There was a time when everyone was trying to avoid fats. We were told that fats added a lot of calories to our diet (which they do: 9 calories per gram) and that they were bad for our heart (which they’re not).
Today things have changed. No longer are fats public enemy number one; that honor now goes to carbohydrates! And this time it seems we’ve got it right.
Carbohydrates may be lower in calories (4 per gram), they release their energy very quickly which in turn spikes our blood sugar and causes a sudden rush of energy. This is then absorbed by the body, resulting in a ‘crash’ and increasing the likelihood that we’ll store that energy as fat.
People who maintain lower intakes of carbohydrates thus are able to enjoy lower risk of diabetes, better energy levels throughout the day and a host of other benefits. The only problem? Knowing what to eat when you’ve taken bread, chips and potatoes out of the equation.
Here are ten great options that will make for some delicious meals…
1. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a great source of protein, along with a bunch of other useful nutrients. They’re also especially versatile and can be used in the place of several carbs. Instead of having potatoes on the side with your steak, how about some mushrooms with melted garlic butter? Instead of bread, you can use the halves of two mushrooms to hold your sandwich filling.