Add cheeses and continue to stir until melted and blended. Add salt and pepper to cheese mixture. Add macaroni to sauce pan and coat with cheese sauce. Transfer mixture to a casserole dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and a dash of paprika if desired. Bake in a pre-heated 400° oven for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Makes 4 servings (or 8 side servings).

Per Serving (without optional ingredients): 218 calories, 12g fat, 15g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 12g protein, 40mg cholesterol
Weight Watcher Points+: 6

Visit us at www.getskinnynoodles.com to learn more about shirataki noodles, get cooking tips, and explore all of our shirataki noodles recipes!

Skinny Minestrone Soup


Since most kids have returned to school and temperatures are getting cooler in much of the country, many of us are starting to crave fall's comfort foods. When thinking of familiar comfort foods, we often think of meals loaded with extra calories, carbs, and fat -- but that doesn't have to be the case. In fact, warm, filling soups are an excellent way to satisfying cravings, especially when you use healthy shirataki noodles in place of wheat pasta or white rice.

For this month’s featured recipe we're introducing our new Skinny Minestrone Soup made with Skinny Noodles Macaroni and fresh zucchini (in peak season now). This healthy version of the classic Italian soup has under 100 calories per serving and only 17 grams of carbs -- which is less than half of the calories and carbs for minestrone soup made with regular macaroni noodles. In addition, this soup can be made either in the slow cooker or on the stove top. To make on the stove, simmer all the ingredients on low for about 40 minutes.

If you're new to shirataki noodles, soups are an excellent way to get started. Just drain the shirataki noodles, rinse well, and add to soup. As we've mentioned in previous posts, shirataki noodles also are perfect in slow cookers because they cannot get overcooked and mushy like regular pasta. (For most slow cooker recipes, you can add drained and rinsed shirataki noodles in the last 20-30 minutes of cook time.) And if you live where temperatures are still warm, making soup in the slow cooker saves you from turning on the stove for a long period and needlessly heating up the house.

Skinny Minestone Soup
Adapted from a recipe created by SkinnyTaste.com

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 c chopped onion
  • 1 c diced carrots
  • 1/2 c diced celery
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 32 oz reduced sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 28 oz can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz can white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 fresh rosemary sprig (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Dash of dried basil, to taste (optional)
  • Salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
  • 1 medium 8 oz zucchini, diced
  • 2 c chopped fresh spinach
  • 2 – 8 oz. packages Skinny Noodles Macaroni, drained and rinsed
  • Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Saute carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in oil over medium-high heat about 15 minutes, or until tender. Transfer to slow cooker along with broth, tomatoes, beans, salt, and pepper. Add rosemary, bay leaves, and basil; cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high 4-6 hours.

About 40 minutes before the soup is done, add zucchini, spinach, and Skinny Noodles Macaroni. Cover and cook 30 more minutes. Remove bay leaves and rosemary sprig. Serve hot topped with Parmesan cheese if desired. Makes 8 servings.

Per Serving (without optional ingredients): 95 calories, 1g fat, 17g carbohydrates, 5g fiber, 5g protein
Weight Watcher Points+: 2

Visit us at www.getskinnynoodles.com to learn more about shirataki noodles, get cooking tips, and explore all of our shirataki noodles recipes!

Fast, Healthy, and Creative Summer Salads

I don't know about you, but it seems like summer is the season of rushing to me. From the moment school ends, we're rushing to spend quality time with the kids -- squeezing in all those warm weather activities we don't have time for during the school year. All that rushing means our healthy lifestyle often takes a back seat on the ride to the pool or beach! Fortunately, there are lots of fast, healthy options for eating right on the go.

The key to light, healthy summer eating for me is creative salads. I mean, seriously: Who wants to heat up the house by turning on the oven? Believe it or not, the slow cooker is this mom's best friend during the summer months -- well, frankly all year long. (For healthy slow cooker ideas, read our recent blog.) I can put something on early in the day, not heat up the house, and have dinner ready when my hungry gang gets home and settles down for the evening. But let's face it, my family gets tired of slow cooker meals. So when I need to get creative and keep cool, I opt for one of these delicious salad options. I love this crunchy Edamame Salad recipe for lunch or even a light evening meal because the edamame are a good vegetarian source of protein. Between the protein in the edamame and the fiber from the shirataki noodles, this salad is surprising satisfying, filling, and ready in minutes.

Edamame Salad
Created by Chef Andy Matsuda of Sushi Chef Institute
Learn more about Chef Andy here.


