The health benefits of eating pasta
There is so much information on the internet and instagram about what we should and shouldn't eat.
One of those foods that I constantly see replaced for something else is pasta. Just like foods that contain dairy, pasta has been discriminated against, because its a "carb" and it won't help you to loose weight.
I am here to tell you today that you do not need to give up pasta in order to "lose weight" , because pasta is not only fulfilling and delicious, it is actually got some great health benefits and is such a cheap way to make a meal go so far!
There are many types of pasta out on the shelves now, and not just different brands, but pasta made with different flours. We now have lentil pasta, chickpea pasta, green bean pasta, buckwheat pasta, wholemeal pasta, white pasta, rice flour pasta, gluten free pasta, quinoa pasta just to name a few!
The food industry is preying on the "health foodies" and "dieters" out there by creating "healthier versions" of pasta to substitute your "normal" pasta, by making them from pulses and other forms of grains and putting an extra $4-6 on top of the price!! Don't fall into the market places trap of eating quinoa pasta because it's classed as the healthier option. Unless you have an intolerance or an allergy, eating wholemeal pasta or "normal" white pasta is ABSOLUTELY FINE!
Here are some examples for you:
WHOLE MEAL PASTA:
Highest in fibre
Cost: $2.30, $0.46 per serve
Servings: 5 in a bag (500g bag)
Calories per serve: 360 calories (per100g)
Macros: Fibre: 9.0g | Pro: 15.0g | CHO: 62.0g | Fat: 3.5g
GREEN LENTIL PASTA SHEETS
Most expensive
Cost: $5.99, $1.49 per serve
Servings: 4 servings (250g packet)
Calories per serve: 250 calories (per 62.5g)
Macros: Pro: 12.8g | CHO: 35.0g | Fat: 1.4g
WHITE PASTA:
Cheapest
Cost: $2.00, $0.40 per serve
Servings: 5 servings (500g packet)
Calories per serve: 370 calories (per 100g)
Macros: Pro: 13.5g | CHO: 74.0g | Fat: 1.0g
In conclusion wholemeal pasta comes in at the best nutrient wise because of its fibre content and protein content, but beside that, all options are fine, you don't have to spend $6 to buy pasta when you can get some great nutrients from all options!
Remember your portion control, and don't be afraid to eat some pasta from time to time, especially on the days where you are more active, pasta is delicious and can be made in so many different ways!
If you have any questions about anything then send me an email : ptwithrenee@gmail.com I will be more than happy to answer them and have a chat!
Renee xx