Congratulations… you decided to “eat clean” but what happens when you’re doing well for a few days enjoying new recipes? Then you start to miss your favorite processed foods. Packing a lunch is hard when making sandwiches isn’t an option. And how are you supposed to go without your favorite pasta dish? Below you’ll find easy substitutions for some of your favorite processed foods.
Pasta
Eating clean usually cuts out any and all pasta. Rice is a quick substitute as is spaghetti squash. There are also “miracle noodles” available for purchase online and in some health food stores. They are mushroom based and usually come packed in water. To be honest, they are a bit of an acquired taste. By far the best and most versatile option is to use squash and zucchini as a pasta replacement. Use a spiralizer, a veggie peeper or just a knife and cut pasta shapes form the squash. You can eat it raw, or cook it in a dry skillet until your mock pasta is al dente. Serve with our favorite clean pasta sauce or top it with some tomatoes cooked in olive oil and garlic.
Breads
Wraps and sandwiches make the perfect portable lunch. If you’re wondering what you’re supposed to be doing without them, look no further than a leaf of lettuce or cabbage. They make great wraps and hold your favorite clean sandwich ingredients just fine.
Of course you can also bake some great gluten-free baked treats using eggs, and either flax seed or almond meal. Or, if you are in a bit of a hurry, try the Josephs lavash bread. These things are delicious, low in carbs, low in calories and high in protein. It also has a very high dose of fiber, so it will definitely fill ya up. I make wraps with these all the time. For a little extra flavor, sear it on a pan…yummy!
Breakfast Cereal
If cold cereal is your breakfast of choice, look no further than a bowl of fruit and chopped nuts topped with a little almond milk. You’ll agree that it is much better than that same old bowl of corn flakes. Keep the ingredients ready in the fridge for a quick and easy breakfast.
If you get tired of that, then give eggs a try. They make great breakfast food and will keep you full for hours.
Pizza
Did you know that you can make pizza crust from cauliflower? It’s a bit of work and slightly messy to eat, but boy does it hit the spot when you’re craving a piece of pie. Now they sell ready made cauliflower crusts at any local grocery store. And trust me, they are delicious!
Depending on what you’re eating on your personal version of clean eating, corn tortillas may be a good gluten-free option. They make perfect individual sized pizzas.
Any time a craving hits or you feel like throwing in the towel because you’re missing some of your old favorites, do a search. There are some amazing clean food recipes out there for just about anything.
Leave a Reply