by Toni Bloom, MS, RD (NAPSA)—It seems everyone’s talking about how to reduce carbs in their diet. Why? Because low-carbohydrate diets work. Cutting carbs, cuts calories. But, keeping weight off can be a long-term challenge. As a registered dietitian and nutritionist, one of the most common things I hear from people on low-carb diets is, “I really miss bread.” I’m happyto tell them that it IS possible to work bread back into a low-carbohydrate diet—now more than ever. More popular, mainstream brands are creating goodtasting, low-carb products that fit well into a low-carblifestyle. One such product is Cole’s Ultra Garlic Bread. With a net carbohydrate count of five grams per one-ounceslice, it is the latest in a growing line of brand name “comfort foods” now available with fewer carbohydrates. To reduce its traditional garlic bread recipe’s carbohydrates by 50 percent, the company substituted refined white flour with oat fiber and wheat gluten, a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, oats and barley. Ultra Garlic Bread also has no added sugars and the spread is 100 percent butter. The butter is a key ingredient. It is naturally carbohydrate-free and a small amount provides lots of flavor. When helping my clients map out low-carb menu plans, I look for ways to maketaste an integral part of every meal. Here are some ways to pair up this great lowcarb product with nutrient-dense, high-protein entres: Grilled Chicken Salad— Never Plain. Always Simple. Entre—marinate breast of chicken in a balsamic marinadefor one hour: 1 % 3 2 2 '% C balsamic vinegar C water Tbsp paprika Tbsp koshersalt Tbsp lemon pepper tsp oregano Grill marinated chicken. Thinly slice chicken and place on a bed of field greens. Top with fresh choppedscallions, tomatoes and/or carrots. Side kick—Cole’s Ultra Garlic Bread cooked according to package instructions (grilled or baked). A Thrill on the Grill: Steak & Bruschetta Entre—Salt and pepper (use garlic pepper for extra seasoning) a lean cut of steak. Grill the meatto yourliking. Side kick—mix 2 Tbsp olive oil with “%4C diced onions, 1C diced tomatoes and 2 tsp chopped, fresh thyme and/or basil. Spread the mixture on top of cooked (grilled or baked) Cole’s Ultra Garlic Bread. Cole’s Ultra Garlic Bread is available in grocery stores through- out the Midwest, South and North- eastern United States. For more information, visit www.coles.com. Toni Bloom is president of Toni Bloom & Associates, a California- based nutrition consulting firm that develops individual and group nutrition programs.
