When I first attempted to convert to the Paleo lifestyle, it was quite a transition. I was still craving carbs like crazy! It was like I was Cookie Monster in Heather’s clothing. I would often stare at a bunch of kale, and think, “There is no way I am going to be able to fool myself into thinking that this is going to satisfy the carb monster living inside of me.” I was right.
After many trials and errors, I realized something…
When you choose to “give up” a food, the difference between success and failure is a substitute. You must have something to take the place of the banished food! So, to encourage a smooth transition into your new Paleo lifestyle, I am providing you with seven fantastic “carb-craving-crushing” recipes that can act as superior substitutes for your old “carby” stand-bys.
Craving Carbs – 7 Paleo Recipes to Curb the Urge
ZUCCHINI NOODLES – This one is an easy one. Listed below are two great recipes that are both delicious and “non-puffifying.” In other words, you won’t feel like a bloated farm animal after eating a full plate!
SPAGHETTI SQUASH – Check out the best spaghetti squash recipe to get the best quality noodles!
ROSEMARY CRACKERS – I love a good cracker with something yummy on top like bean-less hummus, or a cashew spread. Joy is a cracker that can hold up to a blanket of tasty cured meat on top of it.
CHOCOLATE AVOCADO COOKIES – The Cookie Monster in me is always looking for cookie recipes that are Paleo-friendly. I have several great cookie recipes that I frequently use, but I thought it would be nice to throw in a chocolate cookie recipe for all of the chocolate lovers out there. Hmm…chocolate and avocado mixed together – an unlikely match, but one that combines to form a mouthful of “WOW!”
PALEO TORTILLAS – Two things people transitioning to a Paleo diet often miss are good tortillas and good sandwich bread. Well, lucky you, this great recipe doubles as both. These tortillas are “stretchy,” and they hold together well, regardless of whether you are filling them with taco meat, or BLT fixings. I make mine ahead, , freeze them, and then pop them into the microwave for about 10 seconds. They are perfect!
PALEO BANANA BREAD – This recipe originated from Civilized Caveman and has been downloaded more than almost any other Paleo recipe ever created. I have used this recipe to make muffins and banana bread loaves, and they have turned out fantastic! Banana bread is truly a cultural staple, like baseball, and thank God George has made a paleo banana bread that is truly fabulous. (I have also added unsweetened chocolate chips, and walnuts. YUM!)
SWEET POTATO CHIPS – I am not sure I have met someone that doesn’t like a good handful of chips. Luckily, Paleo folks have this down. Between kale, zucchini, and sweet potato chips, along with all of the fresh herbs and spices, you have an unlimited number of flavor combinations that you can try out. This sweet potato chip recipe is one of my favorites.
There are oodles of recipes that can help you transition from a carb-eating monster to a svelte, Paleo Aficionado. I hope these recipes are helpful during your Paleo journey.
Let me know which one of these recipes is your favorite!
This week consider taking stock of where your cravings hit the hardest. Is it snack time, side dishes, or dessert? Once you have figured out which are, your strongest triggers do a google search (or use one of these!) for three paleo recipes that could act as a substitute. Perhaps even start a small collection ins a recipe book of your favorite carb-crushing solutions.
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29 Responses
Thank you for these:) I am not paleo, but I’m really trying to cut down on carbs, but LOVE cookies, banana bread and all the items you have here!!! Great list.
That’s the great thing. PALEO is just eating WHOLE FOODS. So any paleo options, whether you follow the diet or not, you can be guaranteed is the best for your body! Thanks for commenting Kim!
I love spaghetti squash! I still cant believe what a good substitute it is and Ive been eating it for years. lol
I think that everytime I use it! It is the most versatile vegetable!
Some great ideas! I don’t subscribe to the paleo lifestyle, but I totally agree that you need to substitute those old favourite foods, with something equally delicious, in order to succeed!
Paleo is just whole food, whole food bellies! But I get what you mean 🙂 Are you vegetarian?
I love all of these recipes. I need to try this sweet potato chips.
I actually have found they are a little tricky. Take longer than you think and much better consumed out of the oven. Not as great the next day. But hot out of the oven is fantastic!!
Thanks for sharing these great Paleo recipes! I tried Paleo one year ago in a small stall in a shopping centre that calls themselves Caveman Food! Haha…I do enjoy going Paleo…. 🙂
Paleo is a wonderful lifestyle. You will not be dissapointed!
I SO needed to read this!! I’m not on a Paleo diet, but I find that I constantly crave carbs aka sugar, so I’ve been trying to make swaps. I TOTALLY agree with you on finding something you can swap the item for, otherwise your body will still crave it. I have almost fully given up pasta for zucchini noodles and spaghetti squash, unless it’s a special treat, or I’m out to dinner. I definitely want to try making these cookies and the banana bread. Two things I always crave. Such a helpful post!
The banana bread is to die for. I make it almost weekly!
Great choices! Those are some great shifts to eating healthier. Well done, McKenzie!
I’m not on the Paleo diet/lifestyle however, I definitely need to try baking those chocolate avocado cookies!
I know, they look so good! xo
Oh I love your recipe for crackers! I need this!
That one is such a god, go-to. I make it VERY VERY often!
Hilarious Cookie Monster photo….and of course I zone right in on those delicious looking avocado chocolate cookies! YUM!
So good! Those are the best! So Good!!!!
Banana bread is life! I love spaghetti squash too 🙂
xoxo, Sam | thehauntedhousewife.com
What is not to love about the spaghetti squash!
I love baked veggie chips! The sweet potato chips sound yummy, as do the rosemary crackers. I will definitely want to try these recipes myself.
There are some great ones. I love that you are interested in trying them!
This is so great! I eat Paleo and when I’m craving carbs these are a lot of my fall backs. Want to try those chocolate avocado cookies though!
Keep smiling
Molly | http://www.stylemissmolly.com
I keep meaning to make Zucchini noodles! Love all these recipes, thanks so much for sharing x x
Of course! Thanks for stopping by, Alicia
So many amazing alternatives. We love using spaghetti squash and zucchini noodles in replacement of “real noodes.”
I do too! No need to ever go back, really!
I can’t wait try out all of these. Each one of these look so appetizing. The chocolate avocado cookies are on the top of my list.