If reducing your carb intake is on your list of things to tackle in 2020, you’re going to want in on this. We’re sharing all the deets on the healthy carb swaps that actually make you think you’re eating the real thing, but without that side of guilt.
Plus, these healthy swaps are super easy (like seriously easy), will save you prep and cook time, and may even save you some cash on your weekly grocery bill.
Want in? We got you covered.
5 Healthy Carb Swaps That Taste Just as Good as the Real Thing
#1 Cauliflower Pizza
Ok, so we can’t talk about healthy carb swaps without talking about cauliflower pizza. Cauli pizza came into the health and wellness scene when people were jumping on the paleo and keto bandwagon.
Soon enough, we all realized that cauliflower actually makes a pretty bomb pizza and racks in a ton of added fiber without all the added carbs.
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy pizza Friday without the added carbs, you’re going to want to try our very own cauliflower pizza shared in our Pro Meal Plans feature in FitOn Pro.
Straight from FitOn Pro, here’s a cauliflower pizza recipe you’re going to want to whip up tonight.
#2 Cauli Rice
While we’re talking about cauliflower, we def can’t leave out good old cauliflower rice. This has become such a staple healthy carb swap that you can even find pre-made cauli rice at your local grocery store that you can steam in under 10 mins.
It’s an easy carb swap that also helps you bulk up your daily veggie intake. Dress up some cauli rice with some coconut aminos, shredded carrots, green onions, and tofu for a healthy, low-carb pad thai.
Need some additional inspo? Here’s another one of our delicious recipes shared in FitOn Pro. This Curried Cauliflower Rice takes low-carb rice to a whole new level.
#3 Zucchini Noodles
Craving some pasta, but not up for that uncomfortable bloat we all get after a carb-heavy meal? Enter zucchini pasta. All you need is a spiralizer (like this one) and your favorite pasta toppings, and you have yourself one of the easiest healthy carb swaps.
You can basically take any of your fav pasta dishes and make them low-carb just by using a veggie like zucchini as your base.
Try pairing zucchini noodles with some marinara sauce, chicken, and some fresh basil to enjoy on pasta night!
#4 Zucchini Lasagna
More of a lasagna type of gal? Zucchini can help cut your carbs with this comfort food staple as well.
Instead of using a spiralizer to make zucchini noodles, try thinly slicing the zucchini into lasagna-like strips. Use just as you would regular noodles in your favorite lasagna recipe.
#5 Spaghetti Squash
Last but not least is spaghetti squash. If this isn’t already part of your diet, you’re going to want to try it. Spaghetti squash is pretty much the king of all low-carb pastas out there.
While it’s higher in carbs than zucchini (packing in about 10 grams of carbs per cup), it also comes with added fiber. Plus, it’s easy to make, pairs well with any pasta dish, and is rich in b vitamins and vitamin C.
Plus, it’s low in cals, only packing in about 42 calories per cup, so you can have that big bowl of pasta and not feel bad about it!
Swap Your Carbs, Up Your Veggies
So, there you have it. Five mouthwatering healthy carb swaps that will help tighten up those daily carbs (and cals), plus your wallet too. A zucchini or a bag of cauliflower rice is going to cost far less than that bag of gluten-free pasta.
Plus, by using these swaps, you’ll naturally boost your daily veggie intake (win!)
If you’re struggling to find ways to cut carbs without feeling deprived, give these swaps a try. They may just become staples in your clean eating diet this year.
