Most people don’t go low- or slow-carb because they don’t know how to go low- or slow-carb. People are unaware of the creative food options and alternatives, which are – better believe it – plentiful! Then, there’s the follow-up objection and it has to do with taste. People are scared that in giving up carb-heavy foods they’re giving up good tasting foods as well.
News flash: That’s so not the case. Just because you go low- or slow-carb doesn’t mean you have to give up on flavorful, substance-packed foods.
All that’s required of you is…one word: awareness.
If you want to shed excess fat and see the numbers on the scale take a meaningful drop, here’s the reality: carbs (not fats) are the mean, fat-producing culprits; specifically, high glycemic carbs. All those breaded, sweetened, and fried delights are the source of your health, fitness, and weight-maintaining demise. It doesn’t matter how much you workout at the Greenville athletic club. If you’re consuming these foods on the regular, you aren’t setting yourself up for the best results.
Fortunately, the solution is simple. Start cutting these culprits from your diet, but in moderation of course. Going cold turkey is never the solution. Everyone is deserving of a cheat day. Saturday, otherwise known as Faturday, is a wonderful opportunity to take a rest day from the Greenville health center and enjoy your fill of these fatty foods.
On non-cheat days, however, it serves you to stick to a structured, balanced diet alongside your typical Greenville sports club routine. This means lots of protein, lots of good fats, lots of water (hydration is so, so vital), lots of leafy greens, and lots of low glycemic carbs (beans, berries, broccoli, etc.). But don’t worry. This doesn’t mean you have to cut out some of your staple week-day meals. You can still enjoy your burgers, tacos, and french fries…but with a low-carb friendly twist!
Here’s how. Turn to these 5 low-carb substitutes to satisfy classic cravings.
- Swap leafy greens for taco shells. Just about any sandwich can be wrapped up in a lettuce wrap to cut out carb-laden bread or shells. It’s an easy alternative and way more nutrient dense!
- Swap portobello mushrooms for hamburger buns. Get your protein fix, plus a hefty dose of potassium courtesy of the mushrooms.
- Swap sliced eggplant for crackers/bread. This is great for spreads, hummus – you name it!
- Swap butternut squash, carrots, and roasted turnips for french fries. Bet you haven’t heard of this awesome trick! Get your crunchy cravings satisfied without consequences to your waistline. Suggestion: Pair these with your portobello hamburger for a filling, low-carb meal.
- Swap zucchini or eggplant for pasta. Craving lasagna? Spaghetti? Use zucchini or eggplant for lasagna or spiralized zucchini for noodles.
Stay tuned for next week’s Greenville gym post where we’ll offer 5 additional creative, yummy alternatives to classic, carb-heavy foods.