Hate carrot cake? Can’t stand salad without dressing? Bothered by every bite of broccoli? Let’s get real. Who actually enjoys being healthy 100% of the time?

However, if you’re looking for smarter carb swaps that taste almost like comfort foods, buckle in for some tasty goodness!

But before spilling the tea, let’s get down first with the basics.

 

The Truth About Carbs

 

Carbohydrates are one of the most misunderstood food groups. They’ve been vilified by the Paleo diet, demonised by low-carb diets, and shunned by those trying to lose weight. But carbohydrates are essential to a healthy diet: they’re your body’s primary source of fuel, they help you feel fuller longer, and they’re packed with nutrients.

When consumed, carbs are broken down into glucose in your digestive system, absorbed into your bloodstream, and transformed into usable energy. The truth is, they’re not our foes after all!

 

Simple Carbs vs. Complex Carbs

 

While no carbs should be banned entirely from your plate, some are better for your body than others.

The easiest way to think about this is by classifying carbs as simple or complex. Simple carbs are found in foods like sugar, fruit, and dairy products. They’re broken down quickly into glucose and can spike blood sugar levels. Complex carbs are found in foods like whole grains, vegetables, and legumes. They’re digested more slowly and don’t result in a dramatic increase in blood sugar levels.

Complex carbs digest slowly and keep you full for hours after eating them. They’re also high in fibre, which helps keep your digestive system healthy.

 

Simple Carb Swaps That Taste Just As Good As The Real Thing

 

If you are trying to keep the simple carb to the curb and indulge in healthy alternatives, here are 5 delicious ways to do so.

 

1. Swap rice for quinoa.

Nope, we’re not talking about a quinoa salad. We’re talking about a simple swap: quinoa in place of rice!

Quinoa is a grain that’s high in protein and fibre, so it’ll fill you up with fewer carbs than rice does. Plus, it’s great for vegans and vegetarians because it’s a good source of iron, which helps keep your energy levels up all day long!

So next time, use quinoa instead of rice when making fried rice or risotto—it’s just as good!

 

2. Swap French fries for baked potato wedges.

You can still get all the crispy, salty goodness of a French fry without having to deal with the calories that come with frying. Swap French fries for baked potato wedges.

Baked potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates and fibre, and they’re also lower in calories than their fried counterparts. Just slice up a potato into wedges, toss them with some olive oil and salt, and bake them at 400°F until they’re crispy on the outside but soft on the inside.

 

3. Swap mashed potatoes for cauliflower mash.

It’s a simple swap, but it will make all the difference to your waistline. Cauliflower is packed with nutrients and is naturally low in carbs and calories. It’s also super versatile—you can steam, roast, or boil it!

The best part? It tastes just as good as mashed potatoes! You can even add some cheese if you want to give it that classic flavour with fewer calories than regular mashed potatoes.

 

4. Swap noodles for zoodles.

Swapping out regular pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) is a great way to cut down on carbs and calories. Zoodles are also super low in calories, so it’s easy to feel like you’re getting away with something when you eat them! Plus, they’re delicious plain or with sauce—just make sure it’s not too heavy.

 

5. Switch buns for lettuce wraps.

If you love burgers but don’t want all the carbs from buns, try swapping them out for lettuce wraps instead! You can still enjoy all the flavour of your favourite burgers without all those extra calories from bread (and maybe even a little less guilt). Just watch out for sauces or dressings that might have added sugars or fats.

 

Takeaway

 

When you make these easy switches, you won’t feel like you’re missing out on much. Nutritious food doesn’t have to taste like cardboard. Making simple carb swaps can help you cut down on foods that are high in sugar or fat while still enjoying the flavours you love.

At Hearty Health, we make sure to serve you only the healthiest and tastiest ready-made meals without compromise.