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7 Healthy Carbs That Keep Cravings at Bay [Slideshow]

Amanda

Feb 23, 2020

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Developing the motive to find healthy replacements for some of our favorite carbs is simple. Even though we enjoy carbs, they can leave us feeling sluggish, wanting more, and other less-than-fulfilling side effects.

Why We Need Carbs and Healthy Options for Getting Them

So why is it so, so hard to pass up that warm, buttered bagel, or doughy, thick crust? The desire to eat carbs is not an impulse to get a “real bite.” They are a significant part of the body’s energy source and are metabolized as sugar. This is the trouble. The more you consume, the more you crave.

Cutting carbs altogether is not realistic or sustainable, and low carb diets can potentially lead to weight regain. Having healthy alternatives to unhealthy carbs is a must.

Image by Ella Olsson / Unsplash

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Sweet Potato

Craving sweets and carbs? Sweet potatoes are full of dietary fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Enjoy them baked, in a mash, or sliced with some sprinkled cinnamon as shown above.

Image by MSPhotographic / Shutterstock

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Brown Rice Cakes

Craving rice? Brown rice is a fantastic whole grain that's a fantastic alternative to white rice or pasta. It's heavy in B vitamins, folic acid, iron, magnesium, and selenium, which are all beneficial to the digestive system. Brown rice cakes are a great way to incorporate a healthy portion of brown rice while staying low carb, and of course—they're crunchy.

Image by Victor Moussa / Shutterstock

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Hummus

Chickpeas are high in protein, which will keep you full, as well as beneficial carbs. Mashing them into a hummus allows for enjoying them on the go, as well as integrating veggies. Mix them in with the hummus, or if you enjoy it plain as shown above, use raw veggies for dipping.

Image by Kristen Kaethler / Unsplash

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Chia Pudding

Chia seeds are an incredible source for getting in healthy fats, fiber, and healthy cholesterol. Most of their carb contents are fiber. Add them to a plant-based milk alternative and let them absorb the liquid for a healthy, hearty, dessert, or breakfast.

Image by Eiliv-Sonas Aceron / Unsplash

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Banana

They aren't dubbed GR8 Food and "Nature's Perfect Snack" for nothing. Bananas are not just ideal for grabbing something quick before running out the door. They are filled to the peel with vitamins, but their high contents of fiber and potassium are what make them a perfect choice for replacing carbs.

Image by Julia Sudnitskaya / Shutterstock

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Quinoa

Another GR8 Food, quinoa is a suitable alternative to rice or pasta. Besides their saturated vitamin and protein content, their fiber content is high, which works to keep you full, as well as speed metabolism.

Image by Andrea Tummons / Unsplash

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Oats

This versatile grain is a reliable carb to replace your favorite harmful, processed carbs. They contain a compound called beta-glucan that is said to be beneficial for gut health as well as keeping you full. Have them in warm oatmeal, or try an overnight recipe to have them ready in the morning.

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Amanda

GR8NESS Writer

Amanda is a GR8NESS contributing writer who lives in celebration of self care, and endeavors to approach all things with a student mentality. Her love for the study of self-development is rooted in fitness, holistic wellness, and skin care. She is an advocate for mental health; and hopes to connect others to their own way of daring to care.

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