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Healthy carbsare an essential part of a balanced diet.
apaltynowicz, Getty Images/Graphic by Jocelyn Runice
But this doesn’t mean you’ve got to ditch all of your favorite foods.
“Its loaded with vegetables, [so it’s possible for you to have] half the oats.
I use whatevers in seasona couple of days ago I made an asparagus-dill oatmeal.
Jackie Newgent / via jackienewgent.com
Use water or vegetable broth instead of milk, and then instead of adding fruit, add vegetables.
Its like a risotto, but its much easier to cook!
If you’re looking for a savory option, try this recipe below.
Kat Gröber, Dave Bell, and Howie Fox / via hurrythefoodup.com
“Have half a bagel, or ‘carve’ itpull out the center if you like the crust.
Put your own fresh fruit on top instead of jellyit’s lower in carbs,” she says.
“I might add green pepper and onion.
Alice Choi / via hipfoodiemom.com
Bring on the pancake brunch.
Even though bananas have carbs, “Its going to be fewer [than regular pancakes].
I like to do a chocolate version, too, where I add a little cocoa powder.
Angela Liddon / via ohsheglows.com
I drizzle them with honey at the end.”
Instead of regular bread, opt for what many brands call sandwich thins.
It’s also extra prettyhello avocado toast Instagrams!
Sommer Collier / via aspicyperspective.com
you’re able to try one of this blog’s creative avocado toast upgradesget the recipehere.
“What Ive done instead of hamburger buns is grilled portobello mushroom caps,” says Newgent.
Skip the rice and opt for lettuce instead for a flavorful salad.
Dana and John Shultz / via minimalistbaker.com
And it’s possible for you to try this recipe below, too.
Speaking of salad, packaged dressings are notoriously sneaky about sugar content (sugar is a carb).
To avoid this, make your own vinaigrette for your lunch salad.
Kiersten Frase / via ohmyveggies.com
“Thats my formula for most salad dressings.”
Instead of using chips or pita for your favorite dip, swap them out and use veggies instead.
Making homemade hummus lets you get creative with the flavor, like this miso version below.
Lindsay Livingston / via theleangreenbean.com
“Ive made cauliflower popcorn,” says Newgent.
It has some richness because of the olive oilits an adult version of popcorn.
I roast it at 475 degrees for up to 20 minutes, until its golden brown.”
“Cut back on the pasta portion and [toss it with] cooked vegetables,” says Kroplin.
Thats a really good way to bulk up the portion without bulking up the carbs.”
And top with your favorite sauce (Kroplin likes a tomato and basil or garden vegetable red sauce.)
Spiralized vegetables can be used in almost any pasta dish as a substitute for noodles.
Try one of thesecreative spiralized recipeszucchini, beets, sweet potatoes, and turnips all work well.
Spaghetti squash is an easy swap for pasta, but it can be intimidating to try and cut through.
Newgent calls this colorful swap ‘confetti couscous.’
She goes for a tricolor combo with grated zucchini, yellow summer squash, and carrot.
“I love to do a cauliflower rice,” says Newgent.
It has a lot fewer carbs [than regular rice].
Top the cauliflower with whatever you’d normally pair with ricethe recipe below calls for curry vegetables.
So game-changing, and way easier than you’d think.
I scatter that on a pan, [add olive oil], and season it a little bit.
you’re free to also pair your protein with whatever vegetables you have around.
“Its nice and crunchy and it has a nutty taste.
Then, dip your protein in whisked egg [and then in the nuts].
This simple mental trick can reduce how many carbs you’re eating without even trying.
“Normally, its typical to go for the carbs first,” says Kroplin.
By the time you get to that spot, theres not a whole lot of room left.”
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