Potatoes/pasta/bread

Racquel1

Hi guys

I am looking to try cut down on potatoes bread pasta foods so was just wondering what would be a good replacement?

Thanks x

ksy1969

For Potatoes you can use a sweet potato instead. It is higher in fiber than a regular potato. Other than that when you do eat breads and pasta make sure to use whole grain.

mreeves261

Try replacing your pasta with spaghetti squash. If you like spaghetti sauce you really don't notice the difference between the noodles and the squash.

GuybrushThreepw00d

potatoes = sweet potatoes
pasta = wholemeal pasta in lesser quantities
bread = aint no replacement, just cut it out.

HollisGrant

Hi guys

I am looking to try cut down on potatoes bread pasta foods so was just wondering what would be a good replacement?

Thanks x

Try short or medium grain brown rice and up the amount of veggies.

cleotherio

More vegetables and protein. Seriously--eliminate half the serving and replace it with more of the other stuff.

m4ttcheek

Why, what's wrong with them?

joeylu

I love all of these things so I eat them in moderation. In my experience when you start to cut things out of your diet you start to feel like you are missing out. Moderation is the key

justal313

Why, what's wrong with them?

French Fries
Alfredo Sauce
Margarine, HFCS added Peanut Butter, High Sodium Cold Cuts

justal313

Try replacing your pasta with spaghetti squash. If you like spaghetti sauce you really don't notice the difference between the noodles and the squash.

I've tried this. I wasn't a fan. Pasta isn't just a delivery mechanism for my sauce, I actually like the taste of a well made pasta (the actual pasta)

Lots of people seem to agree with you and if you only need something to put sauce over, this is a good choice.

dfonte

Are you looking to replace them with other carbs? Everything has carbs, just different amounts. I get the majority of my carbs from vegetables and fruit. Bananas and broccoli to be exact. Because they're cheap. Bananas after workout, and broccoli all day.,

And no, not all cereal is bad.

sunnyhlw77

You've got a good question. All I can really think of is to eliminate bread, cut back pastas and switch to whole wheat and potatoes, well we have pretty much eliminated potatoes except the odd meal here and there and replaced them with other veggies, like we'll have a salad and roasted zucchini, grilled asparagus or steamed cauliflower or broccoli or a medley or have two different kinds of hot veggies. We really don't find it hard, we just make sure we have a lot of variety for veggies. I'm also keen on finding out other substitutes.

NoirDancer

Hi guys

I am looking to try cut down on potatoes bread pasta foods so was just wondering what would be a good replacement?

Thanks x

I have become a huge fan of all veggies. A large helping of veggies to compensate for all those things taste very good and you can use all the same sauces that you use for those things.

lilRicki

Why, what's wrong with them?

you going to start preaching about "everything in moderation" because it works for you? Let me stop you here, it doesn't work for everyone. My body hates carbs, passionately. I get most of my carbs from veggies and the odd tortilla. OP up your protein, anything you can think of from nuts to cold turkey slices, and don't forget to subtract your fiber from your carbs.

chellec23

I have been cooking a lot more with quinoa instead of pasta.....I read online that it is a complete protein. It also has a low glycemic index and I think it tastes great. Very versatile as well.

You can make all kinds of veggie chips or fries instead of potato chips or fries..... here are a couple of buzzfeed links that link to great recipes or ideas
http://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelysanders/healthy-ingredient-swaps-substitutions
http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/25-baked-alternatives-to-potato-chips-and-french-f

I have made the baked carrot fries and loved them (I seasoned mine with creole seasoning so they were quite spicy)

And for bread, I buy Healthy Life 35 Calorie Wheat Bread. Little more expensive but only 35 calories per slice.

sunman00

Carbs are a macro & therefore should be eaten, as folk say, in moderation

sweet potatoes baked in their jackets & eaten skin & all are delicious, smear a little oil & salt on the skin prior to baking

puy lentils are great, quinoa is good,

m4ttcheek

Why, what's wrong with them?

you going to start preaching about "everything in moderation" because it works for you? Let me stop you here, it doesn't work for everyone. My body hates carbs, passionately. I get most of my carbs from veggies and the odd tortilla. OP up your protein, anything you can think of from nuts to cold turkey slices, and don't forget to subtract your fiber from your carbs.

Just saying what's wrong with these particular carb sources? Why not cut fruit?

It seems most people have just offered lower calorie alternatives. Is the food the problem or is it the quantity?

tcantonwine

You can also try oatmeal.

tonymyers55

I had to cut back on bread due to gluten allergy. I've tried almond flour. The texture is different, but the flavor is not bad.

