31 Light, Low-Carb Recipes That Feel Like a Reset After Your Holiday Food Coma

Primal Edge Health participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs and therefore, may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.

Big feasts are fun until the bloat, brain fog, and “I may never be hungry again” feeling kick in. These light, low-carb recipes help you reset without diving into a harsh diet, so you can enjoy real food while feeling energized and comfortable. With easy favorites that soothes your stomach, keep blood sugar steady, and restore balance, the days after a big spread feel far more manageable.

Easy Cheeseburger Pie

A slice of cheeseburger pie being lifted, showing layers of meat and melted cheese. — Easy Cheeseburger Pie. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Easy cheeseburger pie hits that “I want comfort food, but I need a reset” moment perfectly after days of rich holiday eating. You still get all the burger flavor in a simple, low-carb bake that feels cozy without being heavy. Slice it up with a side salad, the plate feels substantial while your stomach gets a much-needed break.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheeseburger Pie

Cream Cheese Pancakes

A stack of golden pancakes topped with a square of butter on a white plate. — Cream Cheese Pancakes. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Cream cheese pancakes come through on mornings when you want something special after the big feast but not another carb bomb. Just eggs and cream cheese give you thin, custardy pancakes that feel decadent yet stay light and protein-forward. Top with fresh berries or a dusting of cinnamon so breakfast feels fun but still gentle on your system.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Pancakes

Keto Lasagna

A plate of baked lasagna with ground meat, spinach, melted cheese, tomato sauce, and fresh basil, served with a fork on a light-colored plate. — Keto Lasagna. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Keto lasagna is what you reach for when lasagna cravings hit right after a food coma weekend. Tender cabbage sheets stand in for pasta while meat, sauce, and cheese keep all the comfort you’re actually after. A square or two feels like a treat while still playing nicely with a lighter, low-carb reset.
Get the Recipe: Keto Lasagna

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

A person holds a bowl of creamy beef stroganoff garnished with parsley. — Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Slow cooker beef stroganoff brings all the cozy flavors you love from the holidays, but can shift lighter once you skip the noodles. Tender beef and mushrooms simmer in a creamy sauce that feels soothing without needing a huge portion. Spoon it over cauliflower rice or steamed veggies, and dinner feels comforting, not over the top.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Sheet Pan Chicken with Vegetables

A hand uses a fork to serve a sheet pan meal with baked chicken, broccoli, zucchini, red bell pepper, and lemon slices on a metal tray. — Sheet Pan Chicken with Vegetables. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Sheet pan chicken with vegetables is the kind of easy reset dinner your body thanks you for after days of grazing. Juicy chicken bakes alongside colorful veggies so you get protein, fiber, and flavor in one low-effort, low-carb pan. Pile everything into a bowl, you’re full, nourished, and not weighed down.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken with Vegetables

Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

A wooden spoon lifting a serving of italian ground beef skillet garnished with parsley from a cast-iron skillet. — Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Italian beef and cauliflower rice skillet steps in when you’re still craving something hearty but want to dial back the carbs. Ground beef, tomato sauce, and melty cheese mix with cauliflower rice for a skillet that eats like comfort food without the post-meal crash. A scoop in a bowl feels warm and grounding after a long stretch of rich holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Sheet Pan Omelet

Sheet pan omelet makes the morning after a big feast feel easier before you even sit down. Fluffy baked eggs loaded with veggies, cheese, and whatever leftovers you have on hand give you protein without extra heaviness from the carbs. Cut into squares for a grab-and-go breakfast that helps you ease back into normal eating.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Omelet

Pan Seared Chicken Breast

Pan-seared chicken breast keeps things simple in the best way when you’re ready to step away from casseroles and heavy sides. A quick sear gives you golden, juicy chicken that works with any light veggie or salad you have around. Dinner tastes clean, flavorful, and exactly right for a post-feast reset.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Chicken Breast

Mississippi Pot Roast

Shredded cooked meat served over mashed potatoes with a whole pepper. garnished with chopped herbs on a white plate. — Mississippi Pot Roast. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Mississippi pot roast still delivers that fall-apart comfort you loved on the holiday table, just with a lighter approach. The beef cooks up tender with pepperoncini and butter, so you get big flavor even if you dial back the portions. Serve it over cauliflower mash or green beans; your plate feels cozy while your body gets a little breathing room.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast

