good foods to replace carbs?

bronagh20

I love my carbs, and would have bread, pasta, rice or potatoes every day. I am of the mind set that dinner isn't a proper meal without one of these. I know that carbs are my main downfall and if I can find a good replacement for them it would be great. I don't want to cut out carbs completely just cut down. any suggestions would be great thanks.

rjt1000

I love my carbs, and would have bread, pasta, rice or potatoes every day. I am of the mind set that dinner isn't a proper meal without one of these. I know that carbs are my main downfall and if I can find a good replacement for them it would be great. I don't want to cut out carbs completely just cut down. any suggestions would be great thanks.

sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. cut them into french fry size and bake them. or just bake them.

Try Nature's Own whole wheat breads as they are slightly lower in carbs and calories. Still not great but better than other brands. Spread your carbs out, try to keep to around 25-35 g per meal. Carbs help curb your cravings if you balance them well. Each meal make sure you have protein and fiber as they help to get you over the hunger feeling.

dls06

Smaller portions. I cut carbs and lost weight by just having 1/2 a potato, 1/4 cup of rice, 1/2 cup of pasta, Lower cal, carb breads, mini pita's, and tortilla's. I have tons of veggies to make up for the bulk. I could never give up carbs.

mallory3411

Eat them in moderation. I don't understand why people think carbs are the devil. If you control your portions and fit in your calorie goals you will still lose weight. Unless there is a medical issue there is no reason to cut out or replace carbs.

melaniecheeks

I found it easier to just halve my normal protion of carbs (one potato instead of 2, a small spoonful of rice etc)

I rarely eat bread now - but I keep a good quality seeded loaf in the feezer, so that I can toast a slice once every few days. breakfasts are usually eggs or yoghurt, lunch is soup or salad, dinner based on meat or fish with veg.

Oh, and sweet potaotes aren't really much of an alternative, they still have a lot of carbs. But it's good to get variety, and they contain a lot of other beneficial nutrition.

azure7

I adore mashed potatoes; however, I've cut all grains and white potatoes out of my diet 6 days per week. A surprisingly amazing substitute is pureed cauliflower. While it doesn't sound all that great, it's actually fantastic.

-Steam cauliflower until it is very well cooked through (fork can easily pierce it).
-Add cooked cauliflower to food processor.
-Add butter (I've increased my fat intake since I've cut carbs, so I use about a Tbsp for half a head of cauliflower), salt, and some fresh ground pepper to the processor.
-Puree for a while.
-Stop to scrape down the sides and add some of the water used to steam the cauliflower (this makes it smoother).
-Continue to puree and add water, if needed, until it's velvety smooth.

I have made this for friends that hate cauliflower and they can't get enough of it.

CashierCantin

I am going to start cutting out white flour items for a month and see how that effects my loss.

I love mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes (you can make a big batch and just reheat what you need)

I enjoy low carb yogurts for breakfast (they are low in cals too).

I LOVE pickles for a salty and sour snack for when the sweet munchies hit.

You can roast green beans for a tasty snack that has a nutty flavor and crunchy when they are first made!!!

The lowest carb nuts are walnuts and pecans. A serving of those keep the hungries away.

I'll be enjoying a few of these suggestions this coming month. Hoping I'll feel better AND lose some weight that has been at a stand still!

bronagh20

Thanks very much for the suggestions. much appreciated and like i say i only want to cut down, couldn't live without them.

fimary

bump to see all replies, i am also watching my carbs, dont want to exclude them just cut down a bit.

kaelawilliford

To replace flour tortillas: Mission Carb Balance (whole wheat).......they are 80 cals for a fajita size and net carbs of 3. And they taste great and are soft. I make tacos, quesadillas and my hubby will put 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on it, roll it up and have a snack.

Jennisin1

Spaghetti squash really is one of the best things I have ever eaten (a ridiculously low in calories).. I prefer it to pasta.

Cut it in half lengthwise

Scrape out the seeds

Microwave face down on a plate until a fork easily pierces it

Scrape the insides out with a fork

It is wonderful with pasta sauce and just as yummy with a little butter and parm cheese. Sometimes it can be a little watery, so you can put it in a colander and let the water drain out before plating

MagsRad

bump

dr3am3r

bump!!!! love the ideas of cauliflower and spaghetti squash! im gonna try these!

Niftygirl16

Ditto on the mashed cauliflower and spaghetti squash. Here are a few other ways to prepare them that I enjoy:

You can add other things to the mashed cauliflower like chives and a tablespoon of low fat sour cream.
You can also crisp up some turkey bacon and sprinkle some reduced fat cheddar cheese on top.

