Who doesn’t love carbs?

For most, carbohydrates are that comfort food everyone reaches for, but with diabetes and really for any healthy diet, it’s important to watch how much we consume.

The great news is that there are some excellent carb swaps you can make so that you don’t feel deprived, all the while still promoting health and wellness.

#1. Spaghetti Squash VS White Spaghetti

Spaghetti squash is the new craze and makes an excellent spaghetti swap. Why? Well, this squash actually shreds into spaghetti once cooked. Try making this healthy dish with some olive oil, roasted broccoli, and garlic.

#2. Rolled Oats VS Granola

If you enjoy something on the sweeter side for breakfast, you may be used to grabbing a bowl of granola. The problem is that granola is often packed with added sugar. For an equally delicious breakfast, try some rolled oats cooked in unsweetened almond milk topped with fresh berries. You will be dousing your body with a healthy dose of fiber and complex carbohydrates and won’t have to worry about the extra sugar.

#3. Almond Flour VS White Flour

If you enjoy baked goods, here’s a healthy tip! Swap out white flour for almond flour and replace the white sugar with fresh fruits. This is a more nutritious way to enjoy a sweet treat without the excess carbohydrate intake. Try making zucchini muffins or blueberry muffins with almond flour without sugar for a yummy on the go snack!

 #4. Fresh Fruit VS Dried Fruit

While dried fruit may be a convenient option, fresh fruit is a more suitable option. Dried fruit tends to come with added sugar which is the last thing you want. It’s also much easier to overeat, so it’s better to opt for the real thing.

 #5. Cocoa VS Other Candy

Do you crave candy? If you have a sweet tooth that you just can’t seem to kick, consider snacking on a small square of 70% or darker unsweetened dark chocolate. Not only will this help satisfy that sweet tooth craving, but dark chocolate has been shown to help boost overall mood as well!

With just a few subtle dietary changes, you would be surprised to see just how many calories and carbs you can save yourself each day.