I like the spaghetti squash as well, but I prefered the taste of real pasta.

I like the quinoa as well. Sometimes I cook it with chicken boullion, dried onion, powdered garlic and scramble eggs with a touch of cayenne pepper. Other days I use a sugar substitue, cinamon and mix in some blue berries and/or bananas.

stefa711

Try Rudi's Organic Sunshine seeded bread. There is also Ezekiel sprouted grain bread. They're both found in the frozen section. Seems strange, but they are so yummy.

ETA: I know you asked for replacements, but these are just "healthier" breads. Assuming you're a white-bread eater, of course.

chadraeder3

My suggestions

Potato go with sweet potato or maybe try parsnips. I know you can make chips out of parsnips a little better then regular spuds

Pasta you can try the spaghetti squash but switching to a high fiber pasta will help you feel full plus everyone needs fiber I have never tried it but I have heard that you can use squash cut in to strips for lasagna replacement, me I will stick to real noodles.

Bread - well somethings you just can substitute for bread but if you are looking for sandwich fixins go with a tortilla or even just lettuce or some other leaves, if you do still need bread and who doesn't make sure it is real bread look at the label if there are ingredients you cant pronounce put it back many bread companies add stuff to bread to make it last longer or make your own bread it might take a few times to get it right but the smell of baking bread is divine. If you have bread that goes stale don't worry that is a reason to make croutons (homemade croutons so easy and so delicious) or make some french toast the stale bread will hold the egg mixture and make a wonderful piece of french toast.

SadKitty27

You could try making bread using almond flour, or try out various flax recipes. However, it's not going to be the same, it's just an alternative.


Edit - Just noticed someone beat me to the almond flour suggestion

highervibes

I replaced my carbs with fat and a little protein. I am eating enough protein according to a lean body mass calculator. I eat a lot of eggs, chicken, steak healthy oild (coconut, walnut, butter and olive). Just to be clear that's not ALL I eat. I get all of my carbs from things like berries, green veggies, yogurt, nuts. I have moderate amounts of starchy vegetables, but to be honest, I try not to have them since my blood sugar gets all wonky. I find the more fat I eat the less carb/sugar cravings I experience which makes eating well SO much easier and way less obsessive.

PS - If you don't have a problem with gluten Dreamfields makes a pasta that has little effect on blood glucose

ilovedeadlifts

I still do potatoes. I dont have a problem eating starchy things if they're actually real food.

I just stopped eating bread altogether, and don't really miss it.

I still have pasta about once per week but have just looked for the "cleanest" option. I like pasta and don't want to give it up at this time, and don't think its detrimental to my health.

OMGSugarOHNOS

So....whats the problem with potatoes/pasta/bread?

chadraeder3

So....whats the problem with potatoes/pasta/bread?

Personally I don't think there is anything wrong with all of them but I have tried to switch out a few things to get vitamins/ nutrition or reduce calories.

strickland8052

For potatoes, try smashed cauliflower. Steam fresh cauliflower for about 20 minutes in chicken broth, drain, then smash with one or two wedges of laughing cow cheese. Add salt, pepper, parmesan, basil or whatever you normally add to mashed potatoes. Tastes just like mashed potatoes (and that is coming from someone who hated cauliflower two years ago).

LolBroScience

So....whats the problem with potatoes/pasta/bread?

Personally I don't think there is anything wrong with all of them but I have tried to switch out a few things to get vitamins/ nutrition or reduce calories.

potatoes are very dense nutritionally speaking.

Racquel1

wow thanks everyone for your comments, they have really helped. Basically i love potatoes, pasta and bread but i want to try and cut down on them and also try healthier alternatives. so thank you all

rosemaryhon

I've been enjoying a heaping handful of raw, shredded cabbage (I buy the bag of Dole Cole Slaw mix in the produce section of my grocery store). I heat it in the microwave for 20 seconds and top with any sauce/dressing. It even looks sorta like a helping of potatoes or pasta and compliments anything I top it with. I love it ~ very satisfying and easy. I usually eat this with every lunch & dinner. Today for lunch I had it with a cut up chicken breast, spinach dip, and an over easy egg ~ yum! Tonite I might put some marsala gravy on it. I've also had it with melted cheese for a mac&cheese flavor. For snack I top with low-cal Ranch dressing and it becomes a 'regular' cole slaw.

phurst00

potatoes = sweet potatoes
pasta = wholemeal pasta in lesser quantities
bread = aint no replacement, just cut it out.

Bread = whole wheat or lower carb/calorie varieties... eat in moderation. No need to cut it out entirely, in my opinion.