Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Tip Tuesday! Noodle know-how: 4 steps to more healthful pasta

By Melanie Polk, M.M.Sc., R.D., F.A.D.A.


What's not to love about pasta? It's fast, simple fare that's budget-friendly, too. It's also deliciously versatile — the perfect partner for vibrant vegetables, fresh herbs and savory spices.

But, your favorite linguine, macaroni or ziti isn't so healthful when it's swimming in high-fat extras. Next time you put noodles on the menu, make these nutrition-smart moves:

1. Switch to whole grain
Whole-grain pastas are richer in vitamins and other nutrients. In fact, they can have almost three times the fiber of refined pasta.

But, they may take a little getting used to. Some varieties tend to have a nuttier, bolder flavor than traditional pasta.

You might sample different pasta shapes and brands until you find options you like. Or, try mixing whole-grain and refined varieties until you get used to the taste. And, you may just discover that you find whole-grain noodles tastier!

Here's a tip: Keep an eye on the cooking time — it can greatly affect the pasta's texture. And, serve whole-grain pasta al dente, or slightly firm. It can get gummy quickly when overcooked.  


Click Here for more tips and the full article.


No comments:

Post a Comment