20 healthy carb recipes

We also have plenty of low-calorie meal ideas and inspiration for low-fat recipes.

How many carbs should I eat a day?

Carbohydrates are one of three macronutrients, along with protein and fat, that we need in relatively large amounts from our diet. We need carbs because they provide the body with glucose, which fuels our muscles and organs. The amount of carbs we need depends on our age, sex, gender and activity levels. As a guide, a moderately active adult female should consume 260g of carbohydrates a day.

What are healthy carbs?

Carbs are found in both healthy and not-so-healthy foods. Simple carbs like white bread, pasta, cakes and biscuits are digested quickly and send immediate sugar into the bloodstream. Healthier complex carbs are found in starchy foods, including oats, wholegrain bread and brown rice. Complex carbs are slower to digest and, as a result, supply a more steady source of energy.

Healthy carb recipes

1. Broccoli and peanut soba noodles

This recipe is really easy to make, and can be ready in 20 minutes. The fresh greens pair well with the noodles, while the roasted peanuts provide moreish crunch.

2. Sweet potato and lentil curry

A vibrant, low-calorie vegan dinner made with sweet potatoes, red split lentils, coconut milk and plenty of spices. Enjoy with a naan or pilau rice.

3. Healthy granola

Avoid shop-bought options – instead, start your day off with this easy to make energy-boosting homemade granola. The recipe uses oats and fibre-rich bran.

4. Healthy one-pan chicken and rice

Chicken is marinated in soy, hoisin, honey and garlic, then cooked with brown rice. It's a simple midweek dinner that's packed with Chinese-inspired flavours.

5. Posh beans on toast

Make comforting beans on toast a bit healthier with this easy, low-calorie recipe. A perfect healthy lunch.

6. Gochujang roast sweet potato with mixed grain salad

Pack plenty of texture into this low-calorie vegetarian salad with roast sweet potatoes, mixed grains, radishes and cucumber, all lifted by a punchy dressing.

7. Turmeric and ginger butter bean stew

Nourish yourself with a big bowl of our butter bean and kale stew made with a zingy ginger, turmeric and creamy coconut milk broth.

8. Quinoa and black bean chilli

Ditch the meat and make this easy vegan chilli. Quinoa and black beans make this high in protein, but keep it low in calories.

9. Veggie soba noodle pots

Make these colourful, nutrient-packed noodles for a healthy lunch al desko. Use whatever veg you have in the fridge.

10. Halloumi-stuffed peppers

Serve up stuffed peppers for a healthy veggie dinner. Add cubes of halloumi, harissa and a whack of red chilli for an extra flavour boost.

11. Warm red rice, herb and salmon salad

Try this nutritious, spice-packed rice salad with cucumber and tomato for a light midweek meal.

12. Baked cod and butter beans

Flaky cod with a rosemary parmesan crust, served on a sweet cherry tomato and butter bean sauce is rich, wholesome and healthy.

13. Miso mackerel with chilli brown rice

You'll love this quick Japanese-style mackerel. The miso-mirin marinade takes minutes to make. Serve with brown rice for a meal that's packed with fibre and good fats.

14. Healthy baked oats

We love using blackberries while they're in season to make this easy oat bake – it can be served for breakfast or dessert. You could also use blueberries or chopped banana.

15. Chickpea, pepper and bulgar wheat salad

Make our vibrant veggie salad for a nutritious lunch. Not only will you enjoy plenty of plant foods, you'll also benefit from the chickpeas, which give this meal a fibre boost.

16. Ginger chicken noodle salad

Toss nutty soba noodles, shredded chicken, crunchy sesame seeds and fresh, aromatic herbs with a zingy ginger dressing for a high-protein, veg-filled lunch.

17. Healthy risotto

Ever tried swapping rice for quinoa when making risotto? Our healthier version of the Italian dish offers a protein boost and earthy flavours of chestnut mushrooms, leeks and pecorino.

18. Chickpea and squash coconut curry

Chickpea curry is a midweek favourite. What's more, most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen.

19. One-pot quinoa and chicken tagine

Try our lightly spiced quinoa tagine. This one-pot recipe is easy to make and low in calories – a healthy family meal.

20. Banana, almond, berry and kefir smoothie

Full of good bacteria, fruit and protein, this smoothie recipe makes a great on-the-go breakfast. You'll get a dose of healthy carbs from the banana, as well as plenty of other nutrients.