Whether you’re trying to watch your figure — or are looking to mix things up in the kitchen, these carb substitutes are healthy and delicious alternatives to their calorie-busting cousins. From pasta to pizza, you can have it all. Here are nine recipes that ditch the high carb counts and satisfy your taste buds.
Zucchini Noodles
If you haven’t tried zucchini noodles yet, you’re in for a real treat! Sure, pasta drowning in cheesy Alfredo sauce is delightful, but the carbs are out of this world. Swap for spiralled zucchini noodles, like these basil pesto ones, and you can eat as much as you want without that guilty feeling.
Cauliflower Rice
Have you ever looked at the actual serving size on a box of rice? It’s usually about a ⅓ cup, which is definitely not enough to satisfy your chicken fried rice cravings. At this point, you have two options: eat triple the serving size and load up on carbs, or deprive yourself of the foods you love. Thankfully, there’s cauliflower rice. It’s essentially just grated cauliflower cooked with the seasoning of your choice, but you can barely taste the difference between the real stuff.
Cauliflower Pizza Crust
How many times have you ordered pizza and told yourself, “I’ll start eating healthy tomorrow.” Two nights in and you’re still eating leftover pizza straight from the box. We’ve been there. Carbs can do that to a girl, but cravings can also be hard to shake. Luckily someone had the genius idea of making cauliflower pizza crust. A couple of ingredients later, and you’re still snacking on your favourite take-out style meal without the guilt.
Eggplant Lasagna
For the nights you just want to sink your teeth into a warm plate of lasagna, try your hand at this low-carb eggplant lasagna recipe. It beats the regular carb-heavy version, and tastes just as saucy and delicious as the original version. Did we mention it’s also gluten-free? Score!
Protein Pancakes
If you’re anything like us, when Sunday brunch rolls around, all healthy eating and calorie-counting go out the window, and a warm stack of pancakes drizzled in maple syrup is all we can think of. You don’t have to sacrifice your meal plan with these two-ingredient pancakes. Mix bananas with eggs and you’ve got yourself some low-carb flapjacks that you’re free to splurge on.
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Rice Wraps
So you’re trying to eat low carb and have opted for the infamous lettuce wrap. Sure it can be fun, but it can also be a little messy — and tasteless. Introducing your new best friend, the rice wrap! These low-carb, gluten-free wrappers are super fun to stuff with your favourite ingredients and taste so good. Next time you’re in the mood for some wraps, try it Vietnamese style.
Avocado Fries
One of the toughest parts about ditching carbs is giving up french fries. They’re salty, crunchy, soft in the middle and so fun to dip. Don’t cave on us now! Your new BFF (best fries forever) are these spicy avocado fries. A little bit of crunchy, and a whole lot of flavour without the high carb count!
Portobello Mushroom Buns
Got buns? Not if you’re trying to cut carbs. Fear not! Squishing your favourite toppings between two portobello mushrooms is a super tasty way to enjoy a juicy burger without the guilt. You can enjoy your favourite meat burger like beef or turkey — or opt for a vegan option like this one.
Kale Chips
If you’re craving the crunch but not the carbs that follow, get on the kale bandwagon and discover your new favourite snack. Make them sweet with cinnamon and sugar,or make them extra cheesy and delicious. Whatever you choose, you’ll be adding kale to your shopping cart during every trip down the produce aisle — and you won’t regret it!
Samantha Brazeau-Wilson
Samantha is an Ottawa-based writer who runs a crafty side hustle creating jewellery for her nature-inspired brand. When she's not killing the craft show game, she indulges in good food frequently, enjoys cuddling with her pug, and is a sucker for a good Netflix binge. Follow her on Instagram!
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