14 Low-Carb Meals to Make for Your Valentine

Dining out on Valentine’s Day can be a challenge when you’re dieting. Whether it’s you or your date that’s trying to lose weight, champagne, wine, bread, appetizers and carb-heavy entrees can cause total diet destruction. Some restaurants even have Valentine’s Day prefix menus, making it impossible to make healthy choices or adjustments. With so many obstacles, it may be easier (and cheaper) to cook for your Valentine at home this year. Plus, the effort will win you bonus points!

Spoil your sweetheart with these 14 low-carb recipes that are perfect for Valentine’s Day:

1. Peanut Butter Pancakes >

Calories per Serving: 290

Start your sweetie’s day with breakfast in bed! Peanut butter, zucchini and eggs are the star ingredients in this low-carb recipe. However, almond flour, cinnamon, vanilla and a bit of stevia add classic pancake taste and texture. Make them in the shape of hearts if you’re feeling creative! Garnish with a stevia or monk fruit-based syrup.

2. Lobster Bisque >

Calories per Serving: 270

More often than not, fancy and healthy don’t go together in the same sentence. However, this creamy, decadent bisque provides one Vegetable (thanks to tomato and onion), one Protein (lobster) and one Healthy Fat (whole milk). Is lobster out of your budget? Pollock (imitation crab meat) is a delicious swap!

3. Stuffed Pepper Tacos >

Calories per Serving: 345

If your sweetheart loves Mexican food, this recipe will knock their socks off. Colorful, tasty and filling, these tacos are made with simple bell pepper shells. They’re every bit as satisfying thanks to creamy sour cream, cheddar cheese and rich avocado.

4. Avocado Shrimp Burger >

Calories per Serving: 345

Bet you never thought you’d be buying pork rinds on your diet! Yet that’s exactly what gives these burgers their rich flavor and terrific crunch. Pork rinds are made from pork skin and salt. And while they’re deep fried, they’re also protein-packed, have zero carbohydrates and contain both mono and polyunsaturated fats, says the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

5. Garlicky Shrimp Pasta >

Calories per Serving: 230

Ever heard of glucomannan? It’s a type of soluble fiber that comes from the root of the konjac plant, which grows in Japan, China and Southeast Asia. According to Healthline, shirataki noodles are made from water and glucomannan fiber and contain very little calories and carbs. It’s worth the trip to a gourmet or Asian grocery store to find them. We mix these keto friendly noodles with shrimp, garlic and butter for a delicious dinner your Valentine will love.

6. Chicken Lasagna Cups >

Calories per Serving: 246

Muffins and cupcakes aren’t the only things you can bake in a muffin pan. In this recipe, thin chicken cutlets are tucked into muffin cups and baked. Not only does the chicken hold its shape, it keeps the cheesy lasagna goodness in place!

7. Beef with Mushrooms and Asparagus >

Calories per Serving: 370

Whether you have flank steak or the top round, London broils tend to use tougher cuts of meat that benefit from marinade or scoring. This breaks down tough muscle fibers, creating a more tender and juicy outcome. Scoring also allows you to infuse flavor, which is exactly why we used the method here. Low-carb mushrooms and asparagus are the perfect veggie sides for this hearty Valentine’s Day feast.

8. Five-Spice Salmon >

Calories per Serving: 251

Thanks to Chinese Five Spice powder filled with cinnamon, anise, cloves and ginger, this salmon offers gentle warmth that’s sweet and spicy. It’s not overpowering and you’ll love the way the spices complement the salmon! We serve it over fresh, steamed, garlicky spinach as a high fiber side.

9. Mustard-Crusted Pork >

Calories per Serving: 250

Something about pork makes it seem fancier than chicken. But in reality, it’s just as easy to prepare (if not easier)! This recipe is sure to impress and yet it comes together with just a few pantry staples in under 30 minutes. Serve with roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a romantic homemade dinner.

10. Lamb Chops with Mint Pesto >

Calories per Serving: 253

Here’s another dish that makes a terrific presentation. But don’t be fooled! It’s super easy to prepare and the hardest part is making sure you’ve got all the ingredients for the pesto. The lamb comes together in about six minutes under the broiler, leaving you plenty of time to spend with your Valentine.

11. Easy Flourless Black Bean Brownies >

Calories per Serving: 203

Instead of that obligatory box of chocolates, your sweetie deserves homemade brownies that don’t come with a side of guilt. Black beans may seem like an interesting ingredient but are virtually tasteless when mixed with chocolate protein powder, vanilla, cinnamon and dark chocolate chips.

12. Chilled Espresso Custard >

Calories per Serving: 100

Tiramisu, anyone? This smooth custard tastes very similar to the classic Italian dessert. Just be sure to make this creamy beverage well in advance, as it needs a good three hours to chill. Don’t have these fancy little custard cups? Easily substitute tea cups, mugs or mini mason jars.

13. 1-Minute Chocolate Ricotta Mousse >

Calories per Serving: 200

Chocolaty, creamy and ready in seconds? Yes please! Whip up dessert whenever you decide you’re ready. You might find that just a pinch of salt can cut some of the sweet, giving your mousse a nice flavor balance. This creamy, dreamy dessert is the perfect treat to spoil your Valentine.

14. Iced Pom-Mojito Spritzers >

Calories per Serving: 50

Really reach for that restaurant feel by making your Valentine a specialty cocktail. You can always add champagne, Prosecco or use a sparkling white wine, if desired. Remember; alcohol is permitted in moderation on South Beach Diet. Stick to a four ounce serving of a dry wine and feel free to omit the sugar substitute.