10 Simple Low-Carb Cooking Tips and Tricks to Help You Stay on Track

One of the biggest concerns today is the importance of reducing carbs in your daily diet. Dietary restrictions can be challenging when we’re so accustomed to eating one way, and now need to change for health reasons and want to maintain variety and tasty flavors. We all know the standard tips to help put us on the right track, but what more can we do to make sure our meals stay fresh and exciting? Here are 10 low-carb cooking tips and tricks that will help you stay healthy and satisfied.

Try Different Flours

Pin

We already know that wheat flour and normal white flour is a no-no, so try using almond flour or coconut flour. These can be used to make low-carb desserts like cakes and cupcakes. But these aren’t the only 2 flours you can use. Lupin flour and sesame flour are also great substitutes. 

Get Creative with Vegetables

Pin

Try using spiralized veggies instead of pasta or roasted veggies instead of rice. You can also use cauliflower to make low-carb pizza crusts or mashed potato substitutes. Tired of boiled or steamed veggies? Why not fire up that grill and roast them instead? There are so many different ways to cook up veggies to make them less boring. 

Add More Healthy Fats

Pin

Replace unhealthy oils with healthy fats like avocado oil, coconut oil, and olive oil. These fats can be used for cooking or added to salads. And don’t forget butter. This is still a keto-friendly fat that isn’t as bad for you as you think or were made to believe.

Stop Using Sugar

Pin

Not even one tiny teaspoon. It all adds up. Instead of using sugar, try natural sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit. These sweeteners are low in carbs and can be used for baking and cooking, or sweetening your coffee/tea or other hot beverage.

Switch Up Your Dairy

Pin

If you’re lactose intolerant or want to go dairy-free, you can make creamy sauces and desserts with coconut cream or almond milk. A little usually goes a long way with these nut milks (or nut juices as some like to call them!) Adding a touch of nut milk to a recipe not only adds healthy fats, but completely enhances the flavor too. 

Plan Ahead

Pin

Take some time on the weekends to prepare foods that can be used throughout the week, like roasted veggies, boiled eggs, or grilled chicken. It’s also a great idea to plan your weekly meals ahead of time too, this way you know what you need at the grocery store ahead of time and won’t be tempted to veer off your list and buy ‘treats’. 

Make Your Own Sauces and Dips

Pin

Store-bought sauces can be high in sugar and carbs. Try making your own sauces using fresh ingredients like tomato puree, garlic, and olive oil. There are so many free recipes on Pinterest and the Internet for simple and easy-to-make sauces for every meal. A quick Google search will result in hundreds. 

Get Spicy

Pin

Instead of relying on sugar (or sweetener) and salt for flavor, experiment with spices like cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric. These spices can add depth and flavor without adding carbs. And look how colorful they are too!

Use More Eggs

Pin

Eggs are an excellent low-carb protein source and can be used in a variety of ways. Try making omelets, and frittatas or using eggs as a binder in meatloaf or burgers. Make sure you always have at least a dozen on hand on any given day. Being on a low-carb diet means you’ll be using a lot of these little gems. 

Add More Healthy Proteins

Pin

In addition to eggs, there are plenty of healthy protein sources that can be used in low-carb recipes, like chicken, turkey, fish, beef, and tofu. Don’t limit yourself to the proteins you know and are used to. Explore other protein sources and amaze your tastebuds. Don’t forget about nuts too. Almonds are high in protein and other nuts are excellent sources of protein.

Conclusion

Pin

Eating low-carb doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste and variety. With these 10 low-carb cooking tips and tricks, you can continue to enjoy delicious and nutritious meals while maintaining a healthy diet. Whether you’re making a low-carb version of your favorite dish or trying something new, there are plenty of ways to keep your meals fresh and exciting.