Healthy Substitutes for Pasta That Taste Great!

In today’s food market, there are an almost endless number of ways to make delicious meals without the extra calories. Many of today’s health enthusiasts try to stay away from pasta, particularly because of the high level of carbs involved. The good news is that there are plenty of substitutes for pasta, and we’re here to tell you some of our favorites:

Spaghetti Squash

There are a few trendy substitutes for pasta, but none have probably been discussed quite as much as spaghetti squash. This is an excellent alternative to spaghetti and is prepared by baking or boiling the squash and then scooping it out into spaghetti-like strands. Not only will you save yourself a lot of calories while getting fiber, calcium, vitamin A, and other essential nutrients, you can top it off with your favorite sauce and it’ll taste fantastic.

Zucchini Noodles

If there was a popularity contest for pasta alternatives, zucchini noodles – often affectionately referred to as “zoodles” – would truly give spaghetti squash a run for its money. You can either make zoodles yourself using a vegetable spiralizer or purchase them in a pre-made package in the produce section of your local grocery store. Their taste is very close to al dente spaghetti and they’re low in saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Zoodles are also a great source of protein, vitamin A, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, and other nutrients.

Tofu Noodles

Tofu has been a very popular protein alternative for many years. You can even find it in mainstream buffets, fast-casual restaurants, and large restaurant chains. Made from a blend of tofu and glucomannan fiber, tofu noodles are high in protein and beneficial plant compounds. Tofu has also been found to protect people against severe health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers.

Quinoa Pasta

Quinoa is a very popular side dish for people who are trying to keep their calories low and eat healthier. Given its popularity, it was only a matter of time before someone came up with the brilliant idea of turning it into a pasta alternative. The only concern is that it’s easy to overcook quinoa noodles, so be sure that you’re watching the pan very carefully and be sure to add oil to prevent them from sticking together. With this ingredient, you’ll get plenty of nutrients such as B vitamins, calcium, protein, iron, magnesium, fiber, calcium, and more.

Rice Pasta

Rice noodles are only second to rice in Asia and it’s easy to see why. While traditional pasta will give you more nutrients, rice noodles are gluten-free. This means that if anyone in your family is sensitive to gluten or has specific health issues such as Celiac disease, then you may want to go with rice noodles instead of traditional pasta. This is another ingredient where you need to be very mindful of the cooking process because they can easily clump together or stick to the pan.

Black Bean Pasta

Don’t let their appearance fool you. Although their black color may be off-putting since this isn’t what noodles typically look like, they make a wonderful alternative for you and your family. Health enthusiasts love them because they’re high in protein, calcium, iron, and fiber while being low in calories and sugar. They’re also gluten-free, which is very important to many people who have dietary concerns. Black bean pasta has an “earthy” taste to it, but most people find it to be quite yummy.

Shirataki Noodles

In recent years, shirataki noodles have been gaining on the popularity of spaghetti squash, zoodles, and other variations. These noodles are 100% fiber, which makes them nearly calorie and carb-free, so it’s not difficult to see why they’ve become so popular in the United States. You can get them pre-packaged in various forms including spaghetti, fettuccine, macaroni, and angel hair. Many people swear by shirataki noodles for being extremely low in calories and carbs because you can add cheesier sauces without feeling guilty or severely damaging your diet.

Seaweed Pasta

For those who are looking to add a sea-like flavor to their dish, seaweed pasta is the perfect low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Packed with minerals and low in both calories and carbs, you’ll be treated to a rich source of vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, iron, and other essentials. There are also varieties that are a good source of iodine. The thing that people notice most about seaweed pasta, in addition to the sea-like taste, is the bright color. It definitely adds a little flair to any meal.

How Healthy Meal Delivery Kits Make a Difference

If you’re looking for a guaranteed way to improve your health, then you should consider having meal delivery kits sent to you. With these convenient meal kits, you get to select the number of meals per week that you would like to have delivered, which makes meal planning much easier. You’ll also be able to choose a few different protein alternatives, which means that instead of beef or chicken, you may get the choice of veggie beef, fish, tofu, and a few other healthy selections.

Contact Chef Ami to Learn More About Substitutes for Pasta

Chef Ami is the leading meal kit company in Florida. We provide meal delivery kits in Tampa, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas. If you have any questions about substitutes for pasta or would like information about our services, give us a call at (813) 773-4719 today for a free consultation.