Bushra Griffith
Traditional grits are made from cornmeal, which is a high-starch, high-carb food. A typical serving of grits contains 32 grams of carbohydrates, which is not suitable for low-carb diets. However, there are low-carb alternatives to traditional grits that use almond flour or cauliflower instead of cornmeal. These low-carb cheese grits recipes typically have 3 to 5 grams of net carbs per serving and are suitable for keto diets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 7g-32g |
| Net Carbs | 3g-5g |
| Calories | 140-217 |
| Protein | 3g-17g |
| Fat | 0g-36g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g-15g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg-85mg |
| Sodium | 0mg-328mg |
| Potassium | 53mg-324mg |
| Fiber | 1g-2g |
| Sugar | 0g-2g |
| Vitamin A | 955IU |
| Vitamin C | 41mg |
| Calcium | 0mg-225mg |
| Iron | 0mg-3.5mg |
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What You'll Learn
Traditional grits are high-carb
While traditional grits are high in carbs, there are low-carb alternatives available. These alternatives are made with ingredients such as cauliflower, almond flour, or hemp seeds, and still retain the creamy, buttery, and cheesy qualities of traditional grits. For example, one recipe for Keto Cheese Grits has only 3 grams of net carbs per serving. Another recipe for Cheesy Cauliflower Grits has 5 grams of net carbs per serving.
These low-carb grits alternatives are popular among those following a ketogenic diet, as they allow people to enjoy the taste and texture of traditional grits without the high carbohydrate content. They are also a good option for individuals with diabetes, as they can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
It is worth noting that grits, whether traditional or low-carb, can be a tasty and nutritious option depending on an individual's dietary needs and restrictions. Traditional grits, for example, can be a good source of fiber, which is an essential part of a balanced diet. However, for those specifically seeking to reduce their carbohydrate intake, traditional grits may not be the best choice due to their high carb content.
In conclusion, while traditional grits are high in carbohydrates, there are low-carb alternatives available that can provide a similar taste and texture while adhering to dietary restrictions.
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Keto cheese grits recipes
Traditional grits are made from cornmeal and are therefore not suitable for a low-carb or keto diet. However, there are several keto-friendly recipes for cheese grits that use low-carb substitutes for cornmeal. Here are some examples:
Keto Cheese Grits with Almond Flour
This recipe replaces cornmeal with almond flour, resulting in a dish with only 3g net carbs per serving. To make it, simply mix together 1 cup of almond flour, 1 cup of water, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a medium-size saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, whisking occasionally for 4-5 minutes. Once the mixture is boiling, whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes, until it thickens. Remove from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and combined. You can also add some extra ingredients like eggs, bacon, sausage, pulled pork, or Cajun shrimp.
Keto Cheese Grits with Lupin Beans
This recipe uses ground lupin beans instead of cornmeal, which cuts down on the carb count while still providing a similar texture to regular grits. To make it, melt some butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add diced jalapeños and cook until softened (2-3 minutes). Then, add the lupin meal, water, heavy cream, and salt, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for another 5 minutes or until the grits have thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in some cream cheese and cheddar cheese until combined. You can also add scallions, bacon, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Keto Cauliflower Cheese Grits
This recipe replaces cornmeal with cauliflower, resulting in a creamy and cheesy dish that satisfies grit cravings while being keto-friendly. To make it, cook the cauliflower until tender and then add cream, water, and cream cheese. Simmer until the mixture is creamy, and then add smoked gouda, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and crumbled bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add other ingredients like green onions, cherry tomatoes, spinach, or avocado.
These recipes provide tasty and flexible options for enjoying keto cheese grits, allowing you to customize and add your favorite proteins and vegetables.
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Low-carb cauliflower grits
Traditional grits are made with cornmeal or hominy, which are high in carbohydrates. A typical serving size of creamy white corn grits contains 32 grams of total carbohydrates. This makes grits unsuitable for people following a low-carb diet, such as a ketogenic diet, or those with diabetes.
However, there are low-carb alternatives to traditional grits, such as using almond flour or cauliflower.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Whole milk (optional)
Instructions:
- Rice the cauliflower super fine using a food processor or blender. It should be finer than cauliflower rice but not as creamy as mashed cauliflower.
- Shred the cheddar cheese from a block to avoid added starches in pre-shredded bagged cheese.
- Add the riced cauliflower, salt, pepper, heavy cream, and butter to a large saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Cook, stirring often, until the cauliflower is tender, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese.
- Serve the grits topped with extra cheese and butter, if desired.
You can also add whole milk to the mixture for a creamier texture. This recipe is low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free, with only 5 net carbs per serving.
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Grits are not suitable for diabetics
Grits are a popular Southern American dish made from crushed or ground corn. They are a creamy, high-carb food. A typical serving size of creamy white corn grits contains 32 grams of total carbohydrates.
While grits are a good source of energy, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, they may not be the best option for people with diabetes due to their high carbohydrate content. Eating foods high in carbohydrates can affect blood sugar levels and cause sickness in people with diabetes.
The way grits are processed also affects blood sugar levels. The more fibrous the grits, the healthier they are for people with diabetes. Stone-ground grits are likely the best choice for people with diabetes, as they are less processed and contain more fiber than other types, which may prevent spikes in blood sugar.
Additionally, pairing grits with low-carb, diabetes-friendly foods can help moderate blood sugar spikes. It is important to consult a doctor before adding grits to your diet if you have diabetes, as blood sugar levels vary from person to person.
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Grits are a Southern comfort food
However, for those who are looking to cut down on carbs but still want to enjoy this Southern comfort food, there are low-carb alternatives to traditional grits. These alternatives are made with cauliflower instead of cornmeal, and they are just as creamy, salty, and buttery as the real thing. By using cauliflower, the carbohydrate content is significantly reduced, with some recipes resulting in only 3-5 grams of net carbs per serving.
To make low-carb cheese grits, cauliflower is cooked in a mixture of water, cream, and cream cheese, and seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder. Bacon is often added for flavor and texture. For those who want an even creamier texture, an immersion blender can be used instead of a potato masher. This creates a smooth and creamy base that can be topped with cheese, butter, shrimp, sausage, or eggs.
These low-carb cheese grits are a delicious and flavorful alternative to traditional grits, and they are perfect for those following a keto or low-carb diet. By substituting cauliflower for cornmeal, the dish becomes much more friendly to those watching their carbohydrate intake, without sacrificing the taste and comfort of a classic Southern meal. So, if you're looking to indulge in some Southern comfort food without the carbs, low-carb cheese grits are a great option to try!
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Frequently asked questions
Traditional grits are made from cornmeal and are therefore not low carb. However, there are low-carb alternatives to traditional grits, such as cauliflower grits, that are suitable for a keto diet.
Cauliflower cheese grits are a keto-friendly alternative to traditional grits. They are made with cauliflower, butter, cheese, and cream, and seasoned with salt and pepper. The cauliflower is cooked until tender and then mashed or blended to achieve a grit-like texture.
Cauliflower cheese grits typically have around 3 to 5 net carbs per serving, depending on the recipe. This is significantly fewer carbs than traditional grits, which can have upwards of 30 grams of carbs per serving.
Cauliflower cheese grits are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. For a classic Southern breakfast, you can serve them with eggs and bacon. They also go well with Cajun shrimp, sausage, or vegetables like spinach and tomatoes.