2-Ingredient English Muffins

A picture of a two Ingredient English Muffins with cream cheese. — 2-Ingredient English Muffins. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

2 ingredient English muffins are perfect when you want a cozy breakfast after days of heavy holiday plates. Eggs and cheese bake into fluffy little rounds that feel comforting while still staying low carb. Stack a warm muffin with avocado or leftover turkey for a gentle reset that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: 2-Ingredient English Muffins

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Skillet

Lower left corner of Philly Cheesesteak casserole in glass baking dish cooling on rack. — Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Skillet. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Ground beef Philly cheesesteak skillet steps in when you crave something hearty right after a big festive spread. You still get juicy beef, peppers, onions, and melted cheese, just without the bulky roll dragging you down. Spoon a portion over cauliflower rice or into a bowl for healthy comfort that gives your system a break.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Skillet

Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk

A bowl of smooth butternut squash soup, garnished with black pepper and a sprig of cilantro, with a spoon resting inside the bowl. — Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Butternut squash soup with coconut milk feels like a soft landing after a week of rich roasts and stuffing. The slow cooker turns squash, coconut milk, and spices into a silky bowl that tastes cozy yet light. Pour it into mugs for lunch so your stomach gets warmth plus a little breathing room.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Roasted brussels sprouts with pieces of bacon on a plate next to slices of cooked steak. — Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon bring bold flavor in a lighter package once the holiday buffet is over. Sprouts caramelize at the edges, stay tender inside, pick up smoky bits of bacon, then get a quick hit of balsamic. Fill half your plate with them for crunch plus cozy flavor so you can skip the couch slump.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Air Fryer Shrimp

A plate of seasoned, cooked shrimp with a lemon wedge, small jar of dipping sauce, and a metal fork on the side. — Air Fryer Shrimp. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Air fryer shrimp is a lifesaver on nights when you want real flavor but your body is still recovering from feast mode. Shrimp cook up juicy with lightly crisp edges, finished with a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Toss a serving over salad or steamed veggies for dinner that feels fresh instead of heavy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

Roasted Eggplant

Roasted eggplant leans into deep, comforting flavor while staying gentle enough for post holiday days. Slices go caramelized on the outside, velvety inside, then meet a cool garlic yogurt sauce for contrast. Pair a generous portion with simple protein for a plate that feels soothing rather than overloaded.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Eggplant

Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops

Air fryer boneless pork chops make it easy to serve a real main course after big celebrations without more breading or heavy gravy. The chops stay juicy inside with a lightly crisp exterior from oil plus simple spices. Add roasted vegetables on the side, your dinner still feels special while working as a reset.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops

Roasted Green Beans

A plate with green beans sprinkled with seasoning and grated cheese, alongside a lemon wedge and a portion of glazed salmon. — Roasted Green Beans. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Roasted green beans are an easy way to bring something crisp back to the menu after rich holiday sides. Frozen beans roast with garlic, onion powder, and parmesan until they turn golden at the edges but stay tender. Serve a big spoonful next to any protein for a simple reset that still feels like real food.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Green Beans

Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet

A close-up of ground beef taco skillet being served with a metal spoon. — Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Cheesy ground beef taco skillet is clutch when you are craving tacos after a run of heavy holiday plates. You still get seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and all your favorite toppings while skipping the tortillas and extra carbs. A scoop in a bowl with lettuce or cauliflower rice feels fun, filling, gentle on your stomach.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Sliced cooked chicken breast seasoned with herbs and pepper, arranged in an air fryer basket. — Air Fryer Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Air fryer chicken breast steps in on reset nights when you want something simple that still feels like real dinner. The chicken cooks up juicy inside with a lightly seasoned crust that works with almost any side. Served with simple greens or roasted vegetables, it keeps dinner comforting without weighing you down after big celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Carrot and Ginger Soup with Coconut Milk

A bowl of yellow soup garnished with cilantro leaves and a swirl of coconut milk, with a spoon resting inside. — Carrot and Ginger Soup with Coconut Milk. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Carrot and ginger soup with coconut milk brings a calm, soothing energy when you are coming off a big seasonal feast. Sweet carrots, warm ginger, and silky coconut blend into a bowl that feels nourishing rather than heavy. A warm mug in the evening feels like a soft reset after days of rich roasts, heavy desserts.
Get the Recipe: Carrot and Ginger Soup with Coconut Milk

Roasted Tomato Soup

A bowl of tomato soup garnished with chopped basil, with a spoon inside. — Roasted Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Roasted tomato soup is perfect for those days when you want comfort without another overloaded plate. Tomatoes, onions, and garlic roast until caramelized, then blend into a smooth, herb-scented soup that tastes far more indulgent and healthy than it is. Pair a bowl with a small salad or a few low-carb croutons for comfort that still feels light enough for a reset.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Two chicken fajitas with shredded cheese, avocado slices, and cilantro in taco holders. — Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Sheet pan chicken fajitas bring all the color and flavor of a party dinner while keeping things on the lighter side. Lean chicken cooks with peppers and onions until tender, soaking up spices without any fussy prep. Pile the sizzling mix into lettuce cups or over cauliflower rice for a dinner that keeps the fiesta vibe while still treating your body kindly after the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Mashed cauliflower potatoes are ideal when you are missing mash but not the post-meal slump. Steamed florets whip up with butter and seasoning into something that looks and feels close to the classic. A scoop next to your protein hits every mashed potato craving while still giving your system a break from heavy starches.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Ground Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl

A white bowl filled with egg roll in a bowl. — Ground Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Ground beef egg roll in a bowl delivers all the fun takeout flavor without the wrapper or greasy aftermath. Savory beef cooks with cabbage, carrots, and aromatics, so every bite hits those familiar egg roll notes in a lighter way. A single skillet of it makes lunch feel fun, flavorful, and much lighter than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl

Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles

A bowl of shrimp scampi garnished with lemon slices, placed on a light grey surface next to a fork. — Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Shrimp scampi with zoodles is an easy win when pasta cravings linger after the holidays, but you want something brighter and lighter. Garlicky shrimp nestle into spiralized zucchini with lemon and a touch of richness from butter or oil. A bowl at the end of the day feels special yet leaves you clear-headed instead of overly stuffed from heavy carbs.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles

Cabbage Fritters

Cabbage fritters are a cozy option for nights when you want a snacky dinner that still feels light and low in carbs. Shredded cabbage, curry spices, and a quick pan fry turn simple ingredients into crisp edges with a tender middle. A plate of fritters with yogurt sauce feels cozy yet still gentle after a stretch of feasting.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Fritters

Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Baked cauliflower mac and cheese brings back that creamy, cheesy comfort without the carbs from a mountain of pasta. Cauliflower florets bake in a smooth cheese sauce until everything bubbles and browns on top. A warm scoop brings that mac n cheese comfort back in a version your post-feast self will actually appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet

A pan filled with fried cabbage and sausage, with a wooden spoon resting inside. — Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Fried cabbage and sausage skillet is perfect when you want something hearty in spirit but kinder to your energy levels. Sliced cabbage softens in the pan with sausage until you get a mix that is savory, comforting, and low in carbs. A big spoonful over a bowl keeps you full, cozy, and much more balanced than another plate of rich leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet

Cauliflower Tortillas with Garlic and Oregano

A hand holds and begins to wrap a folded cauliflower tortilla, which is on a white plate. — Cauliflower Tortillas with Garlic and Oregano. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Cauliflower tortillas with garlic and oregano keep taco night alive while you are easing out of holiday indulgence. The tortillas stay flexible, fold well, and carry fillings just like traditional shells, only with far fewer carbs. Taco night suddenly feels lighter, easier on your body, and still full of flavor after days of heavier meals.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Tortillas with Garlic and Oregano

Lettuce Wraps with Turmeric Infused Ground Beef

Lettuce leaves filled with seasoned ground meat, diced avocado, and drizzled with white sauce, served on a wooden tray. — Lettuce Wraps with Turmeric Infused Ground Beef. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Lettuce wraps with turmeric-infused ground beef make lighter eating feel fun instead of restrictive. Spiced beef tucks into crisp leaves with creamy toppings, so you still get that “taco night” feel without the flour shells, and keeping it low-carb. A couple of wraps at lunch feel playful yet leave you energized enough to keep going through a busy festive week.
Get the Recipe: Lettuce Wraps with Turmeric Infused Ground Beef

Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice steps in as a healthier option wherever regular rice once sat on your holiday plate. A quick pulse in the food processor followed by a fast sauté creates fluffy, keto-friendly “grains” that soak up sauces just as well as the original. Tuck it under stir-fries or stews whenever you’re craving a lighter reset after a stretch of big holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Rice