One of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance your weight loss efforts is to eat fewer carbohydrates. To reap the weight loss and health benefits of a lower carb diet, you don’t need an extremely low-carb ‘Atkins-style’ diet. Instead, you can make a couple of easy substitutions, by switching from starchy and grain-based carbs to their unassuming vegetable counterparts.
In addition to the weight loss benefit you’ll receive from eating less carbohydrates, you’ll also be getting more vitamins, minerals, and nutrients by adding more nutrient rich foods to your diet.
The Simple Switches
1. Spaghetti Squash for Spaghetti
Why Switch? Making this switch will save you 33 grams of carbohydrates and 178 calories per cup.
How to Switch? Cut spaghetti squash in half and remove seeds. Place a damp paper towel over each side and microwave 7-8 minutes face-up and then 7-8 minutes face-down (or bake face-down on a baking sheet for 30 minutes in a 350 degree oven). Once cooked, run a fork lengthwise down the squash and watch it come out like strands of spaghetti. Add tomato sauce or pesto, meatballs, and enjoy this guilt-free spaghetti dinner.
2. White Beans for Mashed Potatoes
Why Switch? Switching 1/2 cup of beans for 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes will give you 8x more protein and 6x more fiber.
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How to Switch? Mash 1 can of cannellini beans with 1 clove of garlic and 1 tsp of extra virgin olive oil for a surprisingly delicious alternative to mashed potatoes. A 1/2 cup of these mashed beans with a side spinach salad are the perfect compliment to any steak.