Five Actually Cool Ways to Cut Carbs

Cutting carbohydrates through a low-carb diet is a common weight-loss strategy. This technique restricts the total caloric intake by decreasing the percentage of calories coming from carbs. On one hand, these individuals may achieve weight-loss success, while on the other hand they may experience a decreased variety in their food choices and high-carb cravings. As a result, these individuals need to maintain variability in their diet to reduce boredom and cravings. Whether you are getting restless on low-carb diet, wanting to reduce daily calorie intake, or simply looking for new or creative meal ideas….

Here are five actually cool ways to cut carbs:

First, swap sandwich bread for lettuce. This technique can cut up to 600 calories from removing only the sandwich bread. To make a lettuce wrap, take a large piece of iceberg lettuce, place deli meat, veggies, and preferred toppings inside, and then wrap it up for a delicious crunch. If you’re eating out, restaurants can accommodate this same concept, ask for a burger or sandwich wrapped in lettuce! Such as, Jimmy John’s “un-wich,” their signature sandwiches wrapped in lettuce.

Homemade “un-wich”

Second, replace ½ carbs at a meal with a source of dairy or vegetables. This technique can cut about 200 calories each meal by cutting the carbs in half. For breakfast, reduce grains (oatmeal, cereal, ect.) in half and add in ½ cup yogurt. If desired, add in protein powder for an extra boost. For lunch or dinner, reduce the carb source (rice, pasta, ect.) in half and add in vegetables. An example would be Chipotle’s salad or burrito bowl with requesting a smaller serving of rice and a larger serving of grilled vegetables.

Oatmeal & Yogurt Parfait

Third, use vegetables as a pseudo-carbohydrate source. This technique can cut over 400 calories by replacing a carb source with a vegetable. For a fun, mock spaghetti bolognese, make zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, sauté mushrooms and spinach, cook ground meat of choice, and then combine everything together with marinara sauce for a hearty meal.

Butternut Squash Lasagna

Fourth, eat crunchy vegetable and nut-based snacks. When that crunchy craving hits, reach for crisp veggies and protein packed nuts for a satisfying crunch. Make ants-on-a-log by scooping almond butter onto a celery stalk and top with raisins, pair crisp cucumbers with hummus, or make trail mix with an assortment of nuts.

Ants-On-A-Log

Fifth, drink metabolism-boosting beverages. This technique can speed up metabolism, curb cravings, and cut over 500 calories from liquid alone. Instead of starting the day off with coffee and creamer, try out green tea with honey or lemon. Then, sip on homemade lemonade to curb cravings throughout the day. To make your own lemonade, add 2 squeezed lemons and 1 tbs. sweetener of choice (stevia) to 32 oz. of water.

Homemade Lemonade

If your goal is to lose weight, to eat a little healthier, or to try out new recipes, go ahead and implement these five fun ways to cut carbohydrates and calories today! Click on the pictures to find the recipes for each carb-cutting technique. Use the hashtag #FunWaysToCutCarbs to show us what technique you use or what additional strategies you may have!

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