Ingredients:
  • ½ head lettuce, shredded
  • ½ package Skinny Noodles Spaghetti
  • ½ medium cucumber, julienned
  • ¼ C red onion, thinly sliced
  • 6 petite or grape tomatoes
  • ¼ C cooked and shelled edamame beans
  • 2 green onions, sliced
Dressing:
  • ½ C rice vinegar
  • ½ C vegetable oil
  • ¼ - ½ C honey (to taste)
  • ⅓ C soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tsp grated garlic
Directions:
Toss all salad ingredients and set aside. Mix together all dressing ingredients. Pour desired amount on salad mix and toss well. Refrigerate unused portion of dressing to use at later date. Makes 4 servings.

Per Serving: 299 calories, 21g fat, 26g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 4g protein
Glycemic Load: 14
Weight Watchers Points+: 8

Visit us at www.getskinnynoodles.com to learn more about shirataki noodles and shirataki rice, get cooking tips, and explore all of our shirataki noodles recipes!

Looking for more healthy, creative salad options to make on warm summer days? Try one of these other delicious, colorful options:

 Rainbow Mason Jar Salads
Learn the Art of Making Mason Jar Salads here.
Great for making ahead on Sunday evenings!
Via: PopSugar
 
Watermelon, Blackberry & Mint Salad
Two perennial summer favorites come together in the refreshing salad!
Via: TwoPeasandTheirPod.com

Summer Rolls with Easy Peanut Dipping Sauce
Healthy eats to grab and go!
Via: SallysBakingAddiction.com

Island Style Potato Mac Salad and Other Healthy Summer Salads


July 4 is nearly here! Like all summer celebrations, July 4 can be tricky terrain to navigate if you're trying to eat healthy or even lose weight. Whether you're hosting the get-together yourself or taking a dish to a potluck event, try one of our favorite strategies for eating right anytime, anywhere: Make sure you have plenty of healthy options. In this case, plan ahead and prepare healthy side dishes for a sure-fire way to lighten your summer.

For this month’s featured recipe we chose our Island Style Potato Mac Salad because it satisfies a craving for one of America's favorite July 4 and barbecue sides -- potato salad -- while still keeping it light enough for anyone who is counting calories or watching their weight. Using shirataki noodles instead of traditional, carb-heavy and calorie-laden pasta, our healthy potato salad recipe with island flair is just as tasty as any regular version but has only a fraction of the calories and carbohydrates.

Island Style Potato Mac Salad
Ingredients:
  • 1 8 oz package Skinny Noodles Macaroni

  • 2 C potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sizes pieces

  • 1 boiled egg, cooled and chopped

  • 2 stalks green onions, finely chopped
  • 1/2 C grated carrots
  • 

1/3 C cooked green peas (optional)
  • 
1/2 C light mayonnaise

  • 1 tsp yellow mustard

  •  Salt and pepper to taste


Directions:
Rinse and drain Skinny Noodles Macaroni, microwave on high for 1 minute. Drain liquid and set aside to cool. Cook potatoes until fork-tender; drain, set aside to cool. In a separate bowl combine egg, onions, carrot, peas (if desired), mayonnaise and mustard. Fold in cooled potatoes and Skinny Noodles Macaroni. Mix in salt and pepper to taste; cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours. May require more salt. Serve chilled.
Makes 4 serving.
Per Serving (without optional ingredients): 194 calories, 11g fat, 63mg cholesterol, 21g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, 3g protein
Weight Watchers Points Plus: 5

Visit us at www.getskinnynoodles.com to learn more about shirataki noodles and shirataki rice, get cooking tips, and explore all of our shirataki noodles recipes!

Looking for more healthy salad options to make your summer buffets delicious and healthy? Try one of these two other terrific options:

by TwoPeasandTheirPod
Who could resist this festive salsa?

by SkinnyTaste
Did someone say Greek dip? Opa!



The Secret to a Slimmer Summer

Summer officially begins June 21, but unofficially starts Memorial Day weekend. That means (gasp!) summer is here. It's time to take off the sweater, put on a pair of shorts, or maybe even a bathing suit. While many of us dread showing more skin, summer is also a terrific time to get energized -- to get outside, get active, and start eating lighter and healthier. If you'd like to slim down this summer, many weight loss experts recommend focusing on one key factor when planning meals: Fiber.

Why is fiber so important to weight loss? According to Web MD, healthy foods that are high in fiber help you feel full, which means you are less likely to overeat. Not only are you less likely to eat more than you should at meals, but you are less likely to snack between meals. Fibrous foods also take longer to chew, which gives your brain more time to figure out you're full.

