Whether you’re trying to lose weight or just want to look after your overall health, opting for a low-carb diet is having a moment. First popularised in the ’70s as the Atkins Diet – and rebirthed under many guises since – the supposed benefits include everything from whittling your waistline to keeping blood sugars steady and even boosting your heart health.
Let’s be clear that carbs themselves are not the bad guys they’re made out to be. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that some of the richest sources of carbohydrates, like whole grains, beans, chickpeas and lentils, are actually among the healthiest foods in the world, as they’re packed with nutrition and a range of health benefits.
So completely cutting all forms of carbs from your diet is just unnecessary. A healthier approach is to simply cut back on refined carbs like pizza, burgers, and cake. This way, you’ll avoid all of the added sugars and fats that make these foods so high in kilojoules.
Making life even easier is the new wave of low-carb versions of those traditionally high-carb staples like bread, pasta, and wraps. They are a convenient option for making low-carb lunches and dinners. But just be aware that many packaged “low-carb” foods can, like other processed foods, lack gut-loving fibre, so it pays to check out the ingredients list first.
Here, we’ve done the hard work for you and these five low-carb options get the tick of approval.
ALDI Baker’s Life 85% Lower Carb Higher Protein Bread
The perfect base for an easy breakfast, lunch or dinner, this loaf is a nutritional superstar. With
almost half your daily fibre needs in two slices, it supports good gut health.
Slendier Calorie Clever Noodle Style
Made with an Asian vegetable called Konjac, these noodles are super low in kilojoules.
A good idea is to combine them with regular noodles to lighten your fave stir-fry or soup.
Handy when you’re in a hurry, these wraps are a great lunchtime staple. Coming in with just 547kJ (131cal) per wrap, they’re a bright idea if you have your waistline in mind.
Protein Bread Co Protein Pizza Base
Pizza sounds indulgent, but this base has some serious perks. You can enjoy it topped with lots of veggies for a healthier spin on your usual high-carb Friday night takeaway.
Vetta High Protein Low Carb Spirals
You’ll be pleased to know that pasta isn’t on the menu when you’re being mindful of carbs. This is higher in muscle-building protein than the usual kind, so it will keep you feeling full and satisfied.