Are you a carb craver? If so, you’re not alone. Carb sensitivity and cravings are a BIG problem for a lot of people.
We all crave carbs, but for many, satisfying those carb cravings means eating foods like breads, pastas, rice and potatoes. When eaten too frequently, these foods can increase your weight and affect your blood sugar too.
I see many patients who have to deal with diabetes and blood sugar problems, and many don’t think eating these foods can affect blood sugar – but they do.
And if you’re a woman, these carb cravings are even more pronounced. The hormone changes that women experience can actually increase carb cravings! Ugh…
So, what do you do when you really want another piece of bread of dish of pasta? The key is to look for different, healthier options to curb those cravings.
Some of my favorite carb substitutions include:
Eggplant, zucchini or portobello mushrooms in place of bread
Simply slice them up, sprinkle with olive oil and spice and bake. You can even sprinkle with fat-free or low-fat cheese.
Lettuce in place of tortillas
If you’re craving a sandwich, consider using lettuce instead of tortillas or bread to wrap-up your favorite healthy sandwich fillings.
Cauliflower instead of rice
You can pick-up frozen cauliflower rice or make your own and use it in any recipe that calls for rice. The consistency and taste is so similar that even the picky eaters in your house may be fooled and their carb cravings will be satisfied.
Cauliflower crust in place of pizza crust
Cauliflower is a versatile veg. You can now purchase pre-made cauliflower curst, add your favorite pizza toppings and satisfy your carb cravings and pizza cravings in one meal.
Spaghetti squash in place of pasta
This is a very nutritious squash and its unique fibers make it a popular low-carb, low-fat, gluten-free, and vegan alternative to spaghetti noodles. In comparison, one cup of cooked spaghetti squash has just 40 calories and 10 grams carbohydrate vs. traditional spaghetti noodles that have over 220 calories and 43 carbs! That’s a BIG difference.
Cut it in half, remove the seeds, drizzle with oil and your favorite spices and roast at 400 degrees for about 30-40 minutes until it’s tender. Then, simply scrape out the filling with a fork and you have noodles! You can then top with your favorite sauce, or simply add fresh veggies for a healthy and filling meal.
So, try one of these healthy carbs the next time you have a craving and I bet you won’t even notice the difference, except in your waistline!
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Thanks for the suggestions. Sometimes though a good slice of bread just can’t be beat. But not every day.
Hello, I have your original book, the 17 Day Diet, and I have just recently started following you on social media. I have wondered if the plan is still the same, or has it changed? I realized as years go by and research improves that authors will sometimes make changes. Thanks.