Too much carbohydrate in food can make you gain weight and also make you lazy. It is important to keep your carbohydrate intake in check to lead a healthy lifestyle. Avoiding carbohydrate rich foods or swapping them with less carbohydrate sources can be a great deal. Here are some low carb food swaps you need to make that will transform your body:
- CAULIFLOWER RICE FOR RICE
Cauliflower rice is nothing but shredded and cooked cauliflower that looks and feels exactly like rice. To make cauliflower rice, put cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice, then either steam or pan-fry with olive oil for a couple of minutes. It contains less carbohydrates and more fibre. More: Healthy ingredient substitutions >>
- EGGPLANT SLICES FOR BREAD
Eggplant slices make a great alternative to bread. To use, cut eggplants into thick slices and grill them up. Use it like usual bread in sandwiches or you may also simply stuff 2 slices with low fat cheese and consume.
- MASHED TURNIP FOR MASHED POTATO
Turnip mashes up just like potatoes. Mashes turnip is a better choice than mashed potato because it contains fewer carbs and tastes similar to mashed potatoes. Bring a pot of water to a boil, toss the turnips in, reduce to simmer and cook until tender (about five or six minutes). Mash it up and add seasonings if you prefer and you are done! More: Healthy food swaps >>
- ALMOND FLOUR FOR ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
All-purpose flour is high in carbs and also takes a lot of time to digest. You may use almond flour instead. The presence of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in almond flour help in lowering the levels of LDL while improving HDL levels. Besides, it is low in carbs and also helps in weight loss, better brain functioning, making bones stronger etc.
- SWEET POTATO WEDGES FOR CHIPS
Substitute your regular fried chips or the usual potato chips with sweet potato wedges. To make healthy sweet potato chips, Slice it into wedges (leave the skin on for extra fibre), place on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for about 40mins at 200 degrees. Baked sweet potato provides slow-release energy and can help to regulate blood sugar levels.
- BEER FOR RED WINE
Beer is high in carbs and calories instead go for red wine. Red wine is fewer in calories, carbs and is also rich in anti-oxidants and flavonoids at the same time.
Caution: Any alcoholic drink needs to be drunk in moderation and this is a healthier alternative, not an excuse to consume alcohol without any consequences.
- ZUCCHINI STRIPES FOR PASTA
Pasta not only is abundant in carbs, but also leads to weight gain and improper digestion. T much pasta can also cause gas and bloating. Zucchini stripes can be a great alternative to pasta. Simply use a peeler to make really thin strips of zucchini and cook it or roast it. Use it like you would use regular pasta. More: Food swaps for weight loss >>
- 90% CACAO FOR MILK CHOCOLATE
Consuming super-dark 90% cacao over milk chocolate cuts your carb intake in half. Additionally, it also provides you with antioxidants, iron and magnesium.
- PORTOBELLO MUSHROOMS FOR BURGER BUNS
For a juicy and healthy burger simply heat up two portobello mushroom caps in the oven or on the grill until tender, and fix your burger as desired. They make a great burger bun alternative and are very less in carbs.
- LETTUCE CUPS FOR TACO SHELLS
Taco shells are high in calories and carbs and even if you fill your taco shells with healthy ingredients, you are still consuming carbs. A healthy and delicious alternative is lettuce cups. Simply peel off 2 leaves and fill them with the taco filling, you are done!