When we start thinking about a side dish to traditional dishes, the first thing that often comes to mind is potatoes, or even rice. But what to do if we don’t want to supply our body with unnecessary doses of carbohydrates? There are still many other choices.
Whether we are trying to lose weight not only after a Christmas marathon of sweets, steaks and salad, or we have decided to embark on the path of a healthier lifestyle, neither potatoes nor rice is the ideal way to achieve our dream goals. However, we have a large number of low-calorie, but still nutritious and, above all, healthy alternatives that we should know about.
Prepare the cauliflower rice
Have you ever heard of cauliflower rice? It is a simple and easy-to-prepare side dish that can be used practically in the same way as classic rice, only with the benefits of cauliflower. Compared to rice, it boasts many positives, from a lower caloric load to a better glycemic index.
Simple preparation
The preparation of such “rice” is not complicated, a few cauliflower florets and a classic electric chopper or square grater will be enough. Either chop or grate the still raw cauliflower into rice-sized pieces and then either heat them up in the microwave or on the stove for about ten minutes. It is important not to add water to the cauliflower rice, just salt it and mix it several times during cooking. It can be served just like regular rice.
Bulgur is not pasta
Another possible substitute for rice is bulgur, i.e. small cracked, better said broken grains of wheat, which are mostly sold already minimally boiled, but rather pre-cooked. Couscous can also be used, but in that case we are already talking about pasta, although many believe that it is just more finely broken cereal grains.
Something new for the kitchen
Lovers of new experiences can also try barley, whose taste will transport us to the countryside with its earthiness and naturalness. Compared to rice, its grains offer more protein and fiber, as well as elements important for the body, such as selenium and zinc. These, in addition to many other important functions in the body, also act as a support for the healthy growth of quality hair. Who would willingly avoid such effects?
Vegetables instead of potatoes? No problem…
If we want to replace potatoes with their high starch content, we can simply try other vegetables – either cooked or even raw. Why not chop some kohlrabi, for example, or take a fairly ordinary chopped cabbage? In boiled form, potatoes can very well be replaced with turnips or turnips, but also with the already mentioned (this time boiled in water) cauliflower.
Zucchini for every occasion
Where you would otherwise choose oven-roasted potatoes, this time use zucchini and you will see that it is a more than worthy substitute. In addition, during their season, you can find this vegetable literally on every corner, and thanks to its resistance, persistence and, above all, fertility, there is a high probability that neighbors or colleagues will offer it to you.
The selection is wide
As it is obvious, the path to a healthier lifestyle is not as complicated and does not have to be as painful as we often tell ourselves. It’s just a matter of learning to observe, compare and also try new things, tastes and possibilities that life itself offers us. Right now is the time to start making a change.
Sources: www.healthline.com, www.thelowcarbgrocery.com, paleosnadno.cz
