Chicken is the perfect protein for low carb diets and this quick fix for leftovers is a sure winner! Mexican dishes are perennial favorites and this tortilla-less Chicken Tostada is proof!

We've included nutritional information for the basic salad plus options including whole wheat tortillas and without cheese. Carbs are a bit higher from the addition of soy beans (don't substitute regular beans).

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup canned black soy beans, drained
• 4 cups mixed greens, chopped
• 1 Roma tomato, sliced thin
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 4 radishes, sliced thin
• 1/2 avocado, sliced thin
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped & divided
• 1/2 cup queso anejo (Mexican crumbled cheese)
• 4 Tbsp salsa
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin
• 4 whole wheat tortillas (optional)
  

Mix chicken, soy beans, cilantro & spices together in a large bowl. If using tortillas, spray both sides with nonstick cooking spray and heat in nonstick skillet until crispy on each side.

On a bed of salad, arrange the chicken & soy beans, sprinkle with radishes and green onion. Top with Mexican cheese crumbles, tomato slices & fresh salsa.

Serve & enjoy! We've got lots more delicious low carb recipes in the Kimkins Recipe Box!

Nutritional Info (per serving)
Calories: 305
Protein: 39
Carbs: 8
Fat: 14

Without Cheese
Calories: 243
Protein: 35
Carbs: 7
Fat: 9

With Tortilla & Cheese
Calories: 413
Protein: 43
Carbs: 37
Fat: 14

Summer celebrations are full of social occasions that are a challenge anyone following a weight loss diet -- weddings, lazy BBQs, vacations and neighborhood block parties. If you're diabetic and planning to drink alcohol, you can make smart choices with a bit of advance planning.

Alcohol doesn't have to be off limits if your diabetes is under control. Key phrase: Under Control. Alcohol can make blood glucose too high or too low and interfere with how your diabetes medications work.

If you're following a low carb weight loss program consider the carbohydrate gram counts as well as calories. Alcohol adds up quickly! American Diabetic Association alcohol guidelines suggests daily limits of 1 drink for women, 2 for men.

One drink is 12 oz light beer, 4 oz wine or 1.5 oz hard liquor. Don't have a set of measuring cups with you at the party? Try these visual clues when “eyeballing” portion sizes:


Keep these tips in mind to blend occasional alcoholic drinks with low carb weight loss:

• Eat a low carb meal before you drink to prevent low blood glucose.
  

• Choose vodka, whiskey, rum, wine or low carb beer. Avoid sugary mixed drinks or regular beer which can cause your blood sugar to skyrocket.
  

• Choose low calorie mixers like mineral water, club soda, diet tonic water or diet soda.
  

• An ideal low calorie low carb drink is to mix 4 oz of white wine with 4 oz of a low calorie mixer like mineral water or diet lime soda.
  

• Measure the amount of alcohol you drink or you're guaranteed to go over the calories or carbs you planned for.
  

If you have type 1 diabetes and aren’t overweight, count alcohol servings in addition to your low carb meal plan. If you are a type 2 diabetic or are overweight, any alcohol you drink should be a substitution for another food in your low carb meal plan. Be smart, don't forfeit food so you can drink more. Ask your doctor for specific food exchange examples.

Avoid alcohol completely if your blood glucose is out of control, have neuropathy, take medications that react with alcohol or if you've just exercised vigorously.

Test -- don't guess. Alcohol can be tricky with glucose levels.

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I have struggled with my weight since I was a child and I am 47 years old.  I have lost and gained weight many times trying all kinds of diets and programs.  I would be strict for a long time, but then hit a plateau, get discouraged and eventually quit only to gain the weight back and then some.

I was actually struggling on another program and was gaining back weight that I had lost when I saw the Woman’s World magazine with the article about Kimkins.  I read the article and thought about it for several days.

I had tried Atkins and it didn’t really work that good for me, but this was different.  It was our anniversary and vacation, so I decided I would start after that.  It was hard at first, but I stuck it out never realizing that 1 year later I would have lost 144 pounds!

I was determined not to quit this time no matter how many plateaus I hit or how discouraged I became and that has happened many times.  I haven’t posted much on the website, but I read a lot and get encouragement from others going through the same thing.
 
Being in ketosis has really helped me not have cravings and be able to pass up temptations.  This journey has been so amazing!  Many people say they could never do this because they love carbs, breads, sweets, etc.  Well, so do I!  I eat chicken and eggs almost daily and still love them!

I didn’t exercise for several months, but now I do daily.  I think it has actually slowed down my weight loss, but I have built some great muscle and lost many inches.  It’s hard to believe the transformation I have gone through.  I am the healthiest I have been in many years.

I have never been this small (or even close) as an adult.  I went from a women’s size 24 to a size 6!  I am having so much fun shopping and can’t believe these small clothes fit me!  I have had many people not recognize me lately.

I am very close to goal and look forward to maintenance and the challenge of learning to stay with my new lifestyle.  This is not just a diet, but a lifestyle change.  I know I will need to exercise and make wise choices to keep my new life.  I struggle with lack of self confidence, but I feel so much more confident and happy.  It’s so great to have more energy for my husband and 10 year old twins.  They are very proud of me.

This journey has taken much prayer and determination and the strength to just say “no!”  It has been worth it all!   I encourage others on this journey not to give up!  Keep making good choices and you will reach your goal!

Missing lasagne on your low carb diet? Give this pasta-less veggie laden version a try!

If you grow zucchini in your garden you're probably looking for new ways to fix your prolific summer bounty. Zucchini are "courgettes" to our UK friends! Save time by making several casseroles and freeze to enjoy later.

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 2 small zucchini
• 1 cup cooked turkey sausage*
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1 Roma tomato chopped
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 Tbsp tomato sauce
• 2 Tbsp beef broth or water
• 1 cup 2% cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup skim mozzarella shredded
• 2 Tbsp low fat cream cheese
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese shredded
• 1 egg white, beaten
• 1 Tbsp chives, minced (optional)
• 1 tsp each Italian seasoning & fennel seed
• 1/2 tsp onion powder, garlic powder, ground sage, pepper & salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 6 cup GRATIN or baking dish with nonstick spray.

Using a mandolin or very sharp knife, slice zucchini lengthwise into 1/8" strips. Grind the fennel seeds in a spice mill or mortar & pestle. Lay zucchini strips in a single layer and sprinkle evenly with freshly ground pepper.

Add turkey sausage to mini food processor with the tomato, beef broth, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, fennel seed, onion powder and ground sage. Process until fairly smooth (there's a reason to not leave it chunky!) Set aside.

In a medium bowl mix cottage cheese with egg white, parmesan cheese, cream cheese, chives and garlic powder, blend well. Set aside.

To assemble, layer 3 zucchini strips to cover the bottom of the gratin dish. Layer evenly with 1/2 of the meat mix, 1/2 of the spinach, 1/2 of the mushrooms and top with 1/2 of the ricotta mix. Add the next layer of 3 zucchini strips and repeat meat, spinach, mushroom and cheese mixes. Finish the last layer with zucchini strips to cover and sprinkle evenly with mozzarella.

Cover tightly with foil and bake 45 minutes. Remove foil the last 10 minutes to slightly brown cheese if desired. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutritional Info (per serving)

Calories: 379
Protein: 48 gm
Carbs: 12 gm
Fat: 15 gm

* Save extra calories by using diced leftover turkey instead of commercial sausage which includes fatty ground turkey skin.