Saying Goodbye To Carbs Doesn't Have To Be Sad
Eating low-carb doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavor or enjoyment. It's all about creativity and finding the right substitutes that not only mimic the originals but can sometimes even enhance the dish further. So whether you're looking to cut out carbs for health reasons or you just want to expand your horizons, here are 20 amazing low-carb substitutions you can make that are both nutritious and delicious.
1. Cauliflower Rice
Rice is a huge part of many cuisines, meaning it's important you find a substitute worthy enough to take its place. Cue the cauliflower rice! Transform traditional rice dishes with this unique ingredient that is incredibly versatile and perfect for soaking up flavors and sauces. You'll get that same satisfying texture too, just without the carbs.
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2. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
Not just fun to say, zoodles serve as an excellent fantastic pasta alternative for those who love the dish but need to cut back. Light and so easy to prepare, they work wonderfully with your favorite sauces. We love the pasta-like experience they give us and at just a fraction of the carbs.
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3. Almond Flour
Ideal for all you baking lovers, almond flour is not only a nutrient-rich alternative to wheat flour, but it also adds a subtly sweet, nutty flavor to any baked good. So go on, enjoy those low-carb cookies and cakes that taste as delicious as they normally do.
4. Coconut Flour
Another excellent baking substitute for you to consider is coconut flour. High in fiber and low in carbs, the absorbent nature of this ingredient makes it especially great at creating moist and tender treats. It's nice seeing that there are so many different options.
5. Lettuce Wraps
Honestly, we would enjoy lettuce wraps even if we weren't on a low-carb diet! Fresh, crunchy, and super crisp, swapping out tortillas and bread for lettuce is a smart decision. It's a great way to give your meals a refreshing twist you won't regret.
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6. Eggplant Lasagna Sheets
Yes, even heavy dishes like lasagna can be made low-carb! Simply switch out those pasta sheets for thin slices of eggplant that work just as well and provide a boost of flavor. Eggplant also tends to have a meaty texture that absorbs all the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
7. Portobello Mushroom Buns
We know it's hard to say no to a burger, so if you're finding them hard to resist, here's a neat trick to keep it low carb: use portobello mushrooms as buns! These savory goodies are so flavorful and also grill super well. It'll perfectly complement your toppings.
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8. Spaghetti Squash
Another alternative you can consider for pasta is spaghetti squash. It's fun to make too! Just separate it into strands that resemble the pasta noodle, and you'll have the perfect base for a variety of sauces. It even offers a slightly sweet flavor that might add a new and interesting taste to familiar dishes.
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9. Turnip Fries
Fries make the most satisfying snack no matter what time of day it is, so consider using turnips instead of potatoes as a low-carb substitution. Once you bake or air-fry them until crispy, you won't be able to tell the difference anyway.
10. Bell Pepper Cups
Using bell peppers in place of bread in dishes like sandwiches and pizza is a creative and inventive way to go low carb. They have a natural sweetness to them and a delightful crunch that leads to a satisfying twist on your favorite recipes.
11. Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seeds have got to be one of the most interesting foods out there. When soaked in a liquid like soy milk and left over night, they turn into this pudding-like texture that's filling and delicious for a low-carb breakfast or dessert. Add in a touch of sweetener to make it even tastier!
12. Jicama Tortillas
We know you love your corn tortillas, but sometimes you have to make exceptions. For the perfect refreshing crunch, consider giving jicama tortillas a try where thin slices are used as a substitute. You'll be surprised by how enjoyable the unique and slightly sweet flavor can be.
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13. Eggplant Chips
It's so easy to lose track of how many chips you've eaten, so make it a low-carb snack you can feel better about! Use thinly sliced eggplant, which when baked thin, turn into delightful chips. Season them with your favorite spices for an additional flavor boost.
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14. Kale Chips
Speaking of chips, if eggplant doesn't suit your fancy, kale can work just as well. When baked till a crisp, these have a satisfying texture that can relieve your cravings when you want something salty and crunchy. Not only nutrient-packed, they're perfect for guilt-free munching too.
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15. Celeriac (Celery Root) Mash
Celeriac, also known as celery root, can be boiled down and mashed until it's a delicious alternative to mashed potatoes. With its subtle and earthy flavor, it's just as comforting and hearty, making it a wonderful replacement.
16. Shirataki Noodles
Made from konjac yam, these translucent and gelatinous noodles may look funny, but you'll enjoy their almost zero carb value and ability to absorb sauces. No matter what you pair them with, it takes on the flavor so well.
17. Cheese Crisps
Yes, cheese can help you out with your low-carb diet! When baked or microwaved, cheese can turn into delicious crisps that work super well for snacking or as croutons. To get the best results, we suggest using hard cheeses like parmesan or cheddar.
18. Butternut Squash Hash Browns
Hash browns are so delicious in the morning, it can be hard turning them away. So don't! Instead, use grated butternut squash to turn this breakfast side into a sweet yet nutritious substitute. Pan-fry them until golden and enjoy!
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19. Nori Sheets for Wraps
Most commonly used for sushi, don't limit yourself and try using nori sheets for a variety of different wraps. It holds things nicely together and adds a tasty umami flavor to any dish. It's an added bonus that it's low in carbs too!
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20. Radicchio Cups
For a different flavor profile, radicchio cups leave behind a vibrant and slightly bitter flavor alongside your favorite fillings like chicken salad, tuna, and so much more. Adding color and crunch to your plate, who could complain?
