Rice is a popular staple in many countries. It's affordable and super filling. Best of all it can complement any dish, from a spicy curry to a warm bowl of lentils. But at the end of the day, we all know that rice isn't something you can consume on a daily basis. It contains starch and carbs that can lead to putting on weight. So, if you're looking for something that you can replace rice with, here are some alternatives you can try.

This is basically a type of pasta that is widely used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Made from small pearls of flour, wheat couscous can easily be consumed as a rice replacement. Not only is it rather healthy but it can also add a unique texture to the foods it's served with.

This whole-grain wheat can be used as a replacement for rice, however, it happens to be a lot nuttier in flavour as well as a chewy texture. It contains a heavy dose of protein and also happens to be an excellent plant-based source of nutrients.

Barley is pretty closely related to wheat and rye. And what's great about barley is that it has a similar texture to rice and although it contains the same amount of calories as rice does, it's a lot richer in proteins and fibres. Plus, it packs a number of nutrients that can aid health.

Chopped cabbage is yet another amazing substitute for rice. Not only is it super low in calories but it also contains just the right amount of carbs which taste amazing too. It also happens to be an excellent source of vitamins C and K.

This one is another whole-wheat substitute for rice and is commonly used in tabbouleh which is a Mediterranean salad dish. It features a similar texture to that of rice but contains significantly fewer calories as compared to rice.

Riced broccoli has loads of benefits. Not only will you be consuming fewer calories, but it is also a rich source of vital nutrients essential for your body's health. Broccoli is a rich source of vitamin, which works well as a powerful antioxidant that can fight free radical damage. You can make it by chopping up some broccoli and then throw it in a food processor to get that rice-like texture.

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Shirataki rice is made from the konjac root, which is popularly found in Asia. It is extremely low in calories and contains glucomannan, which is the primary fibre found in the root. However, to get a good amount of glucomannan you will have to eat a lot of shirataki rice. To make this rice, you will first need to wash it well and boil it for a few minutes. Next, heat the rice in a pan until it is completely dry. All you have to do next is enjoy it with whatever you like.

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Looking for a low-carb rice option? Try rice cauliflower. You can consume it with anything as its flavour is mild and it has a similar texture to rice when cooked. More importantly, it does not contain as many carbs and calories as rice. It is a popular choice for many on the keto diet. Half a cup of riced cauliflower will give you about 13 calories. To make it, all you have to do is slice up the cauliflower into pieces and then use a food processor to make it fine. Next, cook it over medium heat. You can add a tiny drop of water to make it a little brown.

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Quinoa may look like a grain, but it is actually a seed. Those on a high-protein or gluten-free diet opt to add this to their meal plan as a carb substitute as it can help make you feel full. Half a cup of cooked quino will give you about4 grams of protein. It also contains nine essential amino acids and minerals our bodies need to function well. It is also a good source of protein especially for those on a vegetarian diet. Best of all it takes a few minutes to cook and you can use a fork to fluff it up.

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