We thought about making a joke about grains, but it ended up being corny. You may be thinking, “Rye didn’t I come up with that?” Are we going too farro with this? We apologize, but once the puns get going, it’s hard to stop that train from rolling. 

For people who watch the amount of carbohydrates they consume, grains are always off limits. With the increased popularity of low-carb diets, like the ketogenic, carnivore, or paleo diets, more and more people avoid grains at all costs. Regardless of the person’s reasoning for avoiding grains, the simple fact is that they contain a lot of carbohydrates, but there are many low-carb grain options for people who still want to indulge. 

The grains in this article do have carbohydrates, but the incredible fiber content essentially reduces the carbohydrate count. In doing so, you are left with fewer digestible carbs, i.e. net carbs. For example, if a one cup of one grain contains 30 grams of carbs and five grams of fiber, there are 25 net grams of carbs in that cup. The seven best low-carb grains are detailed below.

Bulgur

This common cereal grain typically comes from cracked wheat berries. Bulgur probably has fewer carbs than any other grain on this list. This versatile grain is often found in salads, tabbouleh, pilaf, and the occasional porridge. It’s an excellent source of fiber, magnesium, B-vitamins, and iron, and has 25.5 net carbs per cup. Because it contains wheat, this grain is not safe for people with wheat sensitivities, allergies, or Celiac disease. 

Wild Rice

Derived from grasses in the Zizania genus of plants, wild rice is a grain that has fewer carbs than regular white rice. It boasts more fiber than white rice (barely any fiber there to begin with) and it has ten times the amount of antioxidant activity as white rice. Wild rice contains zinc, folate, and vitamin B6, and logs 32 grams of net carbs per cup. 

Millet

This grain is not a staple ingredient in the Standard American Diet, but it is a protein-rich grain that’s widely consumed in developing countries. It is gluten free and contains a lot of fiber, magnesium, folate, calcium, iron, and phosphorus. It also provides more essential amino acids than other cereals. With just 41 grams of net carbs per cup, there’s no reason not to consume millet. 

Oats

We’re oat so happy to include oats on this list! Okay, the puns are done now…we promise. One cup of cooked oats contains 21 grams of net carbs because of the high fiber content. Additionally, oats contain a fiber known as beta-glucan, which has demonstrated an ability to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Oats also offer other nutrients like thiamine, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese. 

Spelt

Spelt is one of the healthiest whole grains that you can eat. It’s an ancient grain that has been associated with reduced rates of type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. While spelt is on the higher end of the carb count with 44 grams of net carbs per cup, it does contain other beneficial nutrients, including manganese, magnesium, niacin, and zinc. 

Couscous

This food that’s so nice they named it twice! Commonly made from semolina flour or durum wheat, couscous is a staple grain in many Moroccan and Middle Eastern dishes. Most people don’t know that couscous is an excellent source of selenium, which is an essential trace mineral that encourages a healthy thyroid, immune system, and heart. One cup of couscous contains 34.5 grams of net carbs. 

Barley

Used in the production of beer, barley wheat is a common grain that has a distinct texture and nutty flavor. When you purchase barley for consumption, it’s best to purchase hulled barley because it is a whole grain and less processed. One cup of cooked barley contains 41.5 grams of net carbs, and it also offers manganese, selenium, magnesium, copper, and zinc. 

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If you didn’t have time to go your go to burrito spot, good, because this vegan burrito bowl is way healthier than what you were going to eat. It is packed with nutrients and you can add or take off whatever toppings you want. The creamy cilantro dressing marries all the flavors and makes each bite more enjoyable than the last.

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Rice has been around for centuries. From China and Indonesia, to Portugal and Holland, rice is the staple component of hundreds of different dishes around the world, and it comes in many different types, such as brown, white, jasmine, and basmati. Many of us consume rice on an almost daily basis. Before you ask for another serving of it, however, you may want to know what truly lies behind rice and its many forms, including its “healthier” option, brown rice.

The biggest problem that has been found with rice is that it contains arsenic. Arsenic is a toxic trace element that can be found naturally in two categories: the organic arsenic, which is mainly found in plant and animal tissues, and the more toxic inorganic arsenic, found in rocks and soil or dissolved in water, which can lead to various types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Rice accumulates more arsenic than other food crops. In fact, it is the single biggest food source of inorganic arsenic, but what’s even worse is that brown rice, the rice that we have thought to be the healthier option, contains higher amounts of arsenic because it has not been stripped of the bran and husk. And when you realize that arsenic is also found in contaminated drinking water, you may want to start looking for other options.

