Chinese food: The meal that leaves you feeling full and satisfied, often times to the point of being uncomfortable, yet you go back for more 30 minutes after eating it. (I can’t be the only one.)
Some folks may be quick to blame it on the MSG, but not so fast. There is some evidence that MSG can actually improve satiety, especially when combined with protein. 1 This is because proteins, which break down during metabolism to amino acids, have been shown to decrease ghrelin, the appetite-stimulating hormone, and boost leptin, the hormone that curbs appetite. And, monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of a common amino acid—glutamic acid.
The reason we go back for more? I would be more inclined to chalk it up to the fact that the ingredients contained in traditional Chinese meals tend to be rather low in protein. In addition, those that provide plenty of noodles or white rice with minimal, if any, vegetables are also low in fiber. Fiber, of course, is known to help decrease hunger. 2
I wanted to create a healthy low-carb vegetable lo mein recipe that would not only satisfy me for longer than 30 minutes, but also up the protein, while reducing the carbs from traditional noodles. Hope you enjoy this one!
Healthy Veggie Lo Mein
Ingredients
- 1 lb Heart of Palm Noodles
- 2 tbsp sesame oil divided
- 3 eggs
- 2 tbsp liquid aminos
- 4 green onions thinly shaved
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger finely chopped
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms sliced
- ½ cup sliced carrots
- ½ cup baby peas
- 1 bell pepper cored and thinly sliced
Instructions
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Add 2 tsp of sesame oil to wok over medium heat.
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Add eggs, lightly scramble, and allow to cook without disturbing.
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Remove egg and slice into strips. Set aside.
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Add 1 Tbsp sesame oil to pan along with 3 green onions, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
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Leave on medium heat for roughly 1 minute.
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Add half the liquid aminos along with the mushrooms, carrots, and peas.
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Once mushrooms are soft, add heart of palm noodles and egg strips and gently toss or mix with tongs.
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Allow flavors and textures to marry for roughly 5 minutes.
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Add remaining liquid aminos and sesame oil and stir gently.
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Garnish with remaining green onion.
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Enjoy!
Nutrition
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