With low carb diets being all the rage now, it becomes quite a task to avoid favorite foods that normally have pasta or bread as a base.  Pizza, lasagna, tacos, enchiladas, burritos etc. can be in the low carb diet without the bread factor.  Simply substituting the pasta or bread with low carb options such as lettuce or not using pasta or pastry at all does the trick.  Here are some simple ways to enjoy your favorite “no no”.

Use romaine lettuce leaves to wrap chicken enchiladas.  Simply put your favorite chicken enchilada mixture on a leaf of romaine, roll it up and put it in the microwave for a minute.  Remove, and enjoy.  I like to mix cooked chicken, chopped onion, cream cheese and green chilis or green salsa for my filling.  For a family meal the enchiladas can be baked in a 300 degree oven for about 15 minutes.  These can also be eaten cold, if preferred.

Use romaine lettuce leaves the same way for “burritos”.  Wrap your favorite burrito mixture in a lettuce leaf add cheese, picante sauce or whatever else you like and microwave about a minute.  You may have to experiment a little and have your filling already heated so that the lettuce doesn’t completely disintegrate.

Pizza can be made without the crust simply by pressing lean ground turkey, chicken, or beef that is seasoned with oregano, garlic, and basil to taste into a glass pie plate that has been sprayed with cooking spray.  Bake in a 350 degree oven until done.  Remove the dish from the oven and drain any excess grease from the pieplate and top with your favorite pizza sauce and other toppings you like.  Finish the dish off with your favorite shredded cheese and pop back into the oven until the cheese is melted.

Lasagna can be layered with , you guessed it…..romaine lettuce.  No, it isn’t the same as pasta, but it works and will be a great substite for your diet. 

These ideas can  also be used for those on gluten free diets .