Looking for foods that are lower in carb but still high in flavour? HelloFresh’s Senior Recipe Development Manager and all-round foodie expert, Mimi Morley, shares six smart ingredient swaps for lower carb meals, meaning that you can get the best of both worlds.

Vegetable noodles instead of pasta: Use spiralised courgette, squash, pumpkin or cucumbers as a base for your lower carb pasta dishes. These alternatives are much lower in calories and carbs compared to traditional pasta.
Lettuce wraps instead of tortillas: Whether you’re hosting a Mexican feast or simply want a quick wrap for lunch, wrap your favourite fillings such as grilled chicken or tofu in large lettuce leaves instead of using tortillas or wraps. This reduces the carb content while adding extra crunch and freshness.
Cauliflower rice instead of white rice: Grate or pulse cauliflower florets to create a rice-like texture. You can use cauliflower rice as a substitute for regular rice in dishes like stir-fries or curry dishes.
Portobello mushrooms instead of burger buns: Grill or bake portobello mushrooms and use them as a bun replacement for lower carb burger recipes. They are lower in carbs and add a savoury flavour and unique texture to your burger.
Cauliflower crust instead of traditional pizza crust: Make a pizza crust using cauliflower, cheese and eggs instead of flour. This significantly reduces the carb content while adding extra nutrients from the cauliflower.
Greek yoghurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise: Substitute Greek yoghurt for sour cream or mayonnaise in recipes to reduce carbs and increase protein intake. Greek yoghurt works well in salad dressings and dips, as well as a topping for baked potatoes.

Low Carb Recipes: FAQs

What is a Low Carb Diet?

A low carb diet means cutting down on the amount of carbohydrates (carbs) you eat in a day, typically by eating low carb carb foods. By limiting your carb intake, your body is encouraged to burn stored fat for fuel, and can lead to weight loss and improved metabolic health.

What are Low Carb Foods?

On a low carb diet, the preferred foods include those that are high in protein and healthy fat, but lower in carbs. Some low carb foods include: lean meats such as chicken breasts, leafy green, non-starchy vegetables, and some fruits such as blueberries and apples.

What Can I Eat on a Low Carb Diet?

When following a low carb diet, you limit high-carb foods from your daily intake, such as grains, sugary foods and drinks, starchy vegetables and processed snacks. What you eat as part of a low carb diet is aimed at causing the body to burn stored fat for energy, which can lead to weight loss.