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Calorie-counting

Discuss calorie counting, including tips, challenges and real-life experiences. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

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Original poster

Pasta and chips substitutes?

35 replies

ilovewispas · 19/03/2023 06:58

I've got pretty good at swapping out elements of my good at family dinners so that I'm having lower calories.

I swap out rice for cauliflower rice. I have portobello mushrooms instead of bread for things like egg on toast at weekends.

I'm a bit stuck with pasta though. What are shop bought (ideally available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, M&S or Waitrose) alternatives to pasta (spaghetti and shells) please?

Also, for chips?

OP posts:

Luredbyapomegranate · 19/03/2023 16:34

Whycanineverever · 19/03/2023 06:59

Chips I have made carrot or parsnip chips in an air fryer when I was trying to cut carbs.

Mash direct do these premade and you can freeze them

I find Savoy cabbage works well with bolognaise or any hefty pasta sauce. I think courgetti and the butternut squash subs are awful - way too watery - but you can have less (whole wheat) pasta and add something like cauli to bulk out

MsCoughALot · 19/03/2023 16:46

have little boiled potatoes instead for chips

Pasta I just cut out completely

Hollyhocksandlarkspur · 19/03/2023 16:51

The pea or lentil pasta is OK if used to bake with veg cheese and sauce.

Original poster

ilovewispas · 19/03/2023 17:20

Thank you everyone.

I'm now thinking about bolognaise on mushrooms 🍄!

Great ideas here.

Should have thought to say I'm gluten free which narrows options more (I blame gluten free bread for putting me in this predicament!)

OP posts:

Ameanstreakamilewide · 19/03/2023 17:42

ilovewispas · 19/03/2023 06:58

I've got pretty good at swapping out elements of my good at family dinners so that I'm having lower calories.

I swap out rice for cauliflower rice. I have portobello mushrooms instead of bread for things like egg on toast at weekends.

I'm a bit stuck with pasta though. What are shop bought (ideally available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, M&S or Waitrose) alternatives to pasta (spaghetti and shells) please?

Also, for chips?

Couscous?

WeirdPookah · 25/03/2023 06:51

I always have the lentil bolognaise I make over broccoli, means there are calories left for having cheese, and they all taste great together.

Cheesedoffandgrumpy · 25/03/2023 07:22

Just have an extra portion of vegetables! And more protein!

WithIcePlease · 25/03/2023 07:42

This is probably old news to MN but I was delighted when I found mushrooms cook well in the microwave. Sliced, put in a bowl, seal with cling film with no other water and cook for 2-3 mins. The clingfilm domes. They sort of steam in their own water.

shrumps · 25/03/2023 11:58

Celeriac chips are lovely

ShandaLear · 04/04/2023 09:28

Steamed cauliflower or broccoli florets chopped into bite sized pieces go well with bolognese. They’re definitely not pasta but they’re good on their own terms. Or just use a smaller amount of pasta and add veg to the boiling water. I use a couple of handfuls of frozen veg or a couple of shredded carrots. As a PP said, steamed sliced cabbage makes a good substitute in full or in part for spaghetti. Make sure it is well drained though!

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