Latest

Winter Warmers That Won’t Widen The Waistline

Atkins’ food swaps offer a simple solution to battle the winter bulge.

stir fryWinter is just around the corner, which means cravings for carb-laden comfort foods can’t be far behind – and packing on a few pounds under those snuggly layers is the inevitable result.

In fact, 90% of Australians admit to eating more fast food, snacks and take-away treats once the chill sets in because “they make them feel warmer and happier”.  However this happiness often gives way to disappointment come spring time, when we find we’ve gained a few kilos – or even a dress size – without even noticing.

A new editorial published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has revealed excess sugar and carbohydrates – often our go to foods during winter – are the key culprits in weight gain and lifestyle diseases.

There is a solution though, with nutritionists revealing clever ways to enjoy your winter comfort foods without sacrificing your waistline – and it’s all about food swapping.

“By following a well-formulated low-carbohydrate eating plan such as Atkins through winter, and making conscious food swaps, it’s simple to feel satisfied and satiated without sacrificing your weight, or your health,” said Nutritionist Ms Colette Heimowitz, Vice President of Nutrition and Education at Atkins Nutritionals.

Atkins’ top winter food swap suggestions include:

Comfort food

Swap with

Hot potato chips

One of the worst comfort foods of all time – full of empty carbs with close to no nutritional value – steer clear!

Hot pumpkin chips

Make these in the oven at home – tasty, low-carb and packed with nutrients!

Pizza

It’s not all bad. If you switch out the base you can still enjoy it, just beware the hidden carbs lurking in the sauce…

Cauliflower crust

An excellent low-carb alternative – blend or finely chop cauliflower and add in cheese and egg to create the base, then top with your low carb favourites.

 

Pies

Pastry is just a no-no and pies sold in cafes and restaurants are often loaded with sugars and thickening agents.

Shredded broccoli with cheese

Make your own pot pie at home, swapping pastry for shredded broccoli and cheese – you’ll still get that tasty golden crunch, but you won’t regret it later.

Pasta

“A minute on the lips – a lifetime on the hips” – this saying is particularly true for pasta, which is loaded with simple carbohydrates that will make your insulin levels soar and leave you craving more.

Zucchini and carrot strips, or low-carb pasta Swap carb-laden spaghetti for veggie strips made from zucchini and carrot, or pick Atkins Cuisine Pasta, low in carbs yet high in fibre.

Hearty soup

Seen as the healthy option, it all depends which variety you choose. Avoid minestrone or other soups containing pasta or potato.

Skip the roll and choose your flavours wisely

Skip the roll and opt for pumpkin, low-carb veggie or tomato flavours. Always check the carb and sugar content on store bought varieties.

Noodle stir fry

Often stir fry’s are thought of as a healthy choice – but noodle heavy stir fry’s regularly end in overeating, bloating, and feelings of guilt afterwards. 

 

Vegetable stir fry

Forget the noodles and pick fresh protein and colourful veggies instead with natural flavours such as olive oil, chilli and garlic. Go easy on store-bought sauces.

Fried Rice

Delicious, yet disastrous. White rice doesn’t satisfy like fats and proteins do, almost always resulting in overeating, not to mention the fast spike in insulin levels.

 

Cauliflower rice

Low-carb, high fibre cauliflower rice is an excellent alternative. Simply chop cauliflower florets and sauté in olive oil with bacon and low-carb veggies to create your own healthy version.

Chocolate

Chocolate bars and hot chocolate might seem to do the trick on a cold night but watch out, they’re packed with sugars which are damaging for your health – and your hips.

Atkins Endulge Range

Swap regular chocolate for a low-carb alternative. Atkins’ range of delicious bars taste like your regular favourites, but without the hidden nasties. Mix with hot milk to create your own hot chocolate!

 

More News

To Top