Carbs are delicious, no doubt, but they are also not the best choice when dieting, which can be off-putting when you are cutting out calories. But this does not mean that you entirely stop consuming delicious food for the sake of diet and suck away the fun of food entirely. There are healthier substitutes for carbs, and here are our seven best picks!
7 Healthier Substitutes for Carbs
Whether you are following a keto diet or simply looking for ways to switch carbs in your diet, these seven healthy substitutes for carbs can be your best bets:
- Low-Carb Flour Alternative: Healthy Flour
Photo by Pervane Mustafa27
The healthy alternatives to flour are typically made from nuts, seeds, or coconut and can be used in a variety of recipes, including breads, cookies, and cakes. If you want to cut back on carbs and save some calories, you can opt for healthy flour. Some popular options include almond flour, coconut flour, quinoa flour, and chickpea flour. They contain several benefits, such as lower carbs, and are sources of protein and healthy fats. They are also among the good fiber-rich food options that support good digestion and better overall health.
- Low-Carb Rice Alternative: Cauliflower or Broccoli Rice
Cauliflower Rice – Photo by Olena Islamkina
Switch your normal rice with a low-carb alternative like broccoli or cauliflower rice. All you need to do is chop the cauliflower or broccoli in a food processor and wait until they become granular-like, mimicking the consistency of rice. The next step is to microwave them for seven minutes till they cook thoroughly.
- Low-Carb Potato Alternative: Sweet Potato
Photo by Jess Loiterton
Who doesn’t love white potatoes? Potatoes are versatile and extremely yummy, but they are also high in carbs and calories. Low on the glycemic index and calorie tracker, sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Swapping white potatoes with sweet potatoes in your daily diet can not only make a healthier switch but also does not encourage you to compromise on your love for potatoes!
- Low-Carb Bread Crouton Alternative: Nuts
Arugula, Mango, Pomegranate and Walnut Salad – Photo by furkanfdemir
Bread croutons are made from toasted bread. Although you may only think you are consuming a small amount of these croutons by sprinkling them on your salads, they are enough to overload your daily carb intake. Instead, consider replacing them with nuts for an overload of good fats that are low in carbs and calories.
- Low-Carb Spaghetti Alternative: Courgettes
Vegetables made from vegetables like Zucchini, Carrots and Beetroot – Photo by Pinklime Foody
Spaghetti is a great comfort food, and it can continue to be your favorite even when on a diet. Simply swatch the high-carb spaghetti noodles with courgettes—the perfect summer vegetable! Instead of buying store-made spaghetti noodles, make thick ribbons of courgettes with a peeler to mimic the look of spaghetti and use them to make the pasta.
- Low-Carb Regular Bread Alternative: Cloud Bread
Image by Davie Bicker from Pixabay
Made almost entirely of eggs, the cloud bread has a taste similar to that of a souffle omelet. But when baked in little mounds, they end up looking like halved bread rolls. These are a great low-carb alternative to your normal bread. You can make healthy sandwiches and enjoy the healthy benefits of the cloud bread.
- Low-Carb Burger Bun Alternative: Portobello Mushrooms
Burgers are tasty and hard to resist, but a person looking for a calorie-deficit and healthier alternative might hesitate to enjoy a burger night. But you don’t need to be that person! You can switch normal carb-heavy burger buns with portobello mushrooms that are not only great low-carb alternatives but also vegan.
Don’t Compromise, Innovate Instead!
Following a low-carb diet can be daunting for many, especially when carbs are such a huge part of our diets. But not anymore. There are many ways to apply holistic nutritional needs and you can apply them in your daily diet without having to sacrifice your love for tasty food for the sake of diet. Simply get innovative with your cooking skills and find low-carb alternatives whenever you can.
Author Bio-
Riya Nanda is a member of the dynamic content team at Rotimatic. She comes with vast experience in the sectors of smart kitchen, home appliances, food, home improvement, health, and fitness. Being aware of consumer needs and market trends helps Riya create content strategies that connect well with target audiences. Her interests in cooking, shopping, and traveling add more fuel to the passion for content creation that can inform and inspire.
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