Pasta doesn’t need to be unhealthy. As I say in my nutritional philosophy if you get the right kind of pasta it can really have good nutritional value.
Whole wheat pasta has been around for a long time, but this fortified pasta is new. I first saw it in Amazon.com’s grocery section, but eventually found an equivalent product at the grocery store where I shop.
Basically, they make the pasta using a wide variety of grains, including legume grains. On the box of the barilla I’ve got pictured it says it includes lentils, chickpeas, egg whites, spelt (a really high fiber ancient relative of wheat), barley, flaxseed (great source of omega-3’s), oat fiber, and oats. Additionally it is vitamin fortified with niacin, iron, thiamin, and folic acid.
So, the end result is you’ve got this pasta with twice the fiber of normal pasta (good for many cancers, namely colon which is the second most common cancer in the US or something like that), omega-3 fatty acids (great for heart health, so-called good cholesterol), and protein, which helps you feel full longer and build or maintain muscle. One 56g serving has just 210 calories, but 10 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fiber, with only 2 grams of simple sugars. That is better than what you’ll get from a protein bar, and its pasta!
You can also find breads with the same great fortifications and made with legume flours/flaxseed meal, nuts, etc. But that is another post.
Pasta doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure. Your grocery store might not have the same brand I do, but look for similar types of pasta. Or, try a health food store or just order from Amazon.
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