September is here, but the hot weather won’t leave! While some parts of the country are projected to get an early fall, others have been told that they’ll be sweating it out for some time to come. As of yet, everywhere is still pretty warm, so we are sticking with summery flavors.
Mangos bring a delicious tropical flavor to a sweet or savory dish that we love. And, high in fiber, they can help blood sugar levels! A study where people ate mango for 12 weeks saw that they had significantly lower fasting blood sugar levels than they had at the start of the trial. Despite being so sweet and tasty, they are packed with nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants that make us love mangos. Here are four mango recipes, from starter to dessert, that let you enjoy the fruit without too many carbs!
Mango salsa is so delicious. It’s a little spicy, a little sweety, a little tangy, and perfect for dipping anything in! You can pair it with veggies or the chip recipes we shared in June. Our team is spoiled because, in southern California, we can buy this freshly made in the supermarket’s produce section. Around here, it’s an everyday store-brand staple in many grocery stores. But, thankfully, for everyone else, it’s really easy to make at home. This recipe uses mango from the frozen aisle, so you don’t have to worry about the fruit being in season! A serving has 56 calories, 1.9 grams of fiber and 13.6 grams of carbs. Get the recipe.
When it’s hot out, we frequently can’t face hot side dishes! It’s too darn hot for a normal side of veggies! But, you may be a bit tired of standard coleslaw by this point in the summer. You’re probably had it alongside so many other dishes. It’s always delicious, but you might be looking for something new. It’s time to try this slaw! This is also an excellent side for picnics. Unlike most slaws, this one is made without mayo, which means it can stay longer without making people ill. While larger gatherings aren’t happening this year, that’s a perk if your family enjoys the last of the summer by eating outdoors. A serving has 90 calories and 10 grams of net carbs. Get the recipe.
It might be cool enough to cook the main course. And, this only cooks for 20 minutes, but there is a little prep work. The recipe is low in carbs, but if you want to cut it even more, swap the honey for something like stevia and cornstarch for your preferred low-carb flour. Even without those steps, this meal is still quite low in carbohydrates, and it is delicious! It’s a sweet and sour chicken dish without the hassle of getting takeout or delivery! What’s not to love about that? A serving has 334 calories, 19 grams of carbs and one gram of fiber. Get the recipe.
We love cheesecake bites! Over the last few years, they have picked up the name “fat bombs.” They are high in fat, but if you have one as a treat, they are something you can enjoy as part of a healthy diet. If you want to lower the fat, you can cut out the nuts, but that’s healthy fat, and, again — this isn’t a daily indulgence. When you add tropical fruit to cheesecake, you have a pairing made in heaven. These could not be easier, and they are made and served cold. A serving has 135 calories, three grams of carbs and half a gram of fiber. Get the recipe.
We hope these recipes bring a taste of the tropics to your kitchen and inspire you to try new things. The summer heat won’t last forever!