Low-Carb Diet Hacks: Eating Well While Cutting Carbs
These low-carb meal hacks will be helpful whether you're just starting out or are a low-carb veteran.
Low-carb diets can be hard to follow especially if you're just starting out. Luckily, this guide to Low-Carb Diet Hacks: Eating Well While Cutting Carbs, will help you determine your best meal and snack options. Each meal has several different low-carb swaps to make that are equivalent in nature; i.e. salted nuts make a great low-carb salad topping since they have the same amount of crunch as a crouton.
It's important to remember that some low-carb diets are stricter than others, and these hacks can be manipulated to fit your needs. If you like eating lighter at night, check out the low-carb dinner and dessert options for inspiration. Use this guide to help you choose healthy snacks for the work day or for a great low-carb breakfast option. Regardless, this guide of Low-Carb Diet Hacks: Eating Well While Cutting Carbs will help you navigate the low-carb world.
Main Meal Hacks
Breakfast:
--Smoothies and berries instead of toast and jam
--Natural yogurt and fresh berries instead of fruit flavored yogurt
--Eggs and bacon or grain-free granola instead of cereal
Lunch:
--Bunless burgers and a salad instead of a cheeseburger and fries
--Salads, egg wraps, or lettuce wraps instead of bread and sandwiches
--Sturdy green wrap (like kale) instead of a tortilla wrap
--Real meat and cheeses instead of processed meat and cheeses
Dinner:
--Thinly sliced zucchini instead of lasagna noodles
--Roasted portabella mushrooms instead of a hamburger bun
--Vegetable "pasta" instead of regular pasta
Tip: This Zucchini Lasagna is to-die-for!
Side Dish and Topping Hacks
--Cauliflower rice instead of regular rice
--Mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes
--Spaghetti squash instead of hash browns
--Ground almonds instead of breadcrumbs
--Chopped cauliflower instead of potatoes (for potato salad)
--Roasted salted nuts instead of croutons
Tip: This recipe for Garlic, Gouda, and Parmesan Cauliflower is also less than 300 calories a serving!
Baking Hacks
--Ground almonds or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour
--Butter, olive oil, or coconut oil instead of margarine
--Ganache or cream cheese frosting instead of canned frosting or icing
--Stevia (or sweetener of choice) instead of granulated sugar
Tip: This recipe for Funfetti Protein Cookies doesn't even call for any flour or sugar.
Snack and Dessert Hacks
Snack:
--Sliced cucumbers or apples instead of crackers
--Peanuts instead of potato chips
--Baked zucchini fries instead of french fries
--Cheese, olives, veggies, or cold meat instead of packaged snack foods
Dessert:
--Dark chocolate, nuts, or berries instead of packaged sweets
--Strawberries dipped in dark chocolate instead of cookies
--Low-carb cheesecake instead of ice cream
--Baked apples instead of apple pie
Tip: These Oatmeal Baked Apples can be made in a slow cooker!
Drink Hacks
--Seltzer, fruit, and mint instead of soda
--Red wine instead of cocktails or beer
--Water instead of fruit juice
Tip: This Mojito Infused Detox Water is an easy and delicious low-carb drink.