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….
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.
List: The 15 Best Italian Restaurants In Charlotte According To Open Table
There is just something about Italian food. Whether you want pizza, pasta, seafood, something light, or a little heavy. The flavors are simply to die for. And it can be done so many ways. But in a city like Charlotte with so many restaurants, it can be overwhelming to know where to try next. It seems like every day somewhere new is opening. Should you keep going to that chain you love? Is the neighborhood spot really the best? Are you missing out on incredible food? So let me offer you at least a little help. I went to OpenTable.com to figure out what are considered the top Italian restaurants in Charlotte.
Several of these I've not yet tried. I have to say that after eating in the North End in Boston, nothing has compared. And I still dream of eating my way through Italy. But a lot on this list may be more authentic and closer to that. At least I hope so! This list features a variety of locations across the area. There are also date night spots and places you can go with your friends for a quick bite. Spoiler alert however there are some CLASSIC Charlotte spots that didn't make this list. Keep in mind anything on it does use Open Table for reservations. So keep that in mind. That doesn't change the fact that all the restaurants on this list come highly recommended. Some have 2-3,000 reviews!
Top 15 Italian Restaurants In Charlotte According To Open Table:
15. Buca di Beppo
Neighborhood: Pineville
Rating: 4.3
Reviews: 960
14. Angeline's
Neighborhood: Uptown
Rating: 4.3
Reviews: 947
13. Zinicola
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
Rating: 4.5
Reviews: 723
12. Aria Tuscan Grill
Neighborhood: Uptown
Rating: 4.5
Reviews: 3500
11. Arooji's Wine Room
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
Rating: 4.6
Reviews: 303
10. Cicchetti
Neighborhood: Uptown
Rating: 4.6
Reviews: 43
9. North Italia
Neighborhood: South End
Rating: 4.6
Reviews: 820
8. The Jimmy
Neighborhood: Myers Park
Rating: 4.6
Reviews: 245
7. Via Roma
Neighborhood: Waverly
Rating: 4.7
Reviews: 796
6. Novanta Pizzeria Napoletana
Neighborhood: Mooresville
Rating: 4.7
Reviews: 174
5. Primo Prime
Neighborhood: Myers Park
Rating: 4.7
Reviews: 392
4. Indaco
Neighborhood: Charlotte
Rating: 4.7
Reviews: 535
3. Luce Ristorante
Neighborhood: Uptown
Rating: 4.8
Reviews: 2217
2. Toscana Ristorante Italiano
Neighborhood: South Park
Rating: 4.8
Reviews: 2017
1. Dolce Ristorante
Neighborhood: Dilworth
Rating: 4.8
Reviews: 1218
