Sometimes we know we have to eliminate some carbs in order to meet our weight loss goals. It's never fun, because who really wants to give up pizza or bread? Definitely not me! You don't necessarily even have to cut out carbohydrates completely, but it does help if you find some equally satisfying substitutions.
For example, you would be surprised to know that there a few things you can use to replace pasta and still have that satisfying craving fulfilled. If you're curious to find out what yummy carb substitutions are out there, read on to find out!
Read more ¿Qué Más?: 7 Healthy food swaps to cut the calories & lose weight!
I'm one of those people who couldn't picture herself never eating bread, so the idea of eliminating carbs sounds painful. But I will have you know that after swapping up some of my favorite carbs for other replacements, I was content with the result. You can eat these guilt free carb substitutions without worrying about ruining your waistline since many can help you lose weight!
Check out these diet friendly and delicious carb substitutions below!
Swap mashed potatoes for cauliflower: There's nothing more decadent than indulging on some creamy mashed potatoes. The problem is they are loaded with fat that it's easy to wreck your diet with just a scoop. Instead opt for steamed cauliflower blended with non-fat half-and-half, substitute butter, and seasoned with salt and pepper, plus your favorite herbs.
Swap lasagna noodles for zucchini slices: I love lasagna, probably more than Garfield the cat. However all the noodles and ingredients combined make it a very heavy dish. Instead of using noodles, swap them for zucchini slices. The key is to slice them lengthwise, season them and then bake them until they're firm. Then proceed to add lasagna ingredients and bake as you normally would.
Swap spaghetti for spaghetti squash: This is by far one of my favorite carb cutting dishes. Spaghetti squash is a veggie that when sliced in half and baked until it's soft, its flesh comes apart noodle-like. This is every spaghetti lovers dream as it can be seasoned with your favorite pasta ingredients.
Swap portabella mushrooms for pizza crust: Who doesn't love a good slice of pizza? Now you can have it guilt free by substituting the bread for portabella mushrooms. Wash the mushroom gently and dry it before putting the caps in to bake for 5 minutes. Then add your desired pizza toppings and voila!
Swap rice for quinoa: This Latino seed is full of vitamins, high in fiber, and best of all low-carb! Rinse the seeds and then cook as the directions on the bag states, but season just as you would rice. To make it more flavorful cook it in a vegetable or chicken broth instead of water. You can even have it in place of oatmeal for breakfast in the morning.
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