Pinoy Low Carb Diet Meals

Websites feature diet foods that are not conveniently available in local shops in the Philippines. So, what's the use of knowing that low carbohydrates, high protein, high fiber meals are one of the best meals for losing unwanted pounds? Here are some Pinoy Low Carb Meals -- Pinoy because the ingredients are easily found in supermarkets around the Philippines and some of them in your friendly neighborhood sari-sari stores.

Glorious scrambled eggs seasoned with McCormick Italian herbs and a little salt matched with perfectly toasted and slightly buttered Gardenia Whole Wheat Bread are best at breakfast or dinner. To add tickle to your taste buds, have some sliced tomatoes and onions.

The key to a low-carb diet is to avoid refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and white rice, and replace them with whole, complex carbohydrates like whole wheat bread and brown rice. However pricey, whole wheat bread doesn't make you feel hungrier than white does. I spread some butter in it because butter is a good source of essential fatty acids that promote good health.

Eggs are protein-packed and can be enjoyed scrambled, sunny-side-up (just make sure to use healthy, zero-trans fat cooking oil), or hard-boiled. I like scrambled eggs. Two eggs won't hurt you as long as you don't eat every day. I eat an average of 4 eggs per week. I hate salt, so I just put a little, but I sprinkle a good amount of Italian herbs (Try McCormick Italian Seasoning or McCormick Basil Leaves).

Adding fiber to your fibrous whole wheat toasts is a garnish of raw onions and tomatoes. You can use other vegetables and fruits, such as green beans and apple. Fiber helps in the elimination of wastes from our body, thus removes those extra pounds caused by excess water and fats.

Nice and easy apple-cinnamon-peanuts oatmeal. Oatmeal is very good for the heart as it contains fiber that fights heart diseases. It's high in protein, too, so it's very good source of energy that's essential in burning body fats. I go for Quaker Instant Oatmeal. You may try other brands, but I suggest you choose ones that don't have refined sugar. White sugar makes you crave for more food. It's a no-no when losing weight. I love topping my bowl of oatmeal with green apples which is of course a good source of vitamins. Don't forget that vitamins are important especially when trying to lose weight because they support our immune system that may be weakened in the process of eliminating some kinds of food in our diet. Cinnamon is one of my favorite sweeteners. McCormick has it, too. If you don't like cinnamon, try pure honey or brown sugar. Sprinkle a tablespoon or two of crushed roasted peanuts (protein-rich, too!) and you're all set! I enjoy this low carb meal any time of the day!

Tomato and cheese in lettuce / cabbage wrap-- Heaven! As of this writing, tomatoes are sold at 20 pesos in many local public markets. Slice a kilo, remove the seeds (optional), add two medium-sized onions (sliced), sprinkle some corn oil (not too much; some like olive oil which is better), and then cook in medium heat for about twenty minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool down before spreading over fresh lettuce or cabbage leaf, top it with cheddar cheese. You may add salt if you like. Wrap up and enjoy. You can add strips of grilled chicken breasts in the wrap. Instead of using as a wrap filling, you can use this tomato dish on pasta or rice. Be sure to use whole wheat pasta or brown rice. In leading supermarkets, like SM and Shopwise, you'll find brown rice. I haven't tried whole wheat pasta and have never found it in local stores.