If you still want to consume rice, opt for aromatic rice, such as basmati or jasmine since they have roughly one-third less inorganic arsenic than other brown rice. It is recommended to switch up the types of grains you consume, however. Alkaline grains are the best substitution for any rice variety. You can determine that a grain is alkaline because, unlike rice, it contains carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, causing the grain to bounce in boiling water. Below are some examples:

Wild Rice

May help to increase muscle mass, prevent cancer, aid in digestion, and improve heart function.

Amaranth

It is gluten-free, can help support bone health, lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and is a good source of nutrients for pregnant women.

Quinoa

Although this is technically not a grain, you should opt for quinoa because it is high in magnesium, protein, fiber, iron, potassium and various antioxidants.

Buckwheat

It provides highly digestible protein, can help prevent diabetes, and can lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Kamut

It contains up to 40 percent more protein than wheat. It is rich in zinc, magnesium, and selenium.

Rye

It contains anti-inflammatory properties, it is low in calories, and high in fiber. It aids metabolism, and can help prevent gallstones.

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Burritos are either loved or hated, and if you don’t love them then we need to have a little chat because they are amazing. Now, burritos may not be the healthiest food, but you can make them healthy by using a variety of ingredients. Burritos are typically loaded with meat, rice, beans, and salsa or guacamole, and consuming too many can lead to poor digestion or increased cholesterol, which is never ideal.

Burrito Fact: Burritos were first introduced in the United States in the 1930s at the El Cholo Spanish Café in Los Angeles, California.

Should You Pay Extra For Guac?

Is this even a serious question? The answer is yes, a thousands times yes. Unless you are allergic to avocados, you should always fork over the extra buck for guacamole because it is always worth it. Avocados are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, monounsaturated fats, potassium, and magnesium. They are also great for improving circulation in the body.

Making a burrito healthier is not that difficult. First off, get rid of the tortilla because that is just added calories that you don’t need. Some of you might be thinking that a burrito is not a burrito if the tortilla isn’t enclosing the ingredients. You may have a point, but we are all about the burrito bowl. The burrito bowl is a much easier way to control your portions because most burritos are often monstrosities that weigh you down after consumption. Try our favorite burrito recipes below and let us know what you think!

Wild Rice Burrito Bowl

If you didn’t have time to go your go to burrito spot, good, because this vegan burrito bowl is way healthier than what you were going to eat. It is packed with nutrients and you can add or take off whatever toppings you want.

Click here to make the recipe.

Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls

You will be turning spaghetti squash into your burrito bowls for this recipe. While you will be seasoning the squash, this recipe is all about the toppings. Enjoy!

Click here to make the recipe.

Zesty Zucchini Burrito Boats

We love it when we can get creative in the kitchen. We love making zucchini into pasta, but we never thought to make them into healthy burrito boats! It’s like eating your favorite burrito without the added carbs from the tortilla and rice.

Click here to make the recipe.

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Sometimes you need a little afternoon pick-me-up to get you through the rest of the day. Certain people head to the break room for a coffee, some prefer energy drinks, and others just pick up a sweet treat for a sugary boost. You know what all of these things have in common? They are all unhealthy and can cause digestive discomfort, increased stress hormones, and unhealthy cravings.

Instead of going for something that is unhealthy in the afternoon, try to eat an energy-boosting lunch that will supply you with a boatload of nutrients. There are lunches, which can help you turn your afternoon crash around and make you ready to conquer the rest of your day.

When it comes to having these lunches ready, it is best to prep them the night before. If you don’t want to prep an additional meal at night, make extra at dinner so you can have leftovers. As far as the smoothies go, you can make those ahead of time, put them in the freezer, and take them out the night before you want them at work. Kick those afternoon blues with the following lunch recipes.

#1: Superfood Avocado Smoothie

This smoothie contains some of the best super greens the planet has to offer. Additionally, all of these ingredients have great amounts of folate, which is an important nutrient that helps promote red blood cell formation, and it contributes to brain health.

Click here to make the recipe.

#2: Personal Baked Sweet Potato Boats

These sweet potato boats are so good that you’re going to wish you made more. So make more and eat them for leftovers!

Click here to make the recipe.

#3: Superfood Salad

If you want to enjoy a delicious, hearty salad to boost your energy levels, this salad can help because it is loaded with beneficial.

Click here to make the recipe.

#4: Green Power Bowl with Berries

This green smoothie bowl is perfect for lunch. It is filling, tasty, and is replete with nutrients that benefit your entire body. You can top the bowl with whatever you want, but kiwis, bananas, fresh shredded coconut, and chia seeds are great toppings.

Click here to make the recipe.

#5: Wild Rice Vegan Burrito Bowl

If you didn’t have time to go your go to burrito spot, good, because this vegan burrito bowl is way healthier than what you were going to eat. It is packed with nutrients and you can add or take off whatever toppings you want.

Click here to make the recipe.

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