4 Healthy Pasta You Won’t Feel Guilty About Eating

Excess carbohydrate consumption can lead to weight gain, and as pasta is loaded with carbs, it’s easy to make the connection that pasta is bad for you. But is all pasta bad for you, or just some? And, can you eat pasta without worrying about weight gain?

The key to eating pasta without feeling guilty is making sure you’re aware of the nutritional content of your pasta of choice and eating it in moderation. It also helps to know there are healthier alternatives out there. We’ve included just a few of the many nutritious pasta options below.

Brown Rice Pasta
If you have a gluten intolerance or you’re looking to add more fibre and protein to your diet, brown rice pasta is a good option for you. It’s gluten-free, packed full of insoluble fibre for healthier bowel function, and offers around four grams of protein and three grams of fat per serve. What’s more, it operates similarly to your traditional white pasta.

You can add it to a salad, eat it on its own, or pair it with your favourite sauce. The best part is, it’s a far more nutritious alternative to standard wheat pasta, while not compromising on flavour or versatility.

Quinoa Pasta
Quinoa has long been known as a “superfood” and is included in many new healthy dishes to help people alter their diet for the better. Therefore, it’s of no surprise that it is now available in pasta form.

Quinoa pasta is gluten-free, meaning it’s perfect for those with gluten intolerances, and it’s also high in magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. What’s more, studies suggest it can reduce blood sugar levels more efficiently than other gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to purchase a brand that features a high level of quinoa, as some brands tend to “bulk” up the content with other grains and wheat.

Soba Noodles
If you’re looking for pasta that can dramatically reduce your caloric and carb intake, then soba noodles, also known as buckwheat noodles, can help. Typically, the buckwheat content in soba noodles is between 30 percent and 100 percent. The more buckwheat, the better the pasta is for your health. What’s more, soba noodles that are entirely buckwheat are both free of gluten and wheat. They are versatile, easy to cook, and can take the place of your typical white pasta with ease.

Jerusalem Artichoke Pasta
If you’re looking for a hit of nutrition as well as a full stomach, adding Jerusalem artichoke pasta to your shopping trolley is well worth your consideration. Artichoke pasta is packed full of inulin, vitamin C, protein, and thiamine. As a result, you can benefit from better bowel health, lower blood pressure, and an increase in beneficial bacteria. While it’s not reminiscent of your typical white pasta, it’s loaded full of all the goodies your body requires to function at a healthy level.

Everyone loves pasta, and it’s such a versatile meal option. However, too much of it – particularly white, carbo-loaded pasta, can spell weight gain when not eaten in moderation. Therefore, knowing there are other options out there, it’s all the more reason to do your research and find a pasta type that is going to be both delicious and nutritious.