Carbohydrates are an essential part of our diet, but unfortunately, some carbs aren’t good for us at all. Eating too many carbs can lead to weight gain, make it harder to control your blood sugar levels and even lead to heart disease and other serious health problems!
The good news is that you don’t have to deprive yourself of carbohydrates forever if you can just learn how to eat the right ones in moderation.
Here are 7 ways to reduce your carb intake without going crazy.
Table of Contents
1) Know What You Are Eating
It is no secret that processed foods are often loaded with unhealthy ingredients, including added sugars and refined carbs. But even so-called healthy foods can be high in carbs.
To make matters worse, the serving sizes of many packaged foods have increased over the years, which means you may be eating more carbs than you realize.
The best way to control your carb intake is to know what you are eating. Read labels carefully and pay attention to serving sizes. And when in doubt, err on the side of caution and choose the lower-carb option.
2) Use Cauliflower Instead of Bread
If you’re trying to reduce your carb intake, one of the easiest ways is to simply use cauliflower instead of bread. Cauliflower bread is a great alternative to traditional bread, and it’s easy to make at home. Plus, it’s a great way to get your veggies in!
If you are interested in a pre-made cauliflower sandwich thin option, try Outer Aisle sandwich thins!
3) Add More Protein
One way to reduce your carb intake is by adding more protein to your diet. Protein takes longer to digest than carbs, so you’ll feel fuller for longer and be less likely to overeat. Plus, it can help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.
Here are some easy ways to add more protein to your diet:
- Opt for leaner cuts of meat such as chicken breast or pork tenderloin rather than beef or steak.
- Add beans, nuts, cheese, eggs, or avocados to dishes like rice bowls and salads
4) Snack on Nuts or Seeds
When you’re trying to reduce your carb intake, it’s important to have snacks that will fill you up without weighing you down. Nuts and seeds are a great option because they’re packed with protein and healthy fats. Plus, they’re easy to carry with you on the go.
Here are some of our favorite nuts and seeds to snack on:
- almonds
- walnuts
- pistachios
- sunflower seeds
- pumpkin seeds
- chia seeds
We also love adding these goodies to salads or oatmeal! You can also try these high-protein keto bars for an energy boost.
5) Drink Water Before Meals
Did you know that drinking water before meals can help reduce your carb intake? That’s because water can help fill you up, so you’re less likely to overeat. Plus, it’s a great way to stay hydrated.
Try drinking a glass of water before your next meal and see if it makes a difference.
6) Make Carb-rich foods into side dishes rather than the center of the meal
For example, a big bowl of pasta is more tempting than a small side of pasta. But, if you make the pasta the side dish, you can still enjoy it without overindulging. The same goes for rice, bread, and potatoes.
By making them side dishes, you can still have your favorites without going overboard on the carbs.
7) Get Outside!
Spring is the perfect time to get outside and get active. And what better way to reduce your carb intake than by burning some calories? Go for a walk, run, or bike ride. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try a new outdoor activity like hiking or kayaking.
Not only will you be burning calories, but you’ll also get some much-needed vitamin D and fresh air. So get outside and enjoy the warmer weather!
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