Tanya Zuckerbrot, © Instagram.com/F_Factor
Tanya Zuckerbrot, a registered dietitian and author of The F-Factor Diet: Discover the Secret to Permanent Weight Loss and the The Miracle Carb Diet: Make Calories & Fat Disappear — With Fiber discovered the fiber and weight loss connection when she was working with cardiac patients and diabetics early in her career. She noticed her patients not only improved their clinical conditions by following a fiber-rich diet, but also lost weight too. Her eating plans allow for eating foods with carbohydrates if they are also high in fiber. Get Tanya's recipe for Miracle Carb Diet Risotto here.

http://www.getskinnynoodles.com/miracle-carb-diet-risotto_a/275.htm
Tanya Zuckerbrot's Miracle Carb Diet Risotto


The Nutrition Twins, © Instagram.com/nutritiontwins
When you're planning summer meals to help you slim down, stock up on plenty of whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. The Nutrition Twins, Tammy Lakatos Shames and Lyssie Lakatos, are nationally recognized registered dietitian nutritionists and personal trainers with 15 years of experience. They've also written the book on incorporating healthy fiber-rich veggies into your menus: The Nutrition Twins' Veggie Cure. They say everyone should love fiber because "it fills you up without calories, it helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and it helps to prevent constipation." What to eat when you want to lose weight but also feel like a bottomless pit? Vegetables and other fiber-rich foods. Get Nutrition Twins' recipe for Skinny Cold Kale Noodle Salad here (can be made with Skinny Noodles Spaghetti or Angel Hair).

Skinny Cold Kale Noodle Salad


Roni Noone, © RonisWeigh.com
Countless weight loss bloggers write about the benefits of fiber. Roni Noone, popular weight loss and healthy lifestyle blogger and now author of What You Can When You Can: Healthy Living on Your Terms says one of her favorite ways to make food lighter and healthier at home is bulking up dishes with extra fiber-rich ingredients like vegetables. She suggests using fiber-rich veggies more as a base for meals rather than as a side. She says, "It decreases calories while increasing serving size and it adds fabulous flavor!" Chop up extra mushrooms, toss in fresh spinach, or add onions for example. Roni offers many more ideas for healthy meals on her website, greenlitebites.com.

Spicy Chickpeas & Shirataki Noodles, © greenlitebites.com

If you want to have your healthiest summer yet, focus on fiber. Most people don’t reach the daily recommendations -- 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. Make reaching those recommendation a goal, get active at least 20 minutes a day, watch the weight fall off and your overall health and well-being improve. That's a recipe for a super summer!

Visit us at www.getskinnynoodles.com to learn more about shirataki noodles and shirataki rice, get cooking tips, and to explore all of our shirataki noodles and shirataki rice recipes! Made from the Asian konnyaku or konjac root, shirataki noodles and shirataki rice are naturally good sources of fiber. Each variety of Skinny Noodles contains 3-4 grams of fiber per serving.

Asian Shrimp and Noodle Salad with a Side of Fitness Inspiration


You want to improve your health. But you feel less than motivated. Here are a few random thoughts and links we've found helpful.

All it takes is 20 minutes a day. Studies have shown just 20 minutes of exercise a day can help you live healthier, live longer, get stronger, and even boost your mood. So pick an activity, like walking, and push aside the excuses. Anyone can do 20 minutes, right? Read more here.

Give it 100. You may have seen some of the inspirational videos available at GiveIt100.com. Practice something -- like taking better care of youself -- for 100 days and you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish. For a start, check out this amazing mother/daughter duo who lost 74 pounds in 100 days.



Find a plan and get support from a community. You'll find an endless array of fitness ideas online in places like Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Don't have a lot of time? Start with one of the top 10 fitness memes on Twitter: #Plankaday. Try doing 1 plank every day to build your core strength. Maybe you'll plank for only 5 seconds when you begin. That's okay. You can make a goal to add 5 seconds every day. If you need motivation, tweet about your daily planks with hashtag #plankaday. You can get a virtual pat on the back (and you'll be surprised how much it helps) or even keep yourself accountable. Learn more about the benefits of planking and #plankaday here.



Looking for more ideas? How about the Buzzfeed 27-Day Squat Challenge? You can start this challenge whenever you like. By the time you finish, you'll be able to do 100 squats and improve the strength of your glutes, quads, hamstrings, hips, and even abs. You start with 10 squats on day one and add 5 squats every day, resting on every sixth day.








Eat right. Of course, a big part of taking better care of yourself is eating right. And again, you'll find tons of inspiration online with blogs, on Facebook and Pinterest for instance. Whether you are gluten-free, diabetic, or eating to lose weight and improve your health overall, you can find blogs, posts, and pins to inspire healthy eating. Case in point, this mouth-watering recipe from Sprint2theTable.com, Asian Shrimp & Noodle Salad made with low carb, low calorie Skinny Noodles. Who says eating right has to be anything but delicious?

The bottom line is: Get started. Dr. Martin Luther King said, "You don't have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step." Baby steps lead to better health... and big dreams!