Pasta has got many alternatives with some having zero smart points when you buy them.
The reason why many of us love pasta is because it is a delicious dish; it can also serve as a comfort food which is simply irresistible. However, the problem that usually comes with eating pasta is weight gain. Pasta is full of carbohydrates which effect negatively on the blood sugar levels which eventually cause health problems.
Having known this, it does not mean that you do not have any other alternatives to this delicious dish. Here are some of the alternatives that are god for you and you do not have to worry about gaining weight. Instead, they help in losing weight and the deliciousness is not compromised at all.
Spaghetti squash
It is a low-fat squash mostly eaten in winter. Its fat content is like half a gram for every cup. More to that, it can also be changed to look like pasta strings which are very thin. Since its higher component is water, it basically has no calories. The spaghetti strings are topped up with pasta sauce and are good to be eaten. Despite lacking calories, it has numerous vitamins of different kinds. A cup of spaghetti squash has around 5 milligrams of vitamin C which is nearly ten percent of the daily recommended amount.
To prepare it, one needs to remove the seeds, add water in the bowl and then cook them in a microwave until they are tender. Then use a fork to scrape away. There you have your favorite spaghetti squash within no time.
Zucchini noodles
Zucchini noodles have high water content, low in carbohydrates and sugars which make them have zero calories. It also has numerous nutrients like potassium, manganese, and vitamins A and C which are great antioxidants. It can be cut into short thin strips or shred into slices the size of ribbons with the help of a peeler. Top it up with pasta sauce to give it a vegetable boost.
These noodles are commonly referred to as zoodles. They can also be spiraled to form fettuccini noodles and white sauce which is also low in calories added to it together with chicken. This makes it an easy fettuccini noodles dish. My children do love it and so do I.
Shitaraki noodles
These are full of fiber and have neither calories nor fat. They also do not have a real taste. This makes them good flavor absorbers. They can be served straight from the packet. However, it is recommended that they are rinsed, boiled then drained. In the self-service stores, they can be easily found where tofu is found. Since they are gaining popularity they are also found in retails stores for groceries.
Though I could not stand their fishy smell, they could have improved by now. My best choice still remains to be zoodles.
Whole grain pasta
Topping the list of healthy pasta is Barilla. Its varieties include protein plus and many others having white fiber, vegetables, whole grains and are also gluten free. Protein plus has egg whites, legumes, barley and flaxseed rich in omega three 3 added to it. This ensures it has high protein content. A serving of 2 ounces has a hundred and ninety calories, ten grams of proteins, four grams of fiber and has a really great taste.
Brown rice pasta is also another healthy alternative. It is rich in calcium and proteins. More to that it is gluten free.
Soba noodles
These noodles have a Japanese origin. They are full of protein and fiber. In addition to that, they have a nutty taste. They are made from buckwheat flour. This wheat has several health benefits and is also gluten free. The buckwheat is heart friendly, plays a major role in preventing heart diseases and has numerous phytonutrients and antioxidants which help in the prevention of many different diseases.
With these alternatives to pasta, one can have a pasta craving satisfied without adding extra pounds. They also make one feel energized and light. They are a perfect dish for pasta lovers who are watching their weight.
My all time favorite alternatives are zoodles and spaghetti squash. They can be mixed with marinara sauce and eaten together with meat balls.
Find your best alternatives from the above.
