Can You Eat Pasta On a Healthy Diet?
By Genevieve Cunningham
Pasta is one of those foods that just about everyone loves. It's satisfying and comforting. And for busy families, it's super easy to put together and please the whole family. But pasta isn't known for being the healthiest. It's generally calorie-ridden and heavy on the carbohydrates. In many weight loss diet plans, it's forbidden. But is that necessary? Or can you eat pasta in a typical healthy diet? If you love pasta, take a look at these tips for keeping it on your menu without ruining a healthy eating plan.
You Can Plan It Into Your Menu
If you want to eat pasta on a semi-regular basis, consider simply planning it into your menu. If you already know that pasta is on the menu, you can adjust the rest of your meals that day to meet your needs. Your breakfast and lunch may be lower on carbohydrates and fewer in overall calories as well. You can spread out your nutritional needs appropriately. While this won't change the content of the pasta itself, it can help you keep it in your menu in a safer, healthier way.
You Can Choose a Healthier Version
Another great option for continuing to eat pasta is to eat the healthiest version possible. The easiest way to do this is to switch from a white flour based pasta to a whole grain version. You can usually buy these from any grocery store, and you prepare them the same way as other pasta. If you want an even healthier version, you can opt for making noodles out of vegetables -- most often out of spaghetti squash. The process takes a little longer, as you'll have to cook and soften the squash, break it into noodles, and then prepare your meal. But the health benefits are worth it! This type of pasta has far fewer calories, is more nutritionally dense, and once you get used to the change in texture, is a delicious option for having your cake and eating it too.
Pasta is a staple in many people's menus. It's delicious and easy and a crowd pleaser. But it's not always the healthiest option. Use these tips to keep pasta in your menu without the health risks, and you can enjoy your favorite dishes with good health in mind as well.
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