Induction--craving chicken cheese enchiladas...

[Julie in CA]

Here's what I'd like to have for dinner tonight:
plain cooked chicken meat mixed with an ounce or two of cheddar cheese and 1 teaspoon minced green onions, topped with 1/2 cup of tomato sauce mixed with 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (both of which have *no sweeteners* of any kind, I checked!), then baked for a little while.

Is this ok for induction, or is tomato sauce of any kind out?

[Julie in CA]

Ok, I've been searching, and I think I've found my answer.
Not okay, right? No tomato sauce at all.

[EmDee]

1/2 cup of tomato sauce has about 13 carbs according to fitday...tomatoes have a lot of natural sugar.

post-induction, I have used Newman's Own which has about 8 carbs per 1/2 cup according to the label...still a huge percentage of a daily amount.

[Julie in CA]

Originally Posted by EmDee

1/2 cup of tomato sauce has about 13 carbs according to fitday...tomatoes have a lot of natural sugar.

post-induction, I have used Newman's Own which has about 8 carbs per 1/2 cup according to the label...still a huge percentage of a daily amount.

I was looking at Hunt's no-salt tomato sauce (no added sugar) which lists 8 carbs(2g. fiber) per 1/2 cup. I have actually been pretty far below 20 carbs each day, and I'm trying to balance my fear of carbs with getting the right amount. I wasn't sure if the tomato sauce was okay. I think I'm not gonna eat it!

Maybe some chicken and a small handful of broccoli sauteed with some olive oil and a little garlic? Does that sound ok? I can't remember if green beans are ok or not, I'd prefer to have them today instead of broccoli (even though I love broccoli too!).

[EmDee]

salsa has a similar carb count but I sometimes put a tbs on my scrambled eggs...it is tomato and tomato is allowed on induction, it is just that you can't use a lot because it is a "costly" choice.

I think your alternatives sound good, too!

I have stir-fried peppers & scallions and put that over shredded chicken with some cheddar cheese....add a tbs of salsa and you are close to your enchilada!

[mizski]

What about something like Linda's Green Enchilada Chicken? I don't use the xanthan gum and you could use some regular salsa if you can't find the green.

[imagood1]

Green beans are ok for induction -- they are listed under "other vegetables" as string beans.

[JulieB]

I used tomato sauce during induction - I just watched my portions carefully. I also use Hunt's brand as that is the one I can find with no sugar added (I can't believe how many brands have sugar in them!!). It is a bit tricky to say how many "cups" of veggies 1/2c of tomato sauce would count as, since it is "cooked down" tomatoes...I'd estimate 1/2c tomato sauce = at least 1c "veggies".

Go ahead & have your enchiladas Tomato sauce is good for you - there is nothing wrong with carbs from veggies (as long as you stay under your daily limit of course!)

Good plan to deal with your craving BTW, this is a great substitute for something that you love and isn't "legal" on this rung of Atkins. I've "Atkinized" quite a few of my favorite recipes...works great

[rosie321]

Try looking at the jarred "marinara sauces" in the grocery store rather than the canned "tomato sauces." I was able to find a marinara with only 2g net carbs for 1/2 cup. I've also found that unlike tomato sauces, the majority of marinara sauces DO NOT have added sugar.

[Julie in CA]

Originally Posted by rosie321

Try looking at the jarred "marinara sauces" in the grocery store rather than the canned "tomato sauces." I was able to find a marinara with only 2g net carbs for 1/2 cup. I've also found that unlike tomato sauces, the majority of marinara sauces DO NOT have added sugar.

Wow, that's a great tip! Thank you.