For the spaghetti squash, one thing I love is mixing stewed diced tomatoes with a tablespoon of low fat sour cream then toss in some grilled shrimp and serve over the spaghetti squash. YUMMY!

bronagh20

yay some great ideas. keep them coming!

shine_

Have you tried quinoa? I even prefer it to rice.

sedosher

bump to follow replies.

jnbud2002

I've seen recipes for a cauliflower bread/crust for pizza, haven't tried it yet, but it looks amazing!

alexandria412

bump.

garnetsms

I have tried the steamed califlower...love it!! And I cut my potato portions in half too (or use sweet potato instead). I have yet to try the spagetti squash, plan to do that this week.

paigedwatson

I'm right there with you. I got on MFP initially to cut my carb intake because I realized I'd have cereal for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch, and pasta for dinner every day... carbs carbs carbs!

Try Mission brand Carb Balance whole wheat tortillas! They come in large, medium, and small. I get the small ones (13 carbs each) and have two of them... makes me feel like I'm eating more but it's only a few calories more than 1 medium tortilla. Also try Carbmaster yogurt from Kroger if there's one in your area. VERY low in carbs AND sugar.

Luvlicious83

This sounds great!!!! I need to invest in a processor or a blender. (oops forgot to quote....this was in response to the mashed/puree cauliflower).

Spamee

bump

Niftygirl16

This sounds great!!!! I need to invest in a processor or a blender. (oops forgot to quote....this was in response to the mashed/puree cauliflower).

Actually, you really don't need those things. I use good old fashioned "elbow grease" with just a regular potatoe masher. Obviously the consistency isn't as smooth but I never minded a few lumps in my potatoes growing up

andrejjorje

Carbs should come mainly from veggies and fruits. If you want to go fancy then sweet potatoes and yams and squash.

NoAdditives

Whole grains instead of processed white grains. Whole wheat pasta is actually pretty good. And of course, just eat them in moderation. There's no reason to give them up if you're eating healthier whole grains. I eat plenty carbs and have no troubles losing as long as I seriously limit my refined sugar.

And honestly, I don't understand why sweet potatoes, which have a higher sugar content, are supposed to be better than white potatoes.

Misty1480

Cauliflower pizza crust


Ingredients:
1 cup cooked, riced cauliflower
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp crushed garlic
1/2 tsp garlic salt
olive oil (optional)
pizza sauce, shredded cheese and your choice of toppings*
directions:

To "Rice" the Cauliflower:
Take 1 large head of fresh cauliflower, remove stems and leaves, and chop the florets into chunks. Add to food processor and pulse until it looks like grain. Do not over-do pulse or you will puree it. (If you don't have a food processor, you can grate the whole head with a cheese grater). Place the riced cauliflower into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 8 minutes. There is no need to add water, as the natural moisture in the cauliflower is enough to cook itself.
One large head should produce approximately 3 cups of riced cauliflower. The remainder can be used to make additional pizza crusts immediately, or can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

To Make the Pizza Crust:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup cauliflower, egg and mozzarella. Add oregano, crushed garlic and garlic salt, stir. Transfer to the cookie sheet, and using your hands, pat out into a 9" round. Optional: Brush olive oil over top of mixture to help with browning.
Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven. To the crust, add sauce, toppings and cheese. Place under a broiler at high heat just until cheese is melted (approximately 3-4 minutes).
Enjoy!
*Note that toppings need to be precooked since you are only broiling for a few minutes.

4my2jays

I've seen recipes for a cauliflower bread/crust for pizza, haven't tried it yet, but it looks amazing!

I made it last night for the first time and it was quite delicious.

r1ghtpath

i was going to suggest quinoa and couscous, too. as a replacement for rices and larger pastas.

spaghetti squash is good.

if you'd don't want to give them up, then spread them out. or reserve a day of the week for them. eat less of them ( smaller portions).

if you are going to eat breads, rice, potatoes, etc. maybe that day you stay away from the snacky/ treat type stuff.

you can always put in a day into the food diary here and mess around with your meals according to grams of carbs vs. protein vs. calories, etc. see what would work out best for you. :-)

good luck!

bronagh20

thats twice quinoa has been mentioned. sorry but what is it?

katyconser

i am SOOOO right there with you!! i truly carbs! i've recently (since starting MFP) started cooking with quinoa and farro... they are both SUPER yummy, and i like them better than rice for SURE. one quinoa recipe i really dig is quinoa with sweet potatoes and mushrooms <http://allrecipes.com/recipe/quinoa-with-sweet-potato-and-mushrooms/detail.aspx>. there's no way i could really never eat pasta again, so now i try to make sure i fill the sauce with veggies and lean protein, use the whole wheat pastas (delallo makes pricey but great ones), and stick to the portion size of the pasta, making sure to get double the veggies. i also like to have toast with breakfast, but recently decided that just cuz the toaster has 2 slots doesn't mean i have to eat 2 pieces... i get just as much satisfaction with one! good luck!!