Your Pasta Problems: Gone!
By Brandi Goodman
Pasta comes in so many delicious forms. And yet, pasta is one of those dishes that sadly isn't on the healthy eating list. However, there are ways you can get rid of your fattening pasta problems and make your meal more worthwhile for your well-being. You just need to make a few changes.
Get a Pasta Maker
Buying pasta shells and noodles from the store results in unhealthy eating options packed with too much sodium. Instead, you can get a pasta maker and create your own from scratch -- sans so much salt. It will be a healthier version that's more worthwhile for your body. It's a great investment.
Choose Whole Grain and Whole Wheat Options
If you still want to purchase your pasta from a store, that's totally understandable. Just be sure you're grabbing boxes that say whole grain or whole wheat on them. These offer more nutritional value and are better for your gut health, in particular.
Create Homemade Sauces
Even if the pasta itself isn't that bad for you, the sauce might be. Sauce is where you'll gain a lot of unnecessary calories, sugar, and sodium. You can create your own from scratch for a much healthier version. Utilize other seasonings so you can avoid increasing your salt content, and find alternatives to sugar.
Add in Lots of Veggies
A basic pasta and sauce won't fulfill you. Add in lots of veggies so you can gain important nutrients and vitamins that are necessary for your well-being. Carrots, corn, squash, spinach, and so much more can spruce up your dish easily and add a ton of unique flavor.
Add a Lean Protein
A lean protein is also a great addition to your pasta. Rather than eating alfredo, for example, a chicken alfredo will satisfy your hunger. Lean cuts of meat, such as chicken or turkey, or best so you can avoid excess fat and sodium from red meat versions. If you do want a red meat pasta, go ahead and add a little in, but don't put too much.
October is National Pasta Month. If you want to celebrate in a healthy way, it's best to make these changes to your dishes. Pasta isn't normally the most healthy option out there, but you can make it much more beneficial for your health if you utilize the necessary substitutions.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cary, N.C.