How do eat less carbs...?

Question

As a Vegetarian, I tend to eat a lot of carbs via bread.

I'm not losing as much weight as a result,
how can I cut back on carbs or replace carbs found in bread?

Answer 1

I run a low carb site and many of my visitors are vegetarian. Remember that they key here is to eat *healthy* food that's high in nutrients. Most white bread is full of fluff and empty calories. They have literally stripped out all fiber and flavor to meet a toddler's taste buds. That's why you end up gaining weight when you eat it.

If you need to eat bread with a meal, make sure it's a high fiber version - that will naturally have fewer carbs. However, bread should never be a "cornerstone" of a healthy meal. It just doesn't have enough nutrients in it. You need to have a lot of nutrient rich veggies - like broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus and so on. Try to avoid corn and peas - those are the 'sugar desserts' of the vegetable world. The few nutrients they have do not make up for the high sugar. There are tons of other veggies to eat that are far better for you.

Also try to keep down the potato intake. Potatoes were great for Irish farmers who worked hard all day and needed a huge calorie boost - but for most modern day humans, there are simply too many calories in there to burn off. It's much better to eat the healthier vegetables that have much more nutrient content.

Of course, a key part of any healthy lifestyle is exercise. Make sure you get out walking or biking every day. The more muscle you have (natural muscle, not Arnie-level muscle) the more calories you burn just by staying still. Muscles are very efficient at burning calories and carbs. So you want to find an activity you enjoy daily, that way the things you eat get burned off and not deposited on your thighs.

I have a TON of recipes on my site if you need some ideas.

Lisa Shea
http://LowCarb.BellaOnline.com

Answer 2

I actually don't suggest cutting back the carbs per-sey but it should be more about what foods you combine for optimal digestion. Certain foods should not be eaten with other foods and I believe the error people make is combining proteins with their carbs. Proteins should always be eaten with roughage and carbs the same. Breads and other grain foods always need an oil as a digestive aid. The french eat plenty of bread but they eat everything else with it in moderation. Smaller portions of protein with carbs more veg and butter or olive oil as a lube so to speak for optimal digestion. There are charts you can follow on what to eat with what there is a good one in one of Tony Robbins self help books believe it or not! Try blending your carbs with better catalysts and see what happens before giving up on them so easily.

Answer 3

There's really nothing you can do. Without carbs your body will basically start to cut down, you'll realize this when you feel exhausted almost all the time, and that's because you're not getting the right nutrients to your body. Cutting off carbs really has more bad effects than good. It doesn't make you look any better and your energy will be depleted before you even do anything.

Answer 4

Eat more meat analogs and baked tofu products. Any carbs you eat should be whole grain so a smaller amount is more satisfying. When you want to binge, binge on veggies, like greenbeans cooked and then tossed with chopped peanuts, garlic, and coconut. Veggies are mostly water with some fiber, and all that chewing is satisfying. Best of luck.

Answer 5

you really cant avoid carbs, your diets shouldn't be so resistrciting, this includes carbs and fats...but what i suggest for you to do regarding carbs is to avoid anthing white...white bread and white rice because they are more processed through bleaching and etc...opt for eating foods that are whole grain such as wheat bread, yes they are carbs but they are not as horrible as eating white bread...oh yea before i forget, away from potatoes!! (they're white too...lol)...hope this helps and good luck!!

Answer 6

You could try a low carb bread, or a low carb pasta.

Answer 7

You shouldnt cut out carbs completely out of your life. (how else are you going to enjoy all the good things in life?) You can however replace the majority of them with proteins. Try lentils, they can be delicious. :)

Answer 8

Are you eating whole grain breads. Try that.

Answer 9

beans. Borlotti, Kidney, chick peas, etc. fill you right up. Enjoy it!

Answer 10

Don't put them in your mouth.