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Cutting carbsdoesnt have to be as un-fun as it sounds.
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In fact, it can be a lot of fun.
Swapping out carbs for other foods often requires a bit of creativity, and who doesnt love being creative.
Bonus: The low-carb solutions are delicious in their own right.
Pistachio crust and tortilla pizza, anyone?
Complex carbohydrates are an essential part of any well-rounded diet because theyre a key energy provider.
Thats why its so important to eat them before and afteran intense cardio session.
If youre interested in eating fewer carbs, these nine tricks are beloved by registered dietitians.
They aim to help you keep eating your favorite foods, and theyre super creative to boot.
Just think of the plate as your canvas and the zucchini noodles andcauliflower pizza crustas your art.
Bread your food with pistachios.
One of my favorite carb-cutting tricks is to usecrushed pistachios as a substitution for breadingon tofu.
Im a vegetarian, but this trick can also be used on chicken breasts and fish.
I love pizza but the crust has so many extra calories.
I also like to add oregano and spices like garlic powder or red pepper flakes.
Youll have a crispy, thin crust thats also waistline friendly.
Load your plate with low-carb vegetables.
Think leafy greens, green beans, tomatoes, asparagus, zucchini, and eggplant.
I like to include a veggie-based soup or salad at each meal and cooked veggies too.
I aim to eat six servings per day.
I also love carrot noodles with peanut sauce and zucchini noodles with kale pesto.
you’ve got the option to even turn the riced cauliflower or broccoli into pizza dough.'
Miranda Hammer, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.
Avoid products with unnecessary added sugars.
The easiest way I reduce carbs is by reducing added sugar in my diet.
This way I can get more fiber and am able to control the sweetness.
Rebecca Clyde, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.
Replace some of the oats in your oatmeal.
Addegg whites to your oats!
This means fewer carbs and more protein!
Abbey Sharp, R.D.,Abbeys Kitchen
Explore the world of veggie noodles.
Makepasta out of vegetables using a spiralizer!
For these hot summer days, skip the cooking step and eat the zucchini raw!
Get creative with the sauces you use to keep the dish fresh and exciting.
Jen Flachbart, M.S., R.D.N.
Use a better kind of bun.
Think outside the bun.
Or, cut the bun and eat your burger on top of a salad instead.
I never place my grains first on my plate.
To control portions, I always plate veggies, then protein, and lastly the grains.
Maxine Yeung, M.S., R.D., owner ofThe Wellness Whisk
Quotes have been edited for clarity.
