They are calling it the Quarantine 15. Remember the Freshman 15? That’s when a new kid goes to college and immediately gains 15 pounds. They eat a lot of junk food and other things Mom didn’t serve. It can catch up with anybody pretty quickly.

So several weeks into our lockdown people are reporting significant weight gain and discomfort. Even their cozy sweats are getting tight. My weight has fluctuated by maybe 2 pounds. Up and down. I virtually haven’t gained anything. But how have I done that? Have I starved? Have I eaten nothing but salads? No way. I haven’t even had a salad because I demand fresh salad greens and these days I only go to the grocery store every 7 – 10 days. I’m on lockdown, remember? I used to shop every day like the French. I’m going to share what has been on the dinner menu at my place.

Here’s the menu and a few comments:

When I make lasagna now, I only use two layers of noodles instead of four. This keeps down the carbs.  This  recipe makes leftovers for lunches or another dinner.

Not too spicy. Just flavorful. You can always kick it up a notch if you want more heat.

This French dish is optimal French country YUM

There’s nothing I like more than a seared and roasted steak.

You’ll see what a rice island is if you try this recipe.

Just a few noodles and LOTS of beef and veggies. Old-fashioned comfort food.

I love my acorn squash roasted with just butter in the center and a sprinkle of sea salt and pepper.

This is ONE dish that tempts me to nibble at it even before I put it on the plates.

A big bowl of this is pure comfort. My latest chili recipe designed just this month.

This is another hubby favorite. It’s the sauce!

All this and I ate dessert daily. Read my article on lower carb teeny desserts in the frozen section. Just keep your dessert to 15 grams of carbs or less per day and you should be golden.

The quarantine period isn’t fun, but it doesn’t need to be culinary hell. Enjoy your food and savor the company of those you love around you.

Enjoy!

Cheers,