If you are sick and tired of trying intermittent fasting and Keto diets, it’s time to move on and stop thinking about food as the biggest hurdle in your weight loss journey. There are a host of factors that lead to obesity, and food is just one of them. Your lifestyle, mental health, food habits, etc. also contribute to it.
That being said, the food scene has undergone a major revolution, and people have started looking back at the holistic food habits of our ancestors as the primary drivers of fitness. The very reason we digressed from being fit was that we fell into the trap of multinational companies trying to sell unhealthy and processed food that involved lower production costs and improved shelf lives.
Let’s take a simple example of flour, which is one of the most widely consumed food supplements. It’s no secret that flour has many drawbacks from a health and fitness standpoint; however, there are several healthier flour replacements available that can keep you healthy while also helping you shed that stubborn fat.
Almond Flour
The reason almond flour is a brilliant flour substitute to the traditional wheat flour in our kitchens is that it has a higher concentration of protein, healthy fats, and Vitamin E. For those who are keen on a gluten-free diet, there’s good news. Almond flour is completely gluten-free and is a powerhouse of magnesium, iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Almond flour is considered as one of the best flour for weight loss because, unlike wheat flour, it is low in carbs and has an extremely low glycemic index due to which it reduces sugar levels in the blood, ultimately leading to weight loss.
Brown Rice Flour
When it comes to healthy flour substitutes, rice flour is a superfood that boosts metabolism due to its high insoluble fibre content. The fibre in brown rice helps to lower cholesterol levels in the body and also prevents the formation of blood clots. It can easily pass on as a flour replacement in baking due to its super-fine texture. The brown rice flour is extremely rich in protein, iron, magnesium, and helps reduce blood sugar levels.
Quinoa Flour
Quinoa flour is another low-calorie flour that has climbed the popularity charts in no time, and fitness freaks will swear by it. Quinoa’s high protein content makes it a favourite among vegetarians. You simply need to take quinoa seeds and finely grind. The reason Quinoa is treated as a healthy flour substitute is that it suppresses the appetite significantly and keeps you away from unhealthy binges.
Coconut Flour
Made up of dried coconuts, this is an excellent flour replacement to the high-in-carbohydrates wheat flour. Its high fibre content stabilises glucose levels in the bloodstream and reduces cholesterol levels. This is another option that is very famous in the baking circuit and is also gluten-free. Coconut flour is a great flour substitute for people who are suffering from Celiac disease or wheat allergy. It also provides medium-chain Triglycerides (MCTs) that lead to weight loss and protection against bacteria and virus infections.
Chickpea Flour
An unusual feature on the list, but hold that thought until we run through its benefits. Chickpea flour, also known as gram besan, is a low-calorie flour that is high in protein, fibre, and selenium, and provides an excellent texture for making pancakes, bread, and dumplings. Chickpea flour naturally contains antioxidants called polyphenols that fight against unstable molecules called free radicals, thereby making it an excellent flour replacement. It makes for a great flour substitute as 1⁄2 a cup of chickpea flour contains as much as 11 gms of protein, which is equal to two eggs. Impressive, isn’t it?
Sattu Flour
Sattu flour is another superfood that is made of roasted grams. In terms of flour substitutes, sattu flour is extremely popular in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India, due to its ability to regulate blood pressure levels and act as a natural coolant. This makes it heroic during the hot summers and one of the healthiest flour replacements out there.
Oat Flour
High in carbohydrates, this acts as a low-budget flour substitute to the expensive almond or quinoa flour without actually compromising on the health benefits. Oatmeal has been an essential ingredient in our kitchens for a long while now, and it’s no secret that it reduces cholesterol levels and is extremely good for heart health. Oats consist of beta-glucan, which is a soluble fibre that aids in digestion. Oat flour tends to keep the stomach satiated, thereby keeping hunger pangs at bay while keeping you full, making it a suitable flour for weight loss.
Amaranth Flour
Amaranth is a group of 60 different species of grains and is a staple food in many cultures. It is rich in fibre, protein, and micronutrients, making it a great fasting supplement and an extremely healthy flour substitute. It also contains phosphorus, which is highly beneficial for bone health, especially in women. The high content of Gallic acid in Amaranth acts as a protective shield for the body against several diseases. Topping the list of low-calorie flours, the benefits of Amaranth are just too many to ignore.
Conclusion
So, the bottom line is that there isn’t a shortage of substitutes when it comes to making healthy choices. Sometimes, it’s just a lack of will or simple unawareness on our part that makes us accept an unhealthy lifestyle.
These simple food hacks can prove to be very effective in the long run without you having to give up on food entirely and starving your way to a slim body. The most important thing is patience; nothing gives overnight results so be consistent with your diet plan. Stay happy, stay healthy.
To learn more about the healthy alternatives and the superfoods currently trending in the fitness world, enrol in our Diploma in Fitness and Weight Loss, and choose the road to fitness.
