7 Satisfying Low-Carb Recipes

A sustainable diet is one that doesn't feel like one. That was the promise of the Atkins diet. While its popularity may have waned with the passing of its creator, it's hard to deny that it's had a lasting impact on the way Americans eat. Regardless of whether people are on a low-carb diet or not, many now think about what constitutes "good carbs" versus "bad carbs", and there are some elements of his eating regimen that still seem like pretty sound advice today — for instance, the focus on whole, unprocessed foods.

Perhaps Michael Pollan's mantra when it comes to eating sums up the "new version" of low-carb best: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." The common misconception surrounding the Atkins diet that you should consume gratuitous amounts of protein while all but ignoring the body's main source of fuel, glucose, isn't what most people mean by low-carb these days. Rather, it is this sage advice that sums up the way most humans should eat (notable exceptions being sumo wrestlers, champion skiers, and Michael Phelps), with meat primarily as a flavoring rather than a main course. Note that five of the seven recipes here either don't have any meat, or use meat in a very minor way. And there's even a dessert recipe, too.

If there are carbs in the pantries of the health-conscious these days, it's a pretty safe bet they're of the whole-grain variety — think amaranth, quinoa, and whole-wheat couscous — and not processed sands devoid of nutrition — read white bread, white rice, and pasta. But really, the most important take-home message is this: Cut out the junk, and create well-balanced, satisfying meals from scratch. And that's exactly what these seven satistfying low-carb recipes aim to do.

Diet is not the whole equation. But it is certainly a big part of it. 

Click here to see Carbs That Are Actually Good for You.

This salad is a good balance between having some carbs in your meal and wanting a light, fresh salad...

— Ali Rosen

This hearty and satisfying dish proves that low-carb meals don't have to consist of rabbit food...

— Carly Goldsmith

Cannellini beans give this stew a creaminess and body that will make you forget all about the carbs...

— Will Budiaman

Try pairing these spicy scallops with a Grüner Veltliner (goes well with both seafood and spice) and a simple salad of arugula...

— Yasmin Fahr

The only thing better than how delightfully filling this salad is, is how easy it is to make...

— Molly Aronica

For dieters and non-dieters alike, these crêpes should guiltlessly hit the spot for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or an after-dinner dessert...

— Claire Bullen

In the morning, nothing quite satisfies like a muffin when you've got to grab breakfast on the run...

— Allison Beck