Healthy Noodles and Pasta Options
Whole-Wheat pasta
One can never go wrong with whole-wheat. That said, whole-wheat pasta is a healthier noodle option that will bump up the nutritional value of your pasta platter. Made from whole grains, this healthier alternative contains 5 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein per serving. Most people don’t consume enough fiber, which is beneficial to our hearts and our digestive system. You may find it a little less palatable than your conventional pasta. Still, with the right sauce, like the Pesto Pasta Salad or Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pasta, you’re going to love it, and it will satisfy those cravings.
Chickpea Pasta
Have you ever tried chickpea pasta? Well, you should! There are many different chickpea pasta varieties out there. However, they may be a bit more challenging to find (try the natural or gluten-free aisle if you don’t see this in the pasta section).
Chickpea pasta carries all the nutrition of chickpeas but in pasta. Because it’s bean-derived, chickpea pasta contains 11 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber per serving for a delicious and hearty meal. If you’re concerned about the flavor, it’s relatively neutral. It works well in various recipes. Try making macaroni and cheese with chickpea pasta, and you’ll find yourself a new Wednesday night family meal.
Veggie Noodles
When it comes to veggie substitutes, alternatives like zucchini, spaghetti squash, and butternut squash are very healthy options. Try making spaghetti squash lasagna and spiralizing zoodles to satisfy your pasta craving. Feel free to add your personal touch.
Nutrition will vary depending on the vegetable you use, but it’ll be way healthier compared to your regular old noodles. If you were looking to bump up your vegetable intake, using them as a noodle alternative can be a great way to get more in your regime.
Red Lentil Noodles
Like chickpea pasta, red lentil noodles are gluten-free and offer a substantial dose of plant-based fiber and protein. This healthy alternative boasts 13 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per serving, plus 15% of the daily recommended iron. Red lentil pasta is a darker color and tastes a bit different than the regular thing. Looking for a delicious red lentil pasta recipe? Try this healthy red lentil pasta recipe.
Soba Noodles
Soba noodles are made from buckwheat. Despite carrying wheat in the name, these noodles are gluten-free. Soba noodles are whole grain, which makes these noodles higher in fiber than most kinds of pasta.
Soba noodles are Japanese noodles often found in soups and veggie bowls. Give the Summer Vegetable Sesame Noodles a try if you’re up for a Japanese-inspired meal. Some soba noodle varieties are made with a combination of wheat and buckwheat flour, so if you have gluten sensitivity, check the labels to make sure.
Shirataki Spaghetti Noodles
Shirataki Noodles are gluten-free and high in fiber. They are derived from yam flour, which contains a handful of essential nutrients that are highly beneficial.
Yam flour’s high fiber content can help improve gut health. This can help manage diabetes, support immunity naturally, improve eye health, and more. These Japanese noodles are almost calorie-less. That said, Shirataki Noodles also work wonders as a healthier pasta alternative. The cool part about these noodles, they come in many varieties. There are Shirataki noodles for fettuccine and Shirataki noodles for regular spaghetti. If you’re closely monitoring your carbohydrate intake or are on a keto diet, Shirataki noodles are your new weapon against weight gain. \
Takeaway
When trying new noodle alternatives, it is essential to remember that there are many types out there. And more often than not, you can find them in your local stores.
There is not much to consider when trying out new, low-calorie noodles because they’re already praised as healthy, and you just have to find the brand you prefer. Take note that just because they’re wholesome, they may not fit into your eating or dietary restrictions; therefore, research is still required on your part.
