Many of us turn to carb cutting when trying to lose weight. Unfortunately, finding alternatives to some of our favorite carb-heavy foods can be tricky. Luckily, there are healthy and equally delicious alternatives that you can eat without sacrificing calories or feeling deprived.
1. Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes:
Yes, cauliflower is a great mashed potato alternative. Simply boil it, mash it and eat. You can add low-fat cheese or garlic if you want some added flavor. (photo credit here)
2. Spaghetti Squash Pasta: Pasta is one difficult food to give up—even if it is only temporary. But spaghetti squash is a great replacement. It looks just like string pasta after you roast it in the oven and fork out the middle. You can pour your favorite pasta sauce over it or use it to make healthier mac and cheese. You will love this Skinny Spaghetti Squash and Turkey Meatballs recipe. So flavorful! For more benefits of spaghetti squash, click here. Spaghetti squash with some seasoning can also replace meat in some recipes like these amazing Skinny Spaghetti Squash Tacos!
3. Lettuce Wraps: Next time you’re in the mood for a wrap, but do not want all the carbs that come with traditional wraps, go green with lettuce. By using a big piece of romaine lettuce, you can add your meat/fish/shrimp, veggies, beans and condiments and roll it into one nutritious and delicious wrap. You can also use lettuce in lieu of regular taco shells.
4. Cauliflower Rice: You may not realize this, but cauliflower is a very versatile veggie. It is also a great rice substitute. Throw some cauliflower in a high-speed blender or processor until it looks like rice and then fry it up in a pan. Throw in your favorite vegetables, seasonings and spices. You now have your own instant rice with less than half the carbs you find in regular rice. (photo credit here)
5. Almond Milk: With all the controversy these days surrounding the consumption of milk, spare yourself the confusion and the carbs by switching to almond milk. One cup of fat free milk still has 12 grams of carbs versus 1 gram for one cup of almond milk. It also has less calories and less sugar. Use it in cereal, coffee or any recipe that calls for milk.
6. Kale Chips: When you crave crunchy, salty, or both, kale chips are just the thing. Not only do they satisfy both those cravings, but you are also eating one of the healthiest foods out there. Spare yourself from the carb-loaded, over-salted, greasy potato chips and enjoy the crunchy and flavorful taste of kale chips.
8. Salsa: Before you grab that ketchup bottle, you may want to look at the label. Just one tablespoon has 4 to 5 grams of carbs. Most people use well over that amount. Consider using salsa as a healthier option. Two tablespoons of salsa sauce has only 10 calories and 2 grams of carbs, not to mention it is a lot lower in sugar. Salsa is great on omelets, hamburgers, turkey burgers and chicken. Try Skinny Mom’s Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos. They are delish!
9. Low-Carb Pancakes: Who doesn’t miss pancakes when cutting carbs? Now you do not have to! Instead of using boxed pancake mixes that pack anywhere from 25 to 33 grams of carbs for only a third of a cup, you can simply mix eggs (or egg whites) along with some coconut flour or almond flour. Add in your favorite fruit too and you have just made a stack of sweet, delicious, low-carb pancakes.
10. Kabocha Squash: This Japanese squash tastes just like butternut squash, but with less calories and carbs. One cup of kabocha squash has roughly 40 calories and 7 grams of carbs (butternut squash has 60 calories and 16 grams of carbs). You can roast it in the oven or puree it to make soup. It has a slightly sweet taste and is an excellent source of beta-carotene.
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