Reasons We Love Pasta And Why It’s Not As Bad For Us As We Think
If we’re honest with ourselves, we find comfort in certain foods either from the full feeling they give us or from a warm and happy memory we associate with them. We love pasta, and turns out there are health benefits of pasta. So, It’s not always a bad comfort food choice…as long as it’s not an every day thing. Let’s examine why we love pasta and the health benefits.
According to an article on eatingwell.com, a registered dietician claims she’ll never give up pasta. Obviously, a lot of folks trended toward low carb diets to lose weight and get healthier. And, while that is a good solid nutritional choice incorporating less sugar and more green veggies, fiber and protein, pasta isn’t the enemy we’ve been made to believe it is. However, everything in moderation.
Now, to be fair, the dietician quoted in the article is Italian-American. So, pasta is a big part of her life. But, here’s the case she makes for not eliminating it from your diet altogether.
Health Benefits Of Pasta
Her numbers indicate 2 ounces of dried white pasta has about 200 calories, 7 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber along with iron and B vitamins. That’s not a huge amount of fiber when you consider the carb count. But, whole wheat varieties offer about twice the fiber and more protein.
The caveat is that you have to really watch the portion size. We can’t eat the bottomless bowl and expect to not feel some ill effects. Furthermore, dietician Lisa Valente, points out that the Mediterranean diet, one of the top ranked for health, has pasta as a big part of the diet.
And, even if you overindulge with 2 cups, it’s 400 calories and 14 g of protein. Add some veggies and a lean protein, and you’re set. I lost 75 pounds a couple of years ago and have maintained it. But, I have, for the most part avoided pasta. I even replaced it with zucchini noodle every now and then.
Look, we all know it’s delicious, cheap, versatile and easy to prepare. Plus, who doesn’t have warm fuzzy memories of mom’s spaghetti? No Eminem jokes. But, Valente encourages us to eat the foods we enjoy every now and then. Life is short.
So, choose wisely, eat in moderation, and enjoy some of the health benefits of pasta from time to time.
