Swap Out the Starch: How to Lighten up Your Favorite Foods

Hungry-Girl

Looking for ways to save tons of calories from all those starchy carbs in your life? Check out Hungry Girl's tips & tricks...


Sandwiches



Sure, sandwiches are a convenient way to eat on the go, but the carbohydrates used to get the good stuff into your face can be a source of excessive calories. Try swapping your tortillas, buns, etc., for fresh lettuce! At home, chop your sandwich fillers and serve in little lettuce "cups" -- like we do in the recipes here -- or simply use a large leaf as a lettuce "wrap." Out grabbing a burger? Many chains will serve your burger in a lettuce "bun." (If you ask 'em nicely, of course!)


Spaghetti



Thinly sliced broccoli... a swap for pasta?! If you're skeptical, read on. Here's how to do it: Cook some broccoli cole slaw mix until soft (in the microwave or on the stove), and then add your favorite low-fat marinara sauce. Season to taste with garlic and other spices. Then top with some reduced-fat Parmesan-style grated topping, mix it all up, and eat! You get satisfying spaghetti-like goodness and a super helping of veggies at the same time.


Potatoes



It's hard NOT to love potatoes. And I'm not going to suggest you cut them out of your life entirely. (I'm not made of stone, people!) But you can save tons of carby calories by swapping some of the taters in recipes for other delicious items. When making mashed potatoes, cook up potatoes AND cauliflower (twice as much cauliflower as spuds) and mash it all up together. Add some light butter, light sour cream... even load 'em up with guilt-free toppings. Like your potatoes roasted? Cook 'em in the oven with some Brussels sprouts. Crazy about potato pancakes? You'd be surprised how seamlessly grated cauliflower stem disappears into this recipe!


Rice



It CAN be hard to imagine eating an Asian-style stir-fry without the heap of steamed white rice... but you don't need it! (The stir-fry itself is the BEST part, anyway!) When dining at home, grab a bag of dry coleslaw mix instead of cooking rice. Just sauté it in a large skillet or wok with some nonstick spray until it's tender to your liking; add a dash of lite soy sauce, and top with your saucy stir-fried goods. And if fried rice is your weakness, try this lightened-up recipe!



Hungry for More?



Our latest large-and-in-charge bestselling cookbook, Hungry Girl 1-2-3: The Easiest, Most Delicious, Guilt-Free Recipes on the Planet, is practically exploding with delicious diet-friendly dishes. The book's in stores everywhere and can be ordered online by clicking here!



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