Are you missing some of your favorite foods like noodles, pizza, and chips? Here are 17 low carb food swaps to help you get your fix, satisfy your cravings, and still lose weight.
(And surprise… these low carb food swaps taste as good or BETTER!)
We’ve included plenty of easy recipes that you can make in just minutes, too.
Instead of Noshing on Nachos
Dive Into a Plate of This
I was DROOLING when our film crew was putting this low carb food swap video together in the PTF test kitchen…
Instead of Heavy Tortillas
Wrap it Up in Delightful Greens
My favorite are collards. Cut the center rib out and dip in hot water for a few seconds so they roll up real nice. Here’s a recipe that will show you how fun and delicious wraps can be.
Instead of Dry Hamburger Buns
Use Juicy Portabello Mushrooms
It takes no time to toss the caps on the grill, or a few minutes in the microwave (see this recipe for tips) will do it, too.
Instead of Boring Mashed Potatoes
Load Up On Mashed Cauliflower
Steam it up in the microwave and mash. Smother it in butter, salt and pepper. Or go big and load it up with this low-carb recipe.
Instead of Plain Pasta
Get a Little Zany with Zoodles
Zucchini really is a great swap for any type of noodles. You can get a spiralizer at your grocery store for about $10. Buy one today so you can try this comfort food recipe!
Instead of Crumbly Crackers
Go Gourmet with Apple Slices
Tear a page out of your local wine bar’s menu and use apple slices as crackers for your cheese and deli meat slices.
Instead of Junky Snack Foods
Crack Open Some Pistachios
These healthy seeds with just a touch of salt are the perfect foil for snack foods. Plus, having to shell them keeps your hands busy and out of the snack bag.
P.S. Yup, pistachios are seeds, not nuts! (:
Instead of Carby Apple Pie
Have Your Dessert– Guilt-Free!
Skip the crust; you won’t even miss it after having this bowl of homemade goodness. Get the recipe here.
Instead of Stale Croutons
Add Crunch and Flavor with Smoked or BBQ Almonds
Add them whole or chopped, you’ll love the burst of flavor!
Instead of a Sugar Rush from Candy
Sip Some Sweet Water Instead
Use a non-caloric flavor enhancer in your water or sparkly water. The sweetness of most flavors is enough to satisfy candy cravings. This swap will keep you hydrated, too. And check this recipe out if you want a sweet snack to go with your drink.
Instead of Popping Potato Chips
Pop Some Cheese in the Oven
You’ll LOVE these crisps. Grate your favorite cheese and mix with herbs and spices or just slice up a mozzarella stick like in this yummy recipe. Bake on parchment at 350 for 5-7 minutes.
Instead of Bland Rice
Get Zesty with Cauliflower Rice
Press steamed cauliflower through a ricer to make a rice substitute that’s great at absorbing sauces and flavors. Here’s great recipe that is excellent with Fajita chicken strips.
Instead of a McMuffin Mistake
Start Lovin’ Your Morning
Scrambled, boiled, or fried, eggs are always ready in minutes– faster than hitting the drive through, so you can have a good morning!
Instead of Pining for Pizza
Indulge Your Taste for Italian with an Antipasti Platter
Get your pepperoni fix along with some of your favorite cheeses. Here’s one of those really clever low carb food swaps –for pizza!
Instead of Tweaking on a Sugary Mocha
Try One of the Weirdest Low Carb Food Swaps We Know– Butter Coffee IS Legit!
It sounds weird, but the mix of butter in your coffee gives you stable, long-lasting energy that won’t take you out of the fat-burning zone. Blend 1-2 T butter with one cup of hot coffee in a blender 5-10 seconds. Take it to the next level with some spices like in this recipe.
Instead of a Cardboard Box of Mac & Cheese
Replace the Mac, Keep the Cheese
Chopped cooked cauliflower is one of those great all-purpose low carb food swaps. So is steamed broccoli or zucchini, like in this recipe.
Instead of Bland Potato Salad
Go Green with Avocado!
This makes a creamy, rich salad that won’t weigh you down. Here’s the recipe!
Did I miss one of your favorite low carb food swaps? Share it with us in the comments below.
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About the Writer: 100 pounds ago, Jan knew what it is like to be obese, unhappy, and stuck. She has spent the last 17 years as a fitness writer, trainer, yoga teacher, and Weight Loss Coach. Today, she’s proud to be a part of the Personal Trainer Food team so she can continue her goal to help others live their fullest lives possible. Email [email protected] if you have any questions!
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Wow! There are some excellent ideas here. I can’t wait to try some of them!
Thank you for the great ideas! I am starting to cut down so that I can lose weight! I am a carbaholic. I love bread, but do you know I am looking at these ideas, some look really great! I am not sure on that butter coffee. but the others look great! Blessings! Lisa
Hi Lisa!
LOL I know how you feel about the butter coffee– I thought it was a gross idea too until I tried it.
I’m glad you enjoyed some of the ideas. I think you will find that some of them actually taste better. Let us know which ones you like best.
Here’s to your success!