Recipe: Mockin' Cheese

A healthier, high-fiber, low-carb alternative to Macaroni

Are you struggling to meet your dietary goals because you live in a household that thrives on comfort food? It’s another element in learning to eat well that no one talks about. Folks, changing your lifestyle is hard enough when you are single and living alone. I’ve also been a food addict in recovery, living in households where the foods I needed to ban from my life were staples at every meal. It’s 300% harder. Hugs. I see you and I feel you.

So here is a paradigm shift that I want you to embrace: ask for forgiveness and not permission. This means, that if you are in charge of making family meals, make them to suit yourself. Most of the time, with recipes like this one, your spouse and kids will dig in and say, “This is different…but it is good. What is it?”

However, if you lead your meal with, “Hey Kids, I just want you to try this ok, it’s made with cauliflower instead of noodles,” you are setting yourself up for instant rejection. So make, “Mockin’ Cheese,” put it on the table and say NOTHING. Unless a food aversion is so bad that it produces projectile vomiting, put it on the table and let them figure it out on their own. Does that sound selfish? I’m sure it does if you have found yourself significantly overweight as a “people pleaser.” Most of us who are struggling with weight issues have not “put ourselves first” often enough. If your husband or wife balks, tell them that you will be happy to allow them into the kitchen next time you make this dish. That way, they can boil their noodles, grease their own pan, and toast their breadcrumbs. Share the grated cheese with them, but if they aren’t willing to be responsible for their own food choices, it isn’t fair for them to ask you to participate in habits that are affecting your health, and ultimately your relationship.

Learn to say, “You want noodles? Make them.” Kiss them on the cheek and go about ricing up your veggies. You aren’t being selfish. You are being self-asserted. Besides, food addiction and being overweight aren’t mutually exclusive. So many people are addicted to the starches and simple carbohydrates that affect their mood; even your kids who are of average weight.

I hope this recipe inspires you to make substitutions for many of your traditional recipes. May you enjoy food as it was intended and may you enjoy better health!

Mockin’Cheese Recipe:

You will need 6oz. of Shredded Cheese total, 4 Cups Riced Cauliflower, boiled and drained.

In mixing bowl, whisk two eggs and 2 tbsps heavy cream.

Add Salt and Pepper or other spices to taste. (I like to add onion powder with this, personally. Some people like smoked paprika or regular paprika mixed in and also sprinkled on the top. You can try Italian herbs and garlic for a different flavor profile. But for a traditional taste, Salt and Pepper is all you need.)

Mix in the cauliflower and add in 2 Oz. of Shredded Cheddar Cheese and 2 Oz. of Shredded Mozzarella or Provolone Cheese. (Do not use pre-shredded cheeses as they contain starch coatings that keep them shelf stable. This will wreck your macros.)

Move to a casserole dish that is lightly greased, and of a size that doesn’t make the mixture too thin.

Sprinkle top with another 2 Oz. Of Cheddar Cheese and lightly sprinkle with spices and salt to taste.

Cover with foil and bake in oven at 350 degrees for 18 Minutes.

Remove foil and cook another 5 minutes or until bubbly and browned on top.

Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if you prefer. Makes four servings.

Let’s look at he macros for each serving:

Total Grams of Food: 36.12

Carbs: 5.92

Protein: 14.45

Fat: 15.75

Calories: 221

This renders a Macronutrient Ratio of 16% Carb, 40% Protein, and 44% Fat

If eaten within a daily calorie deficit, this is a great ratio for burning excess fat from the body! Even if you double the portion and add a green salad for an Intermittent Fasting Break, this recipe is perfect!

Let’s compare to Kraft, Boxed Mac & Cheese:

Carbs: 47 (Almost 8 times the carbohydrate content)

Protein: 9

Fat: 16

Calories: 376

So when you notice that this has the same fat content and 8 times the carbohydrate, you can know that the obesity and diabetes epidemic is coming from processed foods.

As of date, I’m enjoying a healthier body with 18 pounds down since Jan 1!

Namaste, I give you permission to take control of your life without guilt.

Love,

Hollie