Is Pasta Healthy?The choice is up to you
Pasta has long been a source of debate for those on a path to healthy eating. While it is high in carbohydrates, it can also be full of whole grains and paired with lean protein and fresh vegetables to create a filling and healthy meal. Creating a pasta meal that is tasty and good for you is easy, as long as you make the lightweight choices when it comes to the type of pasta, sauce and add-ins that you’re using to create your Italian dish.
Healthy meal prep begins with smart shopping. Be sure to read the labels on the pasta box before you make your purchase. Most pasta is made with semolina, which is another name for enriched white flour. Make the switch to pasta made with whole wheat flour, multi grains like quinoa, amaranth or spelt for a healthier choice that will be higher in protein and other vitamins and nutrients. For those who are sensitive to gluten found in wheat products, look for corn pasta as an alternative. Keep in mind it is hard to find pasta without a small amount of semolina added for taste and texture, so it is important that the main ingredients include whole wheat or the other grains listed above.
One you make your pasta purchase and prep it for dinner, be sure to toss it with lighter choices like a moderate amount of olive oil and garlic or tomato based sauces. Sauces made with heavy creams, such as the popular Alfredo sauce, are full of fat and calories. Keep in mind that traditional Italian dishes aren’t drowned in sauce. Let the flavor of your pasta shine through and save on calories at the same time by using just enough sauce to put the finishing touches on your meal.
Pasta dishes provide the perfect opportunity to add a serving of fresh vegetables to the meal. Spaghetti tastes great with fresh green peppers, mushrooms, onions and tomatoes. Add spinach to your favorite lasagna recipe, or toss broccoli and cauliflower with pasta and pesto. You can also add a serving of lean protein to pasta, such as grilled chicken breast or fish.
Other toppings, such as cheese, are often included in pasta meals. If cheese is a must have on you main dish, stick to Parmesan. Parmesan cheese contains less fat than most types of cheese, which is what makes Parmesan a hard cheese. Hard cheeses are higher in calcium and are full of flavor. Also, instead of serving your meal with thick garlic bread, trying pairing it with a small salad topped with oil-based dressing for an extra dose of vegetables.
By making small changes to your Italian cooking habits, it will be easy to say arrivederci to Alfredo sauce and hello to your healthy body with meals that are easy to make, deliciously satisfying and amazingly affordable with pastas, sauces and toppings from the bulk food aisle.
Not sure where to start? Check out the cook section for cold and hot pasta dish